DSM City 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

City

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?

On May 3rd, 2026, The State Legislature approved an overhaul of Iowa's Property Tax and local government finance system. As a result, $17 million will be cut from the General Fund in FY 2028.

This chart shows the percentage of the fund each department will get for the upcoming year (FY 2027).

The Des Moines Police Department recieves the largest share of the General Fund, with a current budget of $89 million.

Please indicate whether you agree, disagree, or are undecided on the the following:

Rows	Agree	Disagree	Undecided
Funding for Public Libraries should not be cut
Funding for Parks and Recreation should not be cut
The Police Department should be considered for cuts
I oppose increasing funding for the Police Department

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)

Des Moines City Council: Give the People a Say!