Des Moines' biggest challenges ahead in 2026
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
The Des Moines metro is starting 2026 on the heels of one of the most significant building booms and growth spurts in its history.
The big picture: The momentum could be influenced by multiple factors, including federal and state government issues — such as the future of grant funding that has become critical to many local governments' budgets.
Politics
Gov. Kim Reynolds' decision not to seek reelection this year opened the race, with candidates from both parties making big pushes to get on the November ballot.
- Democrats are quietly hopeful they can reclaim some legislative seats during this year's midterm elections — and at least make the governor race competitive — after years of red-wave results.
Between the lines: A tighter statewide race could reshape turnout, messaging and down-ballot outcomes.
Water
Water quality is unlikely to fade from the headlines as the metro wrestles with decadeslong battles with nitrate pollution.
Context: Treatment costs keep rising — and utilities, cities and residents are already paying for upstream decisions they don't control.
- Experts are increasingly questioning whether current nitrate standards are strong enough, especially for vulnerable populations.
What we're watching: In October, Polk County Supervisors voted unanimously to fund the maintenance of a network of water-quality sensors across the state.
- Community advocates are also organizing.
Property taxes
Property tax limits remain popular — but cities say the math no longer adds up.
Friction point: The Iowa Legislature recently imposed caps that are restricting revenue growth while costs for public safety, infrastructure and services keep climbing.
- Des Moines and other metros warn they're being pushed toward fee hikes, service cuts or deferred maintenance.
What's next: Republican lawmakers say that more significant property tax reforms are among their top priorities for this year's legislative session.
Development: Growth at full throttle
Des Moines is growing fast, with the city setting a record for building permits in the fiscal year that ended in June.
Reality check: Growth brings jobs and momentum — but also raises questions about housing affordability, infrastructure capacity and long-term planning.
- The next year will test how well the metro can balance it all.