The Des Moines City Council convened on May 1, 2025, to continue discussions on various agenda items, with a significant focus on the development of a new city logo. The meeting began with a presentation by Bonnie Wilkins, the Director of Administrative Services, who provided an overview of the logo design process.

Wilkins recapped previous discussions, noting that two logo concepts had emerged as favorites, with a vote of 6 to 1 favoring the removal of the words "City of" and a 4 to 3 vote to remove "Washington." The council was tasked with exploring alternative font options and color palettes, specifically blue, green, and red. A sunset option was proposed but ultimately voted down.

During the meeting, council members reviewed various logo concepts displayed on merchandise and city materials. Wilkins highlighted the professional recommendation for a logo featuring a dark blue and light blue combination, emphasizing its connection to the city’s waterfront heritage and its appeal across generations.

Council members engaged in a lively discussion about color preferences and design elements. Many expressed a strong inclination towards blue tones, citing their elegance and distinctiveness from neighboring cities. Several members voiced support for Concept 1, which features a blue sailboat motif, while others suggested incorporating elements from different concepts.

The council ultimately voted to adopt the blue sailboat motif, with further discussions planned to finalize font choices and design details. A motion was passed to use a navy font for the logo, aligning with the overall aesthetic of the city’s branding.

As the meeting progressed, the urgency of finalizing the logo was emphasized, particularly in light of upcoming community events and the need for updated signage. The council agreed to reconvene to finalize the logo design, ensuring that it reflects the city’s identity and meets practical needs for branding and communication.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to creating a modern and recognizable logo for Des Moines, with plans to finalize the design in the coming weeks.