In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing efforts to revitalize neighborhoods in Des Moines through strategic redevelopment initiatives. The meeting highlighted the mission of the Neighborhood Development Corporation (NDC), which aims to create self-sustaining and prosperous neighborhoods by acting as a catalyst for commercial real estate redevelopment in transitional and blighted areas.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the NDC emphasized the importance of collaboration with both private and public partners to maximize impact. The organization has focused its efforts primarily on neighborhoods surrounding the core of Des Moines, including the Highland Park, Drake, and Columbus Park areas.

Key projects were showcased, particularly in the Highland Park neighborhood, where the NDC partnered with Invest DSM to expedite redevelopment efforts. Improvements included facade upgrades and enhancements to existing commercial spaces, resulting in a significant increase in property values—from approximately $336,000 to over $1.3 million. The NDC reported a $24 economic impact for every dollar spent in the area, indicating a robust return on investment.

In the Drake neighborhood, the NDC has been active for eight years, facilitating over $60 million in development. This included revitalizing underutilized properties and supporting housing projects near Drake University. The assessed value of properties in this area has surged from $1 million to over $9 million, reflecting the positive economic impact of these initiatives.

The Columbus Park area also saw transformative efforts, with the NDC addressing vacant and contaminated sites. The assessed value of properties in this region increased from approximately $979,000 to over $44 million, showcasing the effectiveness of their redevelopment strategies.

Overall, the meeting underscored the NDC's commitment to stabilizing neighborhoods and fostering economic growth through collaborative redevelopment efforts, with plans to continue expanding their reach into other areas of Des Moines.