The Des Moines City Manager has officially released an overview of recommendations to address a significant $17 million budget shortfall for Fiscal Year 2026, attributing the gap to reductions in property tax revenue and escalating service costs. In his statement, City Manager Scott Sanders highlighted the necessity of making tough decisions while striving to protect essential services for residents and city staff. The proposed solutions encompass four primary strategies: drawing from city reserves, implementing departmental reorganizations, reallocating financial resources, and revising fees and charges to align with industry standards. By leveraging city reserves, the budget shortfall can be reduced by $2. 8 million, while the proposed staffing changes are expected to yield additional savings of $4.

7 million. The city will release a comprehensive budget book to the City Council and public on February 5, 2025, enhancing transparency in the budgeting process. To facilitate community involvement, up to two Public Budget Information Sessions are being planned prior to the City Council's first formal public hearing on March 24. Residents can submit feedback and access budget-related information via the city’s official website. These efforts reflect Des Moines' commitment to maintaining financial responsibility and community engagement during challenging fiscal times.