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The Polk County Health Department is developing an automated school illness dashboard.

Why it matters: It's intended to better track outbreaks and prevent them from becoming a public health crisis.

Driving the news: Eight of Polk County's nine school districts have signed data sharing agreements for the dashboard, Addie Olson, a spokesperson for the Polk County Health Department, tells Axios.

The ninth, Johnston, could be finalized soon, she said.

How it works: Schools will automatically send the health department student illness and attendance data from their student information systems nightly.

The data can include school, grade, age group, gender, ZIP code, attendance date and absence codes — but not names or other information that could identify individual students.

When illness-related absences begin to rise, the department will investigate and take mitigation steps before absences reach the previous 10% reporting threshold that school nurses would report to the department.

State of play: The dashboard is being set up for internal use, but a public version could follow once the department is assured that the system is accurate and functioning properly.

It's being built and managed by county staff, and it will not incur additional costs to schools or the county, Olson said.

Between the lines: The effort comes as Polk County Health on Wednesday confirmed a measles case and listed 10 metro locations where others may have been exposed between July 1 and July 5 — a reminder of why early disease surveillance matters.

What's next: The department hopes to use the system in the upcoming school year.

Dashboard will track Polk County's student illnesses

The automated system could help prevent outbreaks from escalating.

A photo of a child getting her temperature taken.

Photo: Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The Polk County Health Department is developing an automated school illness dashboard.Why it matters: It&#x27;s intended to better track outbreaks and prevent them from becoming a public health crisis.

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Health

A five-story mixed-use building would be constructed on the site of a surface parking lot formerly owned by Wells Fargo Properties, under a proposal to be considered Monday by the Des Moines City Council.

Why it matters: The $42.25 million project at 900 Vine St. is part of a wave of redevelopment near West Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway that includes the recently restored Carpenter Paper Warehouse, new apartments at Gray's Landing, and the proposed reuse of nearby Wells Fargo office buildings for hotel, office and restaurant space.

Driving the news: The council will consider preliminary terms of a financial agreement with 900 Vine LLC, whose partners include metro developer Brian Clark.

The proposal for the 3.3-acre site includes 7,000 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor and 160 apartments on the upper floors.

Zoom in: The project would receive nearly $6.8 million in incentives over 30 years.

The property would generate an estimated $26 million in taxes over that period, compared to $2.6 million without the project, according to city estimates.

The intrigue: The project would include several sustainability features, including all-electric appliances, drought-tolerant native landscaping, and low-flow indoor fixtures.

All residents would also receive a DART all-access pass.

What's next: If approved Monday, the project would still need site plan approval, Urban Design Review Board consideration, and return for final council approval.

Construction could begin in spring 2027, with completion expected in 2028.

$42M development proposed for former Wells Fargo lot

The Des Moines City Council will consider $6.8 million in incentives on Monday.

Sunset over a modern campus: a dark brown, glass-front building in the foreground with trees and people, and white, blocky skyscraper silhouettes in the distance under an orange-pink sky.

The project would be constructed on a lot between MLK, Vine, Ninth, 11th streets.  Rendering: Courtesy of the city of Des Moines

A five-story mixed-use building would be constructed on the site of a surface parking lot formerly owned by Wells Fargo Properties, under a proposal to be considered Monday by the Des Moines City Council.Why it matters: The $42.25 million project at 900 Vine St. is part of a wave of redevelopment near West Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway that includes the recently restored <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Carpenter Paper Warehouse" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2022/06/07/des-moines-warehouse-converted-offices" data-vars-content-id="3c0876c3-555b-4ee7-acf2-c91c180b93ef" data-vars-headline="$42M development proposed for former Wells Fargo lot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2022/06/07/des-moines-warehouse-converted-offices" target="_self">Carpenter Paper Warehouse</a>, new apartments at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gray&#x27;s Landing," data-vars-click-url="https://www.sherman-associates.com/news/grays-landing-neighborhood-grows-with-luxury-living-and-active-senior-living-in-downtown-des-moines/" data-vars-content-id="3c0876c3-555b-4ee7-acf2-c91c180b93ef" data-vars-headline="$42M development proposed for former Wells Fargo lot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sherman-associates.com/news/grays-landing-neighborhood-grows-with-luxury-living-and-active-senior-living-in-downtown-des-moines/" target="_blank">Gray&#x27;s Landing,</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the proposed reuse" data-vars-click-url="https://www.businessrecord.com/documents-reveal-possible-conversion-of-downtown-wells-fargo-buildings" data-vars-content-id="3c0876c3-555b-4ee7-acf2-c91c180b93ef" data-vars-headline="$42M development proposed for former Wells Fargo lot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.businessrecord.com/documents-reveal-possible-conversion-of-downtown-wells-fargo-buildings" target="_blank">the proposed reuse</a> of nearby Wells Fargo office buildings for hotel, office and restaurant space.

Des Moines is asking the state of Iowa, hospitals and other owners of tax-exempt property to make payments in lieu of taxes.

