(Des Moines, IA) -- Des Moines City administration buildings are to reopen to the public starting Monday, May 3rd, by appointment. If conditions allow, the City will plan to fully reopen administration buildings to the public on Tuesday, June 1. Des Moines officials made the decision, due to the rising number of COVID-19 vaccinations in the Des Moines metro area.
City officials will continue to monitor the state of COVID-19 over time and adjust plans if needed. Face coverings and safe social distance will continue to be required at the City’s facilities.
Today (Monday) marks the one-year anniversary of Mayor Cownie signing the initial COVID-19 Emergency Proclamation for the City of Des Moines.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Des Moines has provided nearly $13 million in assistance:
Emergency Food Distribution – $432,435 spent, serving more than 51,000 residents while supporting local restaurants.
Rental/Mortgage Assistance – $8 million allocated to IMPACT, serving residents and families earning 60% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI) or 200% or more below the poverty level. This does not include additional assistance provided by Polk County.
DSM Small Business Recovery Grant – $1,108,671 distributed, assisting more than 140 small businesses affected by the pandemic.
Dine Out Des Moines Delivery/Takeout Assistance – $300,000 allocated in grants to assist local restaurants with supply costs related to socially distanced delivery and takeout service.
Unhoused Assistance – $3.1 million used to provide emergency shelter, homeless prevention, street outreach and rapid re-housing solutions.