Mayor's Monthly Update — February 2024

Update from the Mayor

As we bid farewell to February, I want to express my gratitude and appreciation to all of you for being part of our wonderful city. As your Mayor, I am happy to share with you some of the highlights and updates from the past month.

If you would like to receive these updates via email each month, sign up now at DSM.city/MayorsMonthly.

Black History Month

February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate and honor the achievements and contributions of African Americans to our nation's history, culture, and society. Black History Month also provides an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality, and to learn from the past to shape a better future.

One of the ways that our city recognized Black History Month was by presenting a proclamation at the February 5th City Council meeting. The proclamation shines a light on the legacy and impact of African Americans in Des Moines, and reaffirms our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and human rights for all. The proclamation also urges all residents to participate in the various events and activities that are happening in our city to celebrate Black History Month.

Mayors For Parks Coalition

I am committed to improving the health, well-being, and livability of our city through parks and recreation. That is why I am happy to announce that I have joined the Mayors for Parks Coalition. This is a national bipartisan coalition, founded in 2013, that unites mayors from cities of all sizes across the country to advocate for increased federal funding specifically tailored to bolstering urban parks.

Des Moines thrives when our parks and green spaces flourish. They are not just areas for leisure; they are vital components of our community's health, well-being, and resilience. By investing in our parks and collaborating with fellow mayors through initiatives like the Mayors for Parks Coalition, we can ensure Des Moines continues to evolve as a livable, equitable, and sustainable city.

Tiny Tree Program

Our Tiny Tree Program, which was launched in January, has been a huge success. The program offers free or low-cost trees to residents who want to plant them on their property or in their neighborhood. The program aims to increase our urban tree canopy, enhance our environmental quality, beautify our city, and engage our community.

This will be our eighth Tiny Trees giveaway. Residents can order 5 trees this year and the species include:

• Ohio Buckeye
• Overcup Oak
• Willow Oak
• Redbud
• Persimmon
• American Hazelnut
• Pitlolly Pine
• Sweetgum

Residents will have until Sunday, April 28, to submit their order. The Tiny Trees Giveaway will be on Saturday, May 11, at Polk County River Place (2309 Euclid Avenue) from 8 a.m. to noon.

We have already surpassed 1,000 orders in just two weeks, which typically we have only received 2,000 orders total. We have received orders from all over the city, from all age groups and backgrounds.

We are grateful for the overwhelming response and support from our residents and partners. We are working hard to fulfill all the orders and deliver the trees in time for the spring planting season.

Walnut Street Bridge

The Walnut Street Bridge was fully closed to the public on February 19, as construction crews prepare to demolish the 113-year-old bridge. Construction of the new bridge is estimated to continue through fall 2026. A priority for our City is to invest in infrastructure projects that improve the quality of life and economic development of our community.

Built in 1911, the Walnut Street Bridge has been determined to be structurally deficient. While not unsafe, the designation means one or more aspects of the bridge are in "poor" condition. This primarily included concrete deterioration of the bridge deck, sidewalks and bridge arches.

Based on the condition of the bridge and a life-cycle analysis performed by structural engineers, full replacement was shown to be necessary and less costly than rehabilitation. In addition to replacing the Walnut Street Bridge, the $19.1 million project will also replace the east river wall with new balustrade railing between E. Walnut Street and E. Court Avenue.

Check it out!

Community Conversations

ne of my priorities has been to launch a series of listening sessions called "Community Conversations" with community members throughout the city, to hear their concerns, ideas, and feedback on how to make Des Moines an even greater place to live, work, and play. I am happy to announce that the first of many community conversations took place this month.

Future listening sessions will be held in different locations and times to accommodate the diverse and busy schedules of the residents, and to meet them where they are. I want to be as accessible and responsive as possible to the people that I serve.

These community conversations are an opportunity for residents to have a direct and meaningful dialogue with the me, and to share their vision, hopes, and challenges for the future of Des Moines. I value the input and participation of the community, and believe that together, we can make Des Moines a better city for everyone.

As you can see, our City is moving forward with great momentum and optimism. We have accomplished a lot in the past month, and we have a lot more to do in the coming months and years.

I invite you to stay connected and engaged with your City government and your fellow residents. Together, we can make Des Moines the best place to live, work, and play.

Thank you for your trust and your partnership. I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you around Des Moines.

Sincerely,
Connie Boesen
Mayor of Des Moines

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