Page 57 - Reflect DSM (City of Des Moines, IA)

Improving Our Neighborhood

The Improving Our Neighborhood (ION)
program, also known as the Property
Improvement Program, was also launched
with the adoption of the Local Option Sales
and Service Tax. It became a functioning
program in 2022. 1

The ION program utilizes data collected
through an ongoing Property Condition
Survey, conducted by City staff. This survey
seeks to evaluate all existing structures
in the city and determine the condition Figure 18. A “before” photo of an ION project to repair a
foundation and roof. (Source: City of Des Moines)
of the roof, siding, windows, fences,
porches, balconies, and foundations. The
2
Neighborhood Services Department is
leading this survey effort.
This program works towards the
maintenance of existing homes, focusing on
improvements to stabilize homes or improve
the condition of homes rather than let a
property reach a state in which demolition
is required. Focusing on the maintenance
of existing structures, designated as historic Figure 19. An “after” photo of the same house in Figure 15.
or not, is an important type of preservation (Source: City of Des Moines)
work to maintain the city’s building fabric
and recognize the importance of “home”
to each resident.

1 Neighborhood Revitalization Board Meeting Minutes.
(2022, May 4.). https://cms2.revize.com/revize/
desmoines/document_center/Neighborhood%20
Revitalization%20Board/2022/05.04.22_NRB%20Minutes.
pdf?pdf=Minutes&t=1662681600080&pdf=
Minutes&t=1662681600080
2 Block, F. T. D. M. R. (2022, August 25). The city
of Des Moines is conducting a survey of housing
conditions in every neighborhood. Des Moines Register.
https://eu.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/
government/2022/08/24/des-moines-city-workers-rate- Figure 20. An “after” photo of an ION project focused on siding
and deck clean up. (Source: City of Des Moines)
every-houses-safety-condition/7875085001/

Adopted Plan (September 2023) 51