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Get smarter, faster about what’s happening in your backyard with local reporters Jason Clayworth and Linh Ta.

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Iowa's Latino population is younger, faster-growing and more likely to work compared to the rest of the state, according to a report analyzing census data released by state officials this month.

Driving the news: We're highlighting Iowa's fastest-growing population during Latino Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

State of play: Supporting and shaping the state's next generation of Latino leaders will be especially important as Iowa ages and loses population, according to Dawn Martinez Oropeza, director of Al Éxito, a statewide nonprofit helping Latino youth.

By the numbers: The state's median age for Latinos in 2022 was 25 — significantly younger than the rest of the state at 39, according to the report.

8.2% of the state's Latino population were under 5.

75% of Latinos 16 and older are in the labor force in comparison to 66% statewide.

By 2060, Latinos are projected to reach nearly 518K people — 14% of Iowa's makeup.

Yes, but: The population faces disproportionate barriers to success and is less likely to graduate from high school and college — resulting in lower incomes in adulthood, according to a report by the Iowa Latinx Project.

First and second-generation Latino youth are more likely to struggle in school, especially if they're learning English as a second language.

Zoom in: Polk County is home to the state's largest Latino population, but it has greater struggles compared to counties like Wapello or Marshall.

In Polk County, Latino home ownership is lower (49%) in comparison to Wapello (78%), Marshall (76%) and the statewide average (54%).

High school graduation rates for Latinos are also lower in Des Moines in comparison to other Iowa cities with a large Latino student body, Martinez Oropeza tells Axios.

What they're saying: The metro's lack of representation in powerful seats like school board and city council has consequences, as it impacts prioritization for programs and extra assistance that could help local youth, she says.

Between the lines: About 70% of Iowa Latinos under 18 were born in the U.S.

"My students are Iowans," Martinez Oropeza says. "I don't think people welcome them like Iowans."

Iowa's Latino youth will help shape the future of an aging state

The population is younger and faster-growing compared to the rest of Iowa.

A young boy pedals through Churdan in Greene County in 2022. Photo: Bonnie Jo Mount/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Iowa&#x27;s Latino population is younger, faster-growing and more likely to work compared to the rest of the state, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.iowadatacenter.org/application/files/8016/9480/0276/Latinos2023.pdf" data-vars-content-id="379d251a-c941-4558-81ff-ab5954b9a4ae" data-vars-headline="Iowa&#x27;s Latino youth will help shape the future of an aging state" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.iowadatacenter.org/application/files/8016/9480/0276/Latinos2023.pdf" target="_blank">report</a> analyzing census data released by state officials this month.Driving the news: We&#x27;re highlighting Iowa&#x27;s fastest-growing population during Latino Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

News

Axios Des Moines, anchored by Jason Clayworth and Linh Ta, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.

West Des Moines and Urbandale schools are placing disclaimers on the little free libraries, on their school grounds, following an Iowa law banning books with sex acts from schools, the Des Moines Register reports.

Driving the news: House File 496 — a broad education bill signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds this year — bans certain books and requires parental permission for students who want to go by different names or pronouns than assigned at birth.

School districts statewide have varying responses to the law due to a lack of guidance from the state, education advocates say.

Urbandale has taken more aggressive action and pulled 65 books, while other districts haven't removed any.

State of play: A disclaimer on a little library at Urbandale's Webster Elementary notes it is separate from their library program and not sponsored by the district.

West Des Moines plans on also adding signage on its library at Clive Learning Academy, the Register reports.

Des Moines schools has a little library at McKinley Elementary, but the district does not believe the law applies to it.

What they're saying: The Little Free Library nonprofit is "disappointed" schools are adding disclaimers, but it's a "good solution" to ensure they aren't penalized, a spokesperson told the Register.

The other side: State Rep. Skyler Wheeler (R-Orange City) said in a previous statement to Axios that districts like Urbandale are "playing a political game" and that it's "unbelievable" districts are having a hard time removing sexually explicit materials.

Iowa schools add little library disclaimers in light of new book law

Urbandale and West Des Moines are adding the new disclaimers.

The little library outside Webster Elementary. Photo: Linh Ta/Axios

West Des Moines and Urbandale schools are placing disclaimers on the little free libraries, on their school grounds, following an Iowa law <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="banning books with sex acts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/08/16/iowa-library-uptick-banned-books-senate-file-496" data-vars-content-id="67a43e78-0baf-48d2-aa85-83114105710a" data-vars-headline="Iowa schools add little library disclaimers in light of new book law" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/08/16/iowa-library-uptick-banned-books-senate-file-496" target="_self">banning books with sex acts</a> from schools, the Des Moines Register<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/education/2023/09/28/little-free-libraries-come-with-disclaimers-in-des-moines-school-districts/70922218007/" data-vars-content-id="67a43e78-0baf-48d2-aa85-83114105710a" data-vars-headline="Iowa schools add little library disclaimers in light of new book law" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/education/2023/09/28/little-free-libraries-come-with-disclaimers-in-des-moines-school-districts/70922218007/" target="_blank"> reports</a>.Driving the news: House File 496 — a broad education bill signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds this year — bans certain books and requires parental permission for students who want to go by different names or pronouns than assigned at birth.

