Page 63 - Reflect DSM (City of Des Moines, IA)

Tools, Incentives, and Supporting Programs: Potential Planning Approaches

– With this Plan, the City of Des Moines is demonstrating that it believes in the value of historic
preservation as a tool for community revitalization. Historic preservation outcomes can
be made a priority in a number of other City programs to ensure success and sustained
community revitalization.
– Existing tools and incentives, including funding, tend to focus on traditional buildings and
the preservation of tangible resources. Expanding funding opportunities to recognize the
stories of the community, educational outreach, and other program components should be
considered.
– In general, programs funded by the Local Option Sales and Service Tax positively impact
neighborhoods. However, more research is needed to determine their effect on historic
districts, culturally important community places, and landscapes, and to ensure they are
equitable (reaching disadvantaged communities and not just concentrating positive and
negative impacts in certain parts of the city).

– Determine the relationship between the Blitz on Blight program and historic or potentially
historic buildings, and the demolition delay process.
– The funding amount available for projects through the BPR Program is relatively small,
especially if the amount is divided among multiple projects. For future funding cycles,
consider directing funds to a certain geographic location, a particular project type or to a
specific group of resources in order to have the most impact.

– Increase accessibility to information about grant and loan opportunities by linking specific
webpages to the City’s historic preservation webpage, as discussed in the Information and
Accessibility section.

– Consider expanding the way that preservation work qualifies for grants.
– While financial assistance is offered at the local, state, and federal levels, it is not able to meet
the need. The use of regulatory relief and technical assistance to support historic preservation
efforts and to stimulate and support private investment could bridge the gap.

Adopted Plan (September 2023) 57