City Manager Recommends nearly $11.5M in Initial Budget Savings to City Council

DES MOINES, IOWA - Wednesday, August 26, 2026 - City Manager Scott Sanders presented a package of budget recommendations to City Council during a work session this morning.

This summer, the City of Des Moines has been undergoing an early public process to balance its next budget after legislative changes including limitations on property tax revenue growth combined to create an estimated $12 million gap for Fiscal Year 2028 and an additional $5 million gap in its Fiscal Year 2029 budget.

Sanders' initial recommendations totaled $11.5 million in budget savings for the City. Included in the recommendations were the elimination of 43 full-time positions and numerous changes to programs and fees to help close the gap.

"I have worked closely with our Finance department to analyze the input we've received from our public, staff and members of City Council, to find recommendations that were supported by our survey results and will make significant progress towards closing our budget gap," City Manager Scott Sanders said. "These recommendations were made with a high level of scrutiny and consideration because impact they would make lowering service levels throughout our community."

This year's budget process began with a presentation of initial budget gap estimates in May, a presentation of potential budget savings options in June followed by a monthlong online budget engagement tool in July leading up to today's presentation. The City Council will vote on its approval of today's recommended budget savings at its September 14^th meeting.

Following the conclusion of that process, the City will create updated budget gap estimates later this fall before considering additional budget savings measures to create a fully balanced budget for both Fiscal Years 2028 and 2029 in early 2027.

This morning's work session presentation is available here to view.

Contact
Peter Zemansky
Communications Manager, City Manager's Office
(515) 210-6586
[email protected]

About the City of Des Moines
The City of Des Moines: Iowa's capital city and local government servicing more than 217,000 residents, 46 neighborhoods, over 4,000 acres of parkland and 81 miles of trails. The City of Des Moines stands to be a financially strong city with exceptional city services, fostering an involved community in a customer friendly atmosphere. Visit DSM.city, Facebook and Twitter for more information.