News Story

Des Moines, Iowa — Friday, February 7, 2025 — Des Moines City Manager Scott Sanders’ recommended Operating and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Plan for the Fiscal Year 2026 have been published as the City works to address a $17 million shortfall in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. 

"This year’s budget process challenged us to find opportunities across the City organization to produce budget recommendations that keep pace with lower property tax revenue growth and increases in costs to maintain our city services,” Sanders said. “Every department is contributing to a balanced FY2026 budget that ensures we are minimizing the impact of budget cuts to the service levels our community expects from the City of Des Moines."

The next step in the budget process will be an all-day City Council work session where the City Manager’s recommendations will be presented to the entire City Council and will be followed by two public meetings where residents can ask questions and learn more about how the proposed budget will affect City service levels. 

Below is an overview of events in the public budget process. In addition to scheduled events, can submit feedback on the proposed budget, view the budget schedule and budget information at DSM.city/Budget. 

• February 19 at 8 a.m.: All-day City Council Work Session to review and discuss City-manager recommendations 

• February 25 at 6 p.m.: Public Budget Information Session at Polk County River Place 

• February 26 at 6 p.m.: Public Budget Information Session at Pioneer Columbus Community Recreation Center 

• March 24 at 7:30 a.m.: City Council holds public hearing on new budget property taxes 

• April 7 at 5 p.m.: City Council holds public hearing on budget