City of Des Moines

Big News for Des Moines! The City of Des Moines has been awarded a $13 million Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation! This grant will push our Vision Zero DSM efforts forward, making our streets safer for everyone. School-Zone Safety: New speed-feedback signs will be installed in 29 locations near 16 schools in high-risk areas. Safer Traffic Signals: 232 more signals will get retroreflective backplates to prevent red-light running. Safer Corridors: 3.3 miles of upgrades are coming, including new pedestrian crossings, bike lanes, and road diets along SE 14th, Forest Ave, and MLK/19th. Together, we can make Des Moines streets safer for everyone. Learn more about our Vision Zero DSM initiative! https://lnkd.in/g68ARThk

Are you prepared to keep your family safe during natural disasters? Join us for a "Climate Preparedness & Resilience Open House" next Thursday, Sept. 12 from 6-7 p.m. at the Polk County Emergency Operations Center (1907 Carpenter Ave.). In partnership with Polk County, we'll be diving into the essential strategies and actions we're focused on to enhance our community's resilience in the face of climate challenges. You'll walk away with community resources and valuable insights to step up your climate preparedness. No cost, no registration and all ages are welcome!

Now this is something you don't normally see at the airport! Once every three years, the Des Moines Airport Authority conducts a disaster training and this year's exercise made an impression. The Des Moines Fire Department and Police Department participated in a simulated aircraft crash which helped them work with our partner agencies, and prepare for handling a large-scale disaster with an unpredictable fire, and hundreds patients (both live actors and props). Our firefighters assisted putting out the flames on the runway, set up an incident command post, triaged patients and helped them get transported to local hospitals as part of the exercise and learning experience. We hope to never have to put this training into use, but were glad to part of the training so that we can operate efficiently in case of an emergency. Thanks to all the partner agencies who participated!

On September 3, 1964 – 60 years ago to the day – the Land and Water Conservation Fund was enacted into law. This historic legislation established a dedicated and permanent means for the conservation, protection and creation of America’s state and local parks, essential watersheds, open spaces, historic sites and more. The Land and Water Conservation Fund has supported over 40,000 projects across the US, from city parks to national forests. As a City Parks Alliance Mayors For Parks member, Mayor Boesen recognizes our urban parks as critical infrastructure and supports conservation of our public lands and outdoor recreation opportunities.

This program is a difference-maker. Last year, we responded to a record 33,351 calls for service. 1,450 of those came from just 82 individuals. Now, we have a new way to reduce the number of unnecessary 911 calls and ensure our first responders are available more often to respond to true emergencies. In April, we launched Mobile Integrated Healthcare, a new initiative that provides a proactive approach to healthcare for the residents of Des Moines. Mobile Integrated Healthcare’s team of trained paramedics makes in-home visits, routine stops at local shelters and serves high-volume 911 system users, those with mental health and substance abuse issues, and patients with chronic medical needs or transportation and mobility issues. By managing health risks, and chronic conditions with this personalized service, we're aiming to connect people with appropriate levels of care and reduce reliance on 911 services. We're already seeing the success of this new program as our team builds relationships - achieving better health outcomes for Des Moines residents.

We focus a lot of planning on roadway safety improvements for pedestrians and it's showing. According to a new report released by the National Complete Streets Coalition and Smart Growth America, Des Moines is ranked the 5th safest for pedestrians out of America's 101 largest metropolitan areas! That's especially important with school in session most of the year. Since 2019, 60% of the school crossings have been updated to High Intensity Activated cross WalK (HAWK) crossings. The funding necessary to update the remaining school crossings is programmed over the next three years. Learn more about our recent improvements and how they demonstrate our Vision Zero DSM plan. DSM.city/news

👉 Are you a skilled mechanic ready to keep our city moving? Come work for the City of Des Moines! Employees experience unmatched benefits: ✨ Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS) – retirement benefits that are guaranteed for life ⚕️ Medical, Dental, Vision benefits – at low cost to employee ⚖️ Work/Life Balance – predictable, consistent schedule 🚀 Advancement Opportunity ➕ More: https://lnkd.in/g8NJ5Nqb 🧑🔧 We’re hiring a Fleet Services Mechanic. 🏢 The Fleet Services Mechanic will play a vital role in maintaining and repairing the City’s fleet, from small engines to heavy equipment. You’ll work in our state-of-the-art facility, diagnose mechanical issues, perform preventive maintenance, and ensure our vehicles are always ready to serve the community. 📋 Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent, three years of experience in automotive, truck, or heavy equipment maintenance, and a valid Class B CDL (or ability to obtain within 6 months). ASE certifications are highly valued. Visit the link below for the full job description! ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/gUCshMNw Interested applicants need to apply before September 3, 2024, to be considered for the role.

👉 Are you a hands-on professional ready to contribute to the smooth operation of our city's fleet? Come work with us at the City of Des Moines! Employees experience unmatched benefits: ✨ Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS) – retirement benefits that are guaranteed for life ⚕️ Medical, Dental, Vision benefits – at low cost to employee ⚖️ Work/Life Balance – predictable, consistent schedule 🚀 Advancement Opportunity ➕ More: https://lnkd.in/g8NJ5Nqb 👩🔧 We’re hiring a Fleet Services Service Person. 🏢 The Fleet Services Service Person will play a crucial role in maintaining our city’s vehicles. You’ll perform a variety of tasks, including cleaning, lubricating, and conducting basic maintenance on light and heavy equipment. This position also involves assisting skilled trades, ensuring our fleet is always ready to serve the community. 📋 Candidates must possess a valid Class B CDL or be able to obtain one within 6 months. Previous experience in an automotive shop or with equipment maintenance is preferred. Visit the link below for the full job description! ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/gSCYDnD7 Interested applicants need to apply before September 3, 2024, to be considered for the role.

"The Commission's record of documentation, nomination, and protection of historic resources exemplifies that for which all preservation commissions should strive." That's what NAPC Award Committee Co-Chair Rebecca Goodwin told City staff when they were handed the Commission of the Year award. The National Alliance of Preservation Commissions recently recognized our Historic Preservation Commission's work in creating ReflectDSM. This initiative focuses on community engagement and inclusivity in efforts to recognize and preserve as much of the city's history as possible. Congratulations on the recognition and award! Anyone interested in learning more about ReflectDSM can visit our website: https://lnkd.in/gS-BFiMb

Our investment in protecting residents from flooding and increasing our infrastructure resilience is paying off. Des Moines has advanced to a Class 5 community in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System (CRS), joining Clive and Cedar Falls. After the 2008 and 2018 floods, the City of Des Moines accelerated its commitment to improving its infrastructure. The City has invested in major stormwater projects, with additional projects in the 5-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). At the same time, City staff began evaluating floodplain management practices to mitigate risk and increase resiliency. The improved Class 5 rating is a direct result of these combined efforts. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ggErmFmU