ABOUT INVEST DSM
Invest DSM is a unique collaboration between Des Moines and Polk County, bringing a renewed commitment to neighborhood revitalization in the city. Invest DSM is a pivotal piece of that in neighborhood revitalization. Invest DSM has a small staff dedicated to working in four pilot neighborhoods known as Special Investment Districts (SIDs). The team will coordinate activities, cultivate partnerships, recommend projects to fund, ensure quality design and construction, and build resident leadership capacity. Invest DSM hopes to expand the program to other neighborhoods in the future.
I HAVE MORE PRIDE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND DEFINITELY A SENSE OF GRATITUDE TOWARD THOSE WHO DONATED THEIR TIME, EQUIPMENT, AND FUNDS.
OUR VISION
Vibrant, healthy, thriving neighborhoods.
VIBRANT MEANS:
- People out and about — using the parks and trails, walking and running on the sidewalks, shopping at local businesses.
- The neighborhood is “known” for memorable art or businesses or architecture, as well as a strong sense of community.
HEALTHY MEANS:
- The neighborhood is a place where it makes sense for people to invest their time, energy, and money.
- Investment is rewarded.
THRIVING MEANS:
- People have the opportunity to live their best life in this neighborhood.
- The neighborhood is seen as a place that is prospering.
ABOUT OUR SPECIAL INVESTMENT DISTRICTS
Special Investment Districts (or SIDs) are areas in the City of Des Moines where a unique combination of public and private resources are being focused to strengthen middle market neighborhoods. “Middle market” refers to neighborhoods that, as the term suggests, are in the middle of the housing market — neither the strongest in the city in terms of residential property conditions, nor the weakest.
This new focus on Des Moines’ middle began in 2018 following an evaluation of the city’s housing markets and neighborhood revitalization programs. The evaluation found that most neighborhoods in Des Moines are struggling to compete in the regional housing market and that existing programs in middle neighborhoods have not been concentrated enough to substantially boost homeowner confidence and private investment.
In response, the City of Des Moines designated four pilot areas — the SIDs — to focus and test strategies to strengthen middle neighborhoods. Plans were developed for each area in 2019 in coordination with local residents and stakeholders, and the City and Polk County both committed resources to Invest DSM — a new not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to spurring home investment in the SIDs.
OUR STAFF
Amber Lynch, AICP
Executive Director
Christopher Civitate
Neighborhood Development Manager
Sierra Rose
Operations Manager
Amanda Schlotterback
Administrative Assistant
Matt Brandt
Construction Specialist
Jake Ross
Construction Specialist
Cassie Dubberke
Construction Specialist
OUR BOARD
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Connie Boesen
City Council Member
At-Large -
John Cacciatore
PolicyWorks
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Angela Connolly
Polk County Supervisor
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Jennifer Cooper
Banker’s Trust
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Frank Cownie
Mayor of Des Moines
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Tom Hockensmith
Polk County Supervisor
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Matt McCoy
Polk County Supervisor
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Angie Pfannkuch
Sidekick Development
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Carl Voss
City Council Member
At-Large