The City of Des Moines has unveiled its "Improving Our Neighborhoods" (ION) initiative, which provides crucial financial assistance to homeowners for exterior repairs. This program addresses the pressing need for home maintenance, especially in a city where more than half of the houses were built prior to 1960. City Manager Scott Sanders emphasized that the initiative aims to both repair deteriorating properties and mitigate the risk of homes becoming nuisances that require demolition. With a budget of $3. 5 million for 2023, the program is set to support 100-150 residents, focusing on approximately 4,000 houses identified as needing help.

Homeowners with incomes below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) will receive assistance on a first-come, first-served basis, with various funding options available. The program includes grants for small projects and forgivable loans for those in the lowest income brackets. Property Improvement Supervisor Dan Grauerholz noted the initiative's broader goal of helping residents who struggle to manage repairs independently. Through ION, Des Moines is taking significant steps toward revitalizing neighborhoods and enhancing community livability.