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Des Moines Parks and Recreation has achieved a notable rise to 34th place in the 2020 ParkScore rankings, outperforming major cities like Los Angeles and Austin. This advancement is attributed to strategic projects and strong community support, highlighting the department's commitment to enhancing urban green spaces and recreational facilities.
Free hot meals will be available for Des Moines families in need on Thursday, May 21, as part of a collaborative effort by the City of Des Moines and local organizations. This initiative aims to support residents struggling during the pandemic, with $350,000 in federal relief funding allocated for food distribution events throughout the summer.
Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie emphasizes the need for patience and caution as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted in Polk County, Iowa. With the county experiencing the highest number of coronavirus cases in the state, Cownie advises residents to limit social interactions to ensure public safety while the city extends its moratorium on public events until July 1.
A racist cyber attack disrupted a joint meeting of the Des Moines City Council and the Civil and Human Rights Commission, forcing its cancellation. The incident highlighted ongoing issues of racial intolerance, prompting officials to commit to rescheduling the meeting and enhancing security for future public gatherings.
The City of Des Moines has extended the closures of its administration buildings and a freeze on public event permits until July 1, 2020, in response to a significant outbreak of COVID-19 in Polk County. Mayor Frank Cownie highlighted the need to limit gatherings to protect public health, as reported cases in the county have surged dramatically. This decision reflects ongoing state restrictions impacting multiple Iowa counties amid the pandemic.
The Greater Des Moines Partnership and regional partners have launched a Small Business Recovery Grant program to support small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 will be available for businesses with up to 30 employees, prioritizing those that have not yet received federal or state assistance, emphasizing a collaborative approach to community recovery.
The Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) invites public participation in an online meeting regarding the Des Moines River Activation and Possible Dam Mitigation Project, running from May 4 to June 3, 2020. This initiative encourages local residents to provide feedback that will influence the project's final design, expected to be completed by summer 2021.
Des Moines was awarded Gold recognition for its new website by the Horizon Interactive Awards, a prestigious international competition. The redesign, launched in April 2019 in collaboration with Revize Software Systems, focuses on user-friendly navigation and accessibility for over 650,000 users in its first year. This award highlights the city's commitment to enhancing online services for its residents.
Mayor Frank Cownie and the Des Moines City Council support the decision to close Des Moines Public Schools for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, prioritizing the health and safety of students and staff amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift to distance learning is seen as a necessary measure to protect lives and flatten the curve, with strong encouragement for residents to adhere to health guidelines.
The City Council of Des Moines, Iowa, is set to hold a public hearing via teleconference regarding the proposed property tax levy for the Fiscal Year 2021 on April 8, 2020. Residents are encouraged to participate by voicing their support or concerns, particularly in light of the current COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings. The proposed tax rate remains unchanged from the previous year at $16.64 per $1,000 of taxable property value.