Des Moines frames 2026 legislative priorities amid state and federal budget uncertainty
Summary
The city’s legislative advocate presented a draft 2026 agenda that emphasizes public safety funding, requests for state and federal project funding, protection of local revenue tools and airport‑area mitigation. Staff warned federal continuing resolutions could delay earmarks, affecting projects such as Midway Park.
Anthony Hempstead, the city’s legislative advocate, briefed the Committee of the Whole on a draft 2026 legislative agenda and budget outlook Nov. 6. Hempstead said federal and state budget uncertainty — including the possibility of continued short‑term federal funding (a continuing resolution) — could delay or eliminate earmarks that support locally requested projects.
Key points raised by staff - Federal funding uncertainty: Hempstead said congressional offices expect a continuing resolution would likely omit earmarks; if that happens, projects tied to a federal appropriation (for example, an $850,000 earmark that the city sought for Midway Park) could be delayed or not funded. - State revenue pressures: a November 18 revenue forecast was expected to be weaker than September’s, and Governor Ferguson was asking departments to identify further cuts; Hempstead warned the legislature could nonetheless propose tax increases. - Draft priorities: the packet organizes policy asks across public safety, funding for city capital projects, local government financing tools and airport‑related mitigation and study work (including support for a regional passenger‑ferry study and the Mosquito Fleet Restoration Act concept). Hempstead said the language was intentionally broad in places so staff can respond as bills are posted in the short session.
Airport and ferry issues Council discussed airport impacts, including a proposal for an independent Hooke study of airport effects that several nearby cities may pursue; the council also discussed mitigation funding and passenger‑ferry initiatives often described as the Mosquito Fleet restoration.
Local tools and unfunded mandates Councilmembers urged specific and actionable language where possible: several members suggested the draft explicitly include local financing tools (for example, options beyond property tax limits) and to oppose unfunded mandates. A council member suggested moving any funding‑request language to the end of the document so the packet opens with policy priorities and closes with 'thank you' and a list of requests.
Next steps Hempstead said staff will tidy the draft language, consider council amendments and return the agenda for placement on a consent docket or a December meeting where appropriate. The committee did not take a formal vote on the final priorities at the Nov. 6 briefing.
Speakers quoted or referenced in this article appear in the meeting transcript and include Anthony Hempstead (legislative advocate).
