The City of Des Moines and Invest DSM Awarded for Efforts in Opportunity and Empowerment

Press Release

Des Moines, Iowa- Tuesday, October 22, 2024 - The City of Des Moines Neighborhood Services Department and Invest DSM have been awarded the Opportunity & Empowerment Award at the 2024 American Planning Association (APA) Iowa Chapter Annual Planning Conference. This prestigious award is presented in recognition of their joint work on the Improving Our Neighborhoods and Block Challenge Grant initiatives, which have significantly enhanced the quality of life for residents in Des Moines.

Modeled after the HUD Secretary's National Award, the Opportunity & Empowerment Award is given to a project, plan, or program that has effectively demonstrated improvements in the quality of life for low- and moderate-income residents. This year, the City of Des Moines was recognized for their innovative approach to neighborhood revitalization through the Improving Our Neighborhoods (ION) and Block Challenge Grant initiatives. ION aims to strengthen neighborhoods through City-funded home and property repair assistance, while the Block Challenge Grant brings neighbors together by allowing them to team up to receive exterior home repair assistance.

The awarded programs address long-standing community challenges, including blight reduction, affordable housing preservation, and poverty alleviation. Through collaborative efforts with local organizations, private investors, and community stakeholders, the programs have supported community empowerment throughout Des Moines.

Des Moines' approach to neighborhood revitalization has proven to be both effective and sustainable, offering a valuable model for other cities seeking to address similar challenges. The award-winning efforts also highlight the City's commitment to equity, ensuring that the implementation process includes historically underrepresented groups, such as low-income individuals, older persons, and veterans.

For more information on the City of Des Moines' neighborhood initiatives, visit DSM.city/ion or DSM.city/bcgrant.