Des Moines Preparing To Reopen Administration Buildings

Press release from the City of Des Moines:

March 15, 2021

Des Moines, Iowa — Monday, March 15, 2021 — With a steady increase in COVID-19 vaccinations, City of Des Moines officials are planning to begin reopening City administration buildings to the public. Starting Monday, May 3, the public will be able to meet with City staff at the administration buildings on an appointment-only basis. If conditions allow, the City will plan to fully reopen administration buildings to the public on Tuesday, June 1.

City officials will continue to monitor the state of COVID-19 over time and adjust plans as necessary to protect City staff and the general public. Face coverings and safe social distance will continue to be required at the City’s facilities.

Today also marks the one-year anniversary of Mayor Cownie signing the initial COVID-19 Emergency Proclamation for the City of Des Moines. In the attached video, Des Moines City Council members reflect on the past year of challenges, support and inspiration resulting from this pandemic.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Des Moines has provided the following assistance:

• Emergency Food Distribution – $432,435 spent, serving more than 51,000 residents while supporting local restaurants.
• Rental/Mortgage Assistance – $8 million allocated to IMPACT, serving residents and families earning 60% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI) or 200% or more below the poverty level. This does not include additional assistance provided by Polk County.
• DSM Small Business Recovery Grant – $1,108,671 distributed, assisting more than 140 small businesses affected by the pandemic.
• Dine Out Des Moines Delivery/Takeout Assistance – $300,000 allocated in grants to assist local restaurants with supply costs related to socially distanced delivery and takeout service.
• Unhoused Assistance – $3.1 million used to provide emergency shelter, homeless prevention, street outreach and rapid re-housing solutions.
• In total, roughly $12.9 million in relief has been distributed or allocated so far.

Learn more about the City of Des Moines’ COVID-19 response by visiting DSM.city/COVID19

This press release was produced by the City of Des Moines. The views expressed here are the author’s own.