DSM City Budget Survey

Des Moines City Council: Give the People a Say!

Community Budget Survey
Residents of Des Moines deserve to have a voice in the City’s spending priorities!

This community survey is designed with straightforward questions about the needs and spending priorities of every resident. Results will be used for research and advocacy.

Data will also be used by PSL Iowa to share local budget action alerts beginning June 17, 2026. You can opt out of being contacted at any time.
Name

First NameLast Name
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Email
example@example.com
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
How long have you lived in Des Moines?
In that time, have you heard about or participated in the city's budget process? (Choose all that apply)
If yes, what was your experience with the budget process?
If No, do you think the city council and city manager's office should invest more resources and time seeking input and engagement ahead of budget decisions?
This chart demonstrates the allocation of the $256 million General Fund adopted by the Des Moines City Council in April, 2026. Do you believe the current budget is designed to meet the needs of residents, your family and your community? How could it be changed to meet those needs?
The city laid out a timeline for the FY 2028 budget review:
- June 17: Budget workshop for council and staff to review potential savings options across all departments
- June 29: Budget Solution Exercise available online for Residents through the month of July
- Early July: Public meeting to discuss the gap in funding and get feedback on potential solutions
- Early August: Summary of Budget Solution Exercise Results
- August 26: City Manager presents a package of widely approved cuts
- September 14: Council to vote on cuts in which there is consensus
- October:
  - Council to focus on closing the gap with cuts which were less widely apporved
  - potential second round of budget exercises available
- November: Final budget recommendations before the December property tax valuation deadline
Will you attend the public meeting in July to demand libraries and public services remain funded?
Would you attend a community forum, protest, or demonstration hosted by PSL and political allies in support of this demand?
Have you experienced anything living in Des Moines that made you feel unsafe or prevented your or your community from being able to thrive? What ideas do you have about how the city budget could invest in what your community needs to feel safe and thrive?
What ideas do you have about how the city budget could invest in what your community needs to feel safe and thrive?
Anything Else you would like us to know?
Would you like to help fight back against these budget cuts? (Check all that apply)
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Des Moines City Council: Give the People a Say!