City of Des Moines

✅ Log Jam: Cleared! Watch a timelapse of removal operations where the contractor utilized a very specialized toolkit — including a pontoon boat! The Meredith Trail will reopen once final cleanup is completed and erosion matting is installed. Thank you all for your patience.

This is the story of how one sprinkler became a hero: Today, just after 10 a.m., we received a call for a fire in a downtown high-rise building. One sprinkler on an upper floor of the 20 story building activated and suppressed the fire until our crews arrived and completed extinguishment with minimal damage incurred. Active high-rise fires can involve up to 40 firefighters and take hours to control, but because of this heroic sprinkler, it only required 10 firefighters to ensure the fire was out, shut down the sprinkler system, ventilate smoke and ensure that the building was safe for people to return. Sprinklers like this help ensure better outcomes in fires and allow more of our firefighters tp remain available for other emergencies throughout the city!

👉 If you have experience in public works construction and are ready to put on your inspector hat - come work with us! Employees experience unmatched benefits: ✨ Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS) – retirement benefits that are guaranteed for life ⚕️Medical, Dental, Vision benefits – at low cost to employee ⚖️ Work/Life Balance – predictable, consistent schedule 🚀 Advancement Opportunity ➕ More: https://lnkd.in/g8NJ5Nqb 👷♂️ We’re hiring a Senior Construction Inspector. 🏢 The Senior Construction Inspector will inspect a variety of public works and private construction projects within the city right-of-way. This role involves ensuring construction details conform to plans and specifications, performing field and laboratory tests, and maintaining detailed inspection reports. 📋 Several certifications and requirements are necessary for the ideal candidate. Visit the link below for the full job description! ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/g9NA5NB9 Interested applicants need to apply before July 31, 2024, to be considered for the role.

Governor Reynolds signed a disaster emergency proclamation on July 16 activating the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program (IIAGP) and Disaster Case Management (DCA) for Polk County. Visit https://lnkd.in/gvN2GRfU for more information about the assistance programs and how to apply.

Tornado Hits Des Moines, Cleanup Underway

We saw the true spirit of our city last night. Des Moines took a direct hit from a tornado along with several suburbs leaving trees down and thousands without power. Cleanup began nearly immediately. Thank you to all the neighbors who were there to provide a helping hand, and the City employees who responded within minutes of the storm passing. This morning, our Des Moines Public Works team is assessing the full extent of the situation and finalizing a cleanup plan while forestry crews are already cleaning up. Follow this page for updates and plans for cleanup from this powerful storm. We'll get through this one together, DSM!

🚨 Design alert: In 2026, City staff from 10 different departments and four separate locations will be moving into the T.M. Franklin Cownie City Administration Building at 1200 Locust Street. Take a look at how the designs will transform this building to provide more efficient services and improved accessibility for our residents!

Thank you to all of the sustainability-minded folks that joined us for our Resilient Roots event last night! 🌱💧🌇 We had fun partnering with Polk County Conservation and What's Next, Central Iowa?. We discussed plans for eco-friendly transportation and led an interactive city planning activity focused on watersheds and transportation networks. Missed out? Join us on August 8 from 6-7 p.m. at the Easter Lake Event Center for a discussion on "What's in the Water? (Natural Systems & Water Resources)."

Take me out to the ballpark... for Hazmat Training? Yesterday our Des Moines Fire Department Hazardous Materials team had the opportunity to participate in a joint exercise with the @Iowa National Guard - simulating a hazmat response for an incident with an impact on a large group of people. It was a great opportunity to practice our skills, prepare a coordinated and effective response with a partner agency and enjoy one of the most beautiful ballparks around! Thanks to the @Iowa Cubs for hosting the simulation.

We hope you have a safe and enjoyable Independence Day! In observation of the holiday, City of Des Moines administrative offices will be closed Thursday, July 4 and will reopen to the public on Friday, July 5. For those with Thursday or Friday waste collection days, your garbage, recycling and yard waste will be collected one day late this week. (Thursday on Friday, Friday on Saturday)