Why it matters: The payments could help the city avoid closing a city pool or reducing library and police services — ideas recently discussed to cover a projected budget gap created by a cap on local governments' property tax growth.

Driving the news: Mayor Connie Boesen told council members on June 29 that she'd sent letters to Gov. Kim Reynolds and the city's hospitals, asking them to consider a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT).

The city's tax base is too limited to absorb the impact of the new tax restrictions, she wrote in letters obtained by Axios.

State of play: Polk County has about $8.99 billion in property value that isn't taxed, according to the county assessor.

That means exempt property accounts for about a third of the county's property value —equivalent to about 41% of the $21.98 billion taxable base.

By the numbers: Public schools, including colleges and Regents facilities, account for over $2.4 billion of the untaxed value.

Churches or property owned by religious institutions have almost $1.38 billion.

Charitable hospitals have nearly $893 million.

Property owned by the municipalities, state, county, and federal governments accounts for much of the rest.

Context: Property taxes are the primary revenue source for city and county governments.

Metro leaders have long said the large number of exempt properties leads to higher rates for essential services, such as streets and fire protection, used by all property owners.

A voluntary PILOT program was created in 1998, with hospitals once pledging to pay DSM $860,000 annually.

The latest: No hospitals have made PILOT contributions in the last five fiscal years.

Meanwhile, other entities contributed in the fiscal year that ended in June, with the largest from the DSM Airport Authority ($3 million), DSM Water Works ($1.4 million), and Wastewater Reclamation Authority ($1.3 million).

Zoom in: Boesen's May 26 letters also went to UnityPoint Health, Broadlawns Medical Centers, MercyOne, Iowa Finance Authority and the University of Iowa's Pappajohn Education Center.

The other side: Local taxes on state property can shift costs from city taxpayers to state taxpayers.

Plus: State offices, hospitals, schools and nonprofits also anchor Des Moines' economy, providing tens of thousands of jobs in the metro.

What they're saying: The city had not received written responses to Boesen's letters as of late Tuesday, city spokesperson Peter Zemansky tells Axios.

Boesen told Axios the only acknowledgment she was aware of came from Broadlawns CEO Proctor Lureman, who she said referenced receiving the letter during a recent council meeting.

The governor's office did not respond to Axios' request for comment Tuesday.

Iowa's new property tax law created a Polk County PILOT task force, but its scope appears narrower than Boesen's request.

What's next: Boesen asked Reynolds for a meeting and said Des Moines wants a representative on the task force, which must make recommendations to the Legislature by Jan. 10.

Des Moines mayor asks Iowa to make property tax payments

Des Moines has about $8.99 billion in property value that isn't taxed.

Illustration of a calculator with a cracked screen showing dollar signs

Des Moines is asking the state of Iowa, hospitals and other owners of tax-exempt property to make payments in lieu of taxes.Why it matters: The payments could help the city avoid closing a city pool or reducing library and police services — ideas recently discussed to cover <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a projected budget gap" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/07/01/des-moines-public-feedback-budget-gap-library-cuts" data-vars-content-id="56122701-52f8-49e2-9d13-9d2179137915" data-vars-headline="Des Moines mayor asks Iowa to make property tax payments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/07/01/des-moines-public-feedback-budget-gap-library-cuts" target="_self">a projected budget gap</a> created by a cap on local governments&#x27; property tax growth.

Des Moines is hosting a budget discussion Thursday as the city wrestles with an anticipated $12 million shortfall next year, following lawmakers' new limits on property tax growth.

Catch up quick: Library reductions, pool closures and reduction to neighborhood policing are among the ideas floated by city officials recently.

Mayor Connie Boesen is asking the state of Iowa and large tax-exempt groups like hospitals to make voluntary payments to help cover the city services they use.

Zoom in: Jason and Linh offered a few ideas last week, including expanding sponsorships, leaning on legacy giving, and exploring new revenue opportunities at city amenities, like allowing vendors at Gray's Lake.

"It will take creativity to address any safety, access and liability issues but DMPS and the City have two areas where they could expand exponentially: Library, librarian and pool sharing," — Jackie Norris, DSM

"I like the focus on Grays Lake for revenue. What about a fundraiser/contest/whatever to get murals on the silos by the playground area?"— Sue Caley, WDM

"I'm a firm believer in contributing to the cause," — Robert Warren, CEO of Hoyt Sherman Place, which made a voluntary $700 contribution to DSM in lieu of taxes last year.

If you go: Tonight's meeting starts at 6pm at Central Library.

Axios reader feedback: Des Moines budget-rescue ideas

Des Moines is looking to trim millions of dollars from upcoming budgets.

Sunset over a park: leafless trees line a path on the right, a curved road with a silver SUV on the left, tall concrete silo-like structures near the water, a black-clad walker, and warm orange sky.

