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Des Moines council debates phasing out tax abatement to free property-tax revenue for other housing incentives
Summary
Development services staff proposed shortening tax-abatement schedules and phasing changes over two years to free property-tax revenue; staff cited state law changes and Polk County data showing $46.5 million already committed and a $146 million potential city revenue exposure. Councilors asked for roundtables with developers and lenders before taking action.
City development staff told the Des Moines City Council on Nov. 17 that changes to the city—s urban revitalization (tax abatement) plan could free property-tax revenue for other housing incentives and programs.
Cody Christiansen, development services director, framed the proposals as a way "to free up property tax revenue to make it available for other incentive options," and said recent state code changes and the city—s housing strategy prompted the review. Christiansen told the council that, based on Polk County assessor data, the city had committed about $46.5 million in city property-tax revenue to existing abatement schedules as of Jan. 1, 2025, and that continuing the…
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