During the recent City Council work session held on January 13, 2025, in Des Moines, significant discussions centered around the city's ongoing affordability crisis and the challenges associated with a $3 billion issue impacting housing. Council members and city officials explored the implications of current funding strategies, which allocate $45 million annually towards addressing affordability, yet leave 82% of the problem unresolved.

The meeting highlighted the community's perception of the affordability issue, which residents rated as a pressing concern, scoring it a 6 on a scale of 0 to 10. This feedback underscores the urgency for effective solutions, as many residents feel that the existing policies resemble a lottery system, where only a fortunate few receive assistance.

City officials presented three potential paths forward: maintaining the current course, making minor adjustments, or implementing significant changes. They emphasized that while staying the course has its merits—particularly in a market that has shown positive returns for homeowners—there are risks involved, including the possibility of not addressing all areas of need.

The discussion concluded with a recommendation to consider more transformative actions, particularly regarding the future of the 45,000 homes affected by the affordability crisis. This approach would require a long-term vision, focusing on sustainable solutions that could reshape the housing landscape in Des Moines over the next few decades. The council's next steps will be crucial in determining how effectively the city can tackle these pressing issues and improve housing accessibility for its residents.