The silos at Gray's Lake Park. Photo: Jason Clayworth/Axios

Des Moines is hosting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a budget discussion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dsm.city/calendar.php?view=month&amp;month=07&amp;day=01&amp;year=2026&amp;event=566" data-vars-content-id="a2066c70-7f31-474c-8bc4-bff8c1b2d1f5" data-vars-headline="Axios reader feedback: Des Moines budget-rescue ideas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dsm.city/calendar.php?view=month&amp;month=07&amp;day=01&amp;year=2026&amp;event=566" target="_blank">a budget discussion</a> Thursday as the city wrestles with an anticipated $12 million shortfall next year, following lawmakers&#x27; new limits on property tax growth.Catch up quick: Library reductions, pool closures and reduction to neighborhood policing are among the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ideas floated by city officials" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/07/01/des-moines-public-feedback-budget-gap-library-cuts" data-vars-content-id="a2066c70-7f31-474c-8bc4-bff8c1b2d1f5" data-vars-headline="Axios reader feedback: Des Moines budget-rescue ideas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/07/01/des-moines-public-feedback-budget-gap-library-cuts" target="_self">ideas floated by city officials</a> recently.<ul><li>Mayor Connie Boesen is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="asking the state of Iowa" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/07/08/des-moines-mayor-iowa-property-tax-boesen-reynolds" data-vars-content-id="a2066c70-7f31-474c-8bc4-bff8c1b2d1f5" data-vars-headline="Axios reader feedback: Des Moines budget-rescue ideas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/07/08/des-moines-mayor-iowa-property-tax-boesen-reynolds" target="_self">asking the state of Iowa</a> and large tax-exempt groups like hospitals to make voluntary payments to help cover the city services they use.</li></ul>Zoom in: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jason and Linh" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-des-moines-66a75a60-6e66-43ed-bade-d563317f6801.html?chunk=4&amp;utm_term=emshare#story4" data-vars-content-id="a2066c70-7f31-474c-8bc4-bff8c1b2d1f5" data-vars-headline="Axios reader feedback: Des Moines budget-rescue ideas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-des-moines-66a75a60-6e66-43ed-bade-d563317f6801.html?chunk=4&amp;utm_term=emshare#story4" target="_self">Jason and Linh</a> offered a few ideas last week, including expanding sponsorships, leaning on legacy giving, and exploring new revenue opportunities at city amenities, like allowing vendors at Gray&#x27;s Lake.Here are some of our readers&#x27; ideas:<ul><li>&quot;It will take creativity to address any safety, access and liability issues but DMPS and the City have two areas where they could expand exponentially: Library, librarian and pool sharing,&quot; — Jackie Norris, DSM</li><li>&quot;I like the focus on Grays Lake for revenue. What about a fundraiser/contest/whatever to get <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="murals on the silos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2021/12/13/des-moines-grays-lake-sand-silos-history" data-vars-content-id="a2066c70-7f31-474c-8bc4-bff8c1b2d1f5" data-vars-headline="Axios reader feedback: Des Moines budget-rescue ideas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2021/12/13/des-moines-grays-lake-sand-silos-history" target="_self">murals on the silos</a> by the playground area?&quot;— Sue Caley, WDM</li><li>&quot;I&#x27;m a firm believer in contributing to the cause,&quot; — Robert Warren, CEO of Hoyt Sherman Place, which made a voluntary $700 contribution to DSM in lieu of taxes last year.</li></ul>If you go: Tonight&#x27;s meeting starts at 6pm at Central Library.

"Are there plans to put an exit off I-80 between Jordan Creek and Grand Prairie at Ashworth Road?" — Julia Sayers Gokhale, WDM

The Iowa DOT's current I-80 widening project between Grand Prairie Parkway and Jordan Creek Parkway does not include a new Ashworth Road exit.

Yes, but: West Des Moines is considering the idea.

The Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization's FY 2026-29 plan lists a $1.25 million interchange justification report for Ashworth Road and I-80 in fiscal year 2029.

That report would be an early required step before a new interstate interchange could move forward, but it's not a guarantee that one will be built.

State of play: The timing is uncertain, West Des Moines spokesperson Janet Wilwerding tells Axios.

The city also cannot proceed with the interchange justification report until Ashworth Road in Waukee is widened to Grand Prairie Parkway, which could be 2029 or later.

Projects in the first two years of the city's five-year Capital Improvement Plan are generally on track, but those in the later years could be postponed, Wilwerding says.

The bottom line: Metro planners have this on their radar.

Ask Axios: Will Ashworth Road get an I-80 exit?

&quot;Are there plans to put an exit off I-80 between Jordan Creek and Grand Prairie at Ashworth Road?&quot; — Julia Sayers Gokhale, WDMAnswer: Not anytime soon.

Jason Clayworth

Featured stories

$42M development proposed for former Wells Fargo lot

Ask Axios: Will Ashworth Road get an I-80 exit?

Dashboard will track Polk County's student illnesses

Axios reader feedback: Des Moines budget-rescue ideas

Des Moines mayor asks Iowa to make property tax payments