David Abler

This 5-Year Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan for the City of West Des Moines serves as a strategic framework to guide the allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. It outlines several key priorities: expanding and preserving affordable housing, investing in infrastructure improvements, preventing and reducing homelessness, sustaining and enhancing special needs services, leveraging initial funding allocations, enhancing quality of life in underserved neighborhoods, and addressing critical community needs related to transportation and infrastructure. The plan aims to meet housing and community development needs for the 2025-2029 program years, ensuring inclusive and equitable growth.

The subcommittee discussed several items, including a proposed 5-year forgivable loan of $100,000 to Jordan Creek Town Center, LLC/General Growth Properties to facilitate the demolition of the former Joe's Crab Shack building for the construction of a new Yard House restaurant. This item received support and will advance to the City Council. Discussions on Hotel Motel Fund recommendations for FY27 covered internal commitments, such as collaboration on the 4th of July fireworks and funding for Rec Plex debt service backfill, and external commitments, including the termination of an annual payment to the West Des Moines Community Enrichment Foundation. Specific discretionary funding recommendations were made for various applicants, with a projected surplus earmarked for a potential Valley West Mall project. Councilmembers requested that future discretionary funding awards be established through multi-year agreements to streamline the process. Staff updates included plans for an 18-month extension on the 122 5th Street agreement and finalization of budget packet materials for an upcoming workshop. Other matters noted the positive work on securing donations for the Rec Plex expansion and plans to meet with a developer regarding a permanent bathroom structure at the Richard Hurd Amphitheater.

Key discussions and actions from the meeting included addressing public forum concerns regarding proposed state legislation (HSB 664). Reports were given on activities by the Historic Valley Junction Foundation, the upcoming special election for an at-large Council seat, and subcommittee discussions on development projects, specifically the Lutheran Church of Hope expansion and a new Yard House restaurant. The Council approved numerous items on the consent agenda, including several liquor license renewals and new licenses, establishing a public hearing for the 2026-27 FY Proposed Property Tax Levy, ordering construction for various projects (HMA Resurfacing, road improvements, water quality), and approving professional services agreements. Public hearings were held for the University Avenue Corridor Planned Unit Development (PUD) ordinance, the Mills Landing Specific Plan amendment, and the issuance of multiple General Obligation Bonds totaling over $150 million. Council also considered and adopted ordinances amending City Codes related to finances and solid waste control fees, and approved zoning map amendments for Davis Estates. The meeting concluded with the filing of the January 2026 Monthly Financial Report.

This document, the 2024 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing, identifies barriers to housing choice and opportunities within the Des Moines-West Des Moines-Polk County Community-Based Statistical Area, aiming to prevent discrimination and reverse segregation. It assesses past goals and outlines new strategic goals for 2025-2029, focusing on enhancing fair housing education and enforcement, improving access to opportunities (including low poverty areas, school proficiency, employment, transportation, and homeownership affordability), optimizing housing types and location, and addressing challenges faced by protected classes and vulnerable populations.

This Annual Action Plan for the City of West Des Moines outlines the utilization of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The plan's objectives include producing and preserving affordable housing, addressing infrastructure needs related to housing and job creation, reducing homelessness through prevention programs, supporting special needs services, and leveraging initial allocations for greater community impact. It details specific projects such as transportation services, homeless prevention, and radon mitigation, to address critical housing and community development requirements for its residents.