City Launches Neighborhood Champion Awards — Nominations Open!

Des Moines, Iowa -Tuesday, July 7, 2026 - Don't let neighbors who go above and beyond go unnoticed! The Des Moines Community Impact and Relations department is hosting the Neighborhood Champion Awards in October and nominations are open!

"Action-takers and impact-makers are all around us," Community Relations Specialist Holly Wilkens said. "These awards aim to recognize the efforts of our neighbors. We want to thank them for their involvement and commitment to making our community better."

The City of Des Moines Neighborhood Champion Awards seek to uplift the outstanding work being done by Des Moines residents and neighborhood leaders.

"From providing neighborhood childcare and shoveling a neighbor's driveway clear of snow to implementing neighborhood projects and forming partnerships to transform quality of life," Wilkens said. "No selfless action is too small or too big to show thanks when it's improving the lives of those around us."

These awards are intended to be community-based, given in various categories including: the Innovative Leader Award, the Impact-Maker Award, and the Community-Builder Award. Community members and neighbors are invited to submit nominations for this important recognition to highlight the efforts of those who have made significant impacts in their neighborhoods and may not have previously sought or received the honor they deserve.

Awards are open to all Des Moines residents. Nominations are open now through July 31, 2026. Awardees will be announced in October at an event open to the public and a part of the Collective Impact Learning Series, presented by the Community Impact and Relations department. Visit DSM.city/ImpactEvents to learn more about each award and the nomination process.

Media Contact

Zoe Sadauskis
Communications Specialist, City Manager's Office
(515) 205-3829
[email protected]

About the City of Des Moines

The City of Des Moines is Iowa's capital city and our 17 departments serve more than 214,000 residents and 46 neighborhood associations. Des Moines is a leader in sustainability and provides its residents with vibrant neighborhoods, an alive and active downtown, and abundant leisure opportunities.

Des Moines continuously improves neighborhoods, public safety and quality of life by offering exceptional city services and reliable infrastructure while fostering an involved and compassionate community for all who visit and live in Des Moines.

Visit DSM.city or Facebook for more information.