City of Des Moines - Government

As spring starts feeling like summer and the sun shines down intense solar rays across Des Moines, our solar panels collect that energy, providing clean electricity to City facilities.☀️

Since the Harriet Street Solar Field came online in August 2024, it has generated approximately 1,800 MWh of electricity.

This production has avoided over 1,527 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. These avoided emissions are equivalent to 280 homes' electricity use for one year.

What this means: when greenhouse gases are released into Earth’s atmosphere, it creates a warming effect. Solar energy and other clean sources reduce emissions released into the atmosphere.

This solar field is joined by many other solar installations across the City of Des Moines. - Just one initiative in the City of Des Moines’ sustainability plan, Adapt DSM.💚

🚧 Road construction is set to begin on Hickman Road on Friday, June 5, weather permitting 🚧

Crews will begin resurfacing Hickman Road between Merle Hay Road and Beaver Avenue as part of a project to improve pavement conditions and extend the roadway's life. Work includes repairing select sections of pavement and replacing the top layer of asphalt along the corridor.

Construction will take place in five stages, beginning near Merle Hay Road and progressing east. During construction, "Road Closed to Thru Traffic" signs will be posted at each end of the project area. Residents within the project limits will still be able to access their homes, though access routes may change depending on the active construction stage.

Please note: During milling and patching operations, residents will be able to access driveways. However, on the day asphalt is placed, the street will be closed, and driveway access will be temporarily unavailable until the new pavement has cooled and the roadway reopens, typically later the same day.

Drivers and residents are encouraged to use caution in the work zone and watch for construction crews, trucks, and heavy equipment.

Thank you for your patience as we make improvements to Hickman Road!

🚧 Temporary road closures are taking place this week across several Des Moines neighborhoods to facilitate the Dam to DSM race happening Saturday, May 30, 2026.

Starting at 8 a.m. on Friday, May 29:
• Locust St, 2nd Ave to Robert D Ray Dr

Starting at 4 a.m. on Saturday, May 30:
• Locust St, 5th Ave to 2nd Ave
• 2nd Ave, Walnut St to Locust St
• 3rd St, Grand Ave to Walnut St
• Cherry St, Eastbound South Curb, between 9th St and 7th St – Bus staging
• NW Aurora Ave, 12th St to 11th St
• 11th St, Aurora Ave to Oak Park Ave
• Oak Park Ave, 11th St to 9th St
• E 9th St, Thompson Ave to E Jefferson Ave
• E Jefferson Ave, E 9th St to Pennsylvania Ave
• Saylor Rd / Pennsylvania Ave, Guthrie Ave to Cleveland Ave
• Robert D Ray Dr, Armory Parking Lot to E Locust St – Southbound lanes only
• Des Moines St, Robert D Ray Dr to E 4th St – Eastbound lanes only
• E 4th St, Des Moines St to E Locust St – Southbound lanes only
• Locust St, E 4th St to Robert D Ray Dr – Westbound lanes only

All of the above closures will end by 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 30.

Use caution when driving in this area and follow posted signage.
Find information for current road closures at DSM.city/Closures

🚨Water Alert: 🚨

Please see the update from Central Iowa Water Works: They are now asking residents for a 50% voluntary reduction of outdoor water use.

Learn more about the current stage and the overall Water Use Plan at https://ciww.gov/

May 27, 2026

‼️Central Iowa Water Works (CIWW) has issued a Stage II “Water Alert,” which asks residents and businesses to voluntarily reduce outdoor water use by 50 percent.

What You Can Do to Conserve Water:
✅Reduce lawn watering by half and only water when needed
✅Limit lawn watering to one or two days per week.
✅Water during early morning hours to reduce evaporation
✅Avoid watering shaded areas
✅Use a shutoff nozzle when washing vehicles
✅Don’t hose off driveways or walkways
✅Inspect irrigation systems for leaks or broken sprinkler heads
Check sprinkler heads for overspray – avoid shooting water onto sidewalks or driveways

Find additional tips for conserving water in the comments ⬇️

Happy Historic Preservation Month!

Did you know Des Moines is home to three local historic districts, each helping tell a different chapter of our city’s story?

• Sherman Hill – Des Moines’ first suburb, known for its historic homes, architectural diversity, walkability, and iconic views of downtown and the State Capitol.

• River Bend – A neighborhood shaped by Des Moines’ streetcar-era growth, featuring tree-lined streets, historic homes overlooking the Des Moines River, and four National Register historic districts.

• Owl’s Head – One of Des Moines’ earliest streetcar suburbs, recognized for its cohesive streetscape, mature trees, and distinctive early 20th century architecture.

These neighborhoods help preserve the character, history, and identity that make Des Moines unique.

Take a walk, admire the architecture, and celebrate the places that continue to shape our community this Historic Preservation Month!

🌱 this weekend and plant MILKWEEDS FOR MONARCHS!

🪏Get your hands dirty and help plant about 300 milkweed plants in the Ewing Park prairie! Milkweed plants are crucial to monarch survival, serving as a key food source. Join our Environmental Educator, learn about monarchs, and take action to support our local pollinators!🦋

➡️ GET INVOLVED: registration is required at DSM.city/Volunteer

Volunteering takes place on Friday, May 29th, from 2 - 4 p.m. - Limited spots are available.

Think Green and promote monarch populations one milkweed at a time!💚

🚧 Temporary road closures are taking place this week near Western Gateway Park in Downtown Des Moines to facilitate the Iowa Asian Alliance CelebrAsian festival happening Friday, May 22 and Saturday, May 23, 2026.

Starting at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19:
• 12th Street from Grand Avenue to Locust Street and Locust Street to Walnut Street

Starting at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20:
• Locust Street from 13th Street to 10th Street
• 13th Street from Grand Avenue to Locust Street

Starting at 8 a.m. on Thursday, May 21:
• Grand Avenue from 12th Street to 14th Street

All of the above closures will end at 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 24. Use caution when driving in this area and follow posted signage.

Find information for current road closures at DSM.city/Closures