Legislative advocate outlines Des Moines’ 2027 asks amid projected state budget shortfall

Anthony Hempstead, the city’s legislative advocate, told the Des Moines City Council Committee of the Whole that the coming 2027 session will be framed by a large state deficit and shifting legislative majorities. “1st off, funding. This is going to be the major flavor of, of the session that is coming up,” Hempstead said, noting the likelihood of a larger Democratic majority and the presence of a November ballot item concerning a millionaire’s tax.

Hempstead recommended a defensive, targeted legislative agenda to protect local interests and to ask for planning-level capital funds the city has a chance of obtaining. He outlined two near-term capital asks intended largely as planning dollars: $600,000 for the Redondo Esplanade safety project and $1,000,000 for seawall replacement planning. He explained packaging traffic-safety elements with seawall and bulkhead work can shift the funding pathway into the capital budget, where the city has a better chance to succeed.

Council members questioned whether to prioritize Beach Park rather than the Marina for seawall funding; public-works staff said design dollars for Beach Park currently come from estuary and water-quality grants and that construction funding would come later when designs are ready. Hempstead also flagged airport-related legislation the city may pursue, including study language on SeaTac’s regional impacts and proposals tied to aviation fuel tax language. He urged council direction and said staff will return with updated priorities for further council refinement.