City of Des Moines Launches Restore the Core DSM

Downtown Des Moines during the annual Arts Festival

Des Moines, Iowa - Tuesday, June 29, 2026 - The City of Des Moines has launched Restore the Core DSM, a new $7 million incentive program to support continued investment in downtown Des Moines and convert long-vacant ground-floor commercial spaces into active businesses and destinations.

Approved by the Des Moines City Council on Monday, June 8, the program offers 1:1 matching reimbursement grants for permanent improvements to return vacant street-level commercial spaces to productive use. Funding is provided by Metro Center Urban Renewal Area Tax Increment Financing.

Restore the Core DSM is a broader downtown initiative designed to support multiple initiatives over time. Ground Floor Activation is the first program launched under this framework.

"Downtown Des Moines is the economic engine of our city, a destination for visitors, and a growing neighborhood with more than 1,600 residential units currently under construction," said Mayor Connie Boesen. "As more people live, work, and spend time downtown, active storefronts play an even greater role in daily life. Restore the Core DSM gives us another tool to fill vacant spaces, support local businesses, and incentivize the kinds of businesses that make downtown a stronger, more active, and more connected neighborhood and destination."

Eligible properties must be within the Downtown Core Program Boundary and generally include ground-floor commercial spaces that have been vacant for at least 24 consecutive months.

"Downtown is functioning differently than it did even a few years ago," said Carrie Kruse, City of Des Moines Economic Development Administrator. "For decades, the Central Business District was shaped largely around a predictable weekday office pattern. Today, we still have many office workers, but we also have more residents, visitors, events, and evening and weekend activities. That diversification is positive, but it also means many ground-floor spaces were built for a Downtown environment that no longer exists. In many cases, the issue is not a lack of interest. It is the cost of adapting older spaces for the businesses and uses that can serve Downtown today. Restore the Core DSM is a targeted response to that market reality."

Eligible expenses include permanent improvements needed to prepare spaces for occupancy, such as interior buildout, building systems, storefront upgrades, accessibility improvements, and code compliance. Projects will undergo formal review and require City Council approval before funding is awarded. Eligible projects may receive grant awards of up to $200,000, subject to property status and program requirements.

The Restore the Core DSM: Ground Floor Activation Program guidelines and application information are available at DSM.city/restorethecoredsm.

Contact
Devin Perry
Communications Specialist III, City Manager's Office
(515) 210-3966
[email protected]

About the City of Des Moines
The City of Des Moines is Iowa's capital, 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 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 there. Visit DSM.city, Facebook, and X for more information.