The City Council of Des Moines held a regular meeting on January 13, 2025, where significant discussions centered around the city's budget challenges and the future of its sustainability initiatives. City Manager Scott Sanders opened the meeting by addressing a projected $17 million shortfall in the fiscal year 2026 budget, attributing the deficit to reduced property tax revenue and rising costs of services. In response to these financial pressures, Sanders announced the difficult decision to lay off two employees from the sustainability team, emphasizing that sustainability efforts would continue through existing staff across various departments.

The announcement sparked a strong reaction from community members, particularly those involved in sustainability advocacy. Carolyn Walker, representing the Des Moines Citizens Task Force on Sustainability, highlighted the importance of local climate action, referencing the global urgency underscored by recent climate data. She called for the establishment of a dedicated sustainability office to coordinate efforts across city departments and engage with community stakeholders.

Several residents echoed Walker's sentiments, expressing concern that the layoffs would hinder the city's ability to implement its climate action plans effectively. Katie Rock, a member of the Adapt DSM steering committee, criticized the lack of clarity regarding the future of sustainability initiatives and the need for interdepartmental coordination. Other speakers, including Sheila Kanoplo Budole and Michael Farley, emphasized that without dedicated sustainability staff, the city risks losing momentum in its climate goals.

Community members also raised broader concerns about the city’s budget priorities, questioning the decision to cut sustainability positions while maintaining significant funding for other departments, such as the police. Laura Faraci pointed out that the sustainability office's budget was minimal compared to the overall city budget, suggesting that cuts could be made elsewhere without compromising essential climate initiatives.

The meeting concluded with a clear message from residents: the city must prioritize sustainability and climate action, especially in light of increasing environmental challenges. Many urged the council to reconsider the layoffs and invest in sustainability efforts, arguing that the health and well-being of the community depend on proactive measures to address climate change. The council's next steps regarding the budget and sustainability initiatives remain to be seen, as community members continue to advocate for a more robust commitment to environmental stewardship.