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Learn about City of Des Moines, Iowa including our News & Press Releases, Projects, and Team.

Learn about City of Des Moines, Iowa including our News & Press Releases, Projects, and Team.

Population
214,237
G.O. Bond Rating
S&P: AA+/Moody's: Aa2
Bonds Outstanding (as of 6/30/2020)
$484,300,000

The City of Des Moines, incorporated as a town in 1851 and as a city in 1857, is the State of Iowa’s capital, Polk County’s seat and the most populous city in the State. The City operates under a council-manager-ward form of government. The Mayor and two other Council Members are elected at-large; four Council Members each represent a ward of the City.

The City is located near the center of Iowa and serves around 215,000 residents. The City is a center of insurance, printing, retail and wholesale trade as well as industry, providing a diverse economic base. Highways serving the area include Interstates 35, 235 and 80. In addition to rail service and motor carrier transportation, air travel is available through the Des Moines International Airport located just south of downtown Des Moines.

The City provides its citizens a full range of services including the municipal functions of police and fire protection; sanitation services; park and recreational programs and activities; construction and maintenance of infrastructure, including streets, roads and bridges; enforcement of building code regulations; traffic control and parking; housing and other community improvements and social services; economic development; and six libraries. 

The City currently maintains over 70 parks covering over 4,000 acres, road medians and boulevards, and seven cemeteries. Recreation facilities include playgrounds, tennis courts, softball and soccer complexes, multi-use recreation trails (over80 miles), swimming pools, community centers and three golf courses. The City also owns the Principal Park baseball stadium (formerly Sec Taylor Stadium) which serves the Iowa Cubs AAA baseball team.

Des Moines City Government Mission
       Financially strong
       Provide exceptional municipal services
       Customer friendly
       Involved community – residents and businesses

Des Moines City Government Goals
       Financially Sound City
       Sustainable Community: Our Neighborhoods, Our Downtown
       High Performing City Organization
       Upgraded City Infrastructure and Buildings
       Livable Community:  Expanded Leisure, Arts & Cultural Opportunities

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