Education

Twin Cities

Axios Twin Cities

Crisp & Green Salad opened last Saturday in the Jordan Creek Town Center area in West Des Moines.

What to expect: The Minnesota-based chain serves things like salads, grain bowls and smoothies. You can go with their signature recipes or build your own.

It also hosts free workout classes on many weekends.

Zoom in: Our Axios Twin Cities colleague Torey Van Oot, a Crisp & Green regular, dished on her go-to orders:

🇬🇷 Big appetite? Go for a grain bowl. The portions are generous — I can often stretch one into two meals. My go-to is the "Ahh Greek out!?"

🥗 The "You Feta Believe It," featuring roasted chicken, strawberries, and, yes, feta, is a fan favorite.

But act fast. The seasonal summer salad is expected to be phased out for the year soon!

🍌 The "Date Night" smoothie is filling enough for a full meal. It combines banana, medjool dates, almond butter, cacao nibs and vanilla pea protein. For a lighter drink, go for the berry-forward "Purple Rain," named in honor of a Minnesota icon!

🧀 Pro tip: You can add a parmesan crisp to any salad for a small fee. It's worth it!

If you go: Crisp & Green Salad is open at 141 South Jordan Creek Pkwy. in West Des Moines

Crisp & Green Salad opens in West Des Moines

The popular salad chain opened in the Jordan Creek Town Center area.

Crisp &amp; Green Salad opened last Saturday in the Jordan Creek Town Center area in West Des Moines.What to expect: The Minnesota-based chain serves things like salads, grain bowls and smoothies. You can go with their signature recipes or build your own.

Food and Drink

Regular readers know by now that I am not vegan or vegetarian.

Yes, but: This quesadilla ($5) from Reyes Tamales has turned me into a believer.

What it is: The vegan "pork" al pastor quesadilla is made with corn tortillas, shredded vegan cheese, Impossible pork, pickled onion and cilantro.

It's also topped with homemade green and red sauce.

What makes it great: I am now a believer that quesadillas should be made with fresh corn tortillas. It added a nutty and sweet taste.

The soy al pastor was flavorful and tasted similar to chorizo, but with less oil and grease.

Where to find it: I ate this during a vegan market event that Reyes Tamales was attending.

Follow on Facebook to check out their schedule.

The Best Thing Linh Ate: Vegan quesadilla

Reyes Tamales has flavorful, filling vegan offerings.

A vegan quesadilla ($5) from Reyes Tamales. Photo: Linh Ta/Axios

Regular readers know by now that I am not <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vegan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/09/21/cheese-shop-carmelized-onion-toast" data-vars-content-id="ba78eb17-32bd-4864-96f5-3ee40e1196b8" data-vars-headline="The Best Thing Linh Ate: Vegan quesadilla" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/09/21/cheese-shop-carmelized-onion-toast" target="_self">vegan</a> or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vegetarian" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2022/04/20/des-moines-high-foods-tacos-burgers" data-vars-content-id="ba78eb17-32bd-4864-96f5-3ee40e1196b8" data-vars-headline="The Best Thing Linh Ate: Vegan quesadilla" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2022/04/20/des-moines-high-foods-tacos-burgers" target="_self">vegetarian</a>.Yes, but: This quesadilla ($5) from Reyes Tamales has turned me into a believer.

DART could face the most significant route reductions in its history if Des Moines metro communities who help fund it don't temporarily increase property taxes to help resolve its deficit.

Why it matters: DART is the metro's only public transit system.

61% of users don't own a car and 43% earn under $20,000 a year, according to a recent survey from the agency. The majority of riders use the buses to get to work, DART director Amanda Wanke told commissioners during a public meeting last week.

Flashback: The agency is primarily funded through property tax levies, but rates have not kept up with operating expenses and the metro's growing population, organizers shared during the meeting.

Pandemic relief funds have helped the organization in recent years, but that will end in fiscal year 2025 — resulting in the need to find funding now.

State of play: To help fund DART, Wanke says cities and Polk County will have to temporarily increase property taxes.

Des Moines, which has the most routes, would also have to provide additional funds because it already has the highest amount of property taxes allowed under state law.

The City Council will consider increasing franchise fee rates, which would make utility bills higher.

By the numbers: Fully funding DART would provide the agency with an additional $3 million in property taxes that would help keep its current services for five years.

Metro homeowners in a $200K house would pay an additional $1.16-$7.99 in FY 25-26, depending on the city they live in.

If Des Moines increases its franchise fees from 5% to 6.5%, a home or business with a $200 electric bill would experience a $5 monthly increase.

Zoom in: If metro communities decide not to provide any additional funding, property taxes for homes valued at $200K would decrease $10-$15 annually.

Bus services would be reduced by about 50% and serve 3,000 fewer riders on weekdays. Popular routes that come every 20 minutes or less would elongate to 30-50 minutes.

Many routes that go to the suburbs would be discontinued, as well as paratransit routes for people with disabilities (though federally required paratransit routes would stay in place).

What's next: The DART commission, made up of representatives from each city and Polk County, will decide how much funding they want to provide by early next year.

Meanwhile, DART plans on lobbying the Iowa Legislature to change state laws so that Iowa's public transit systems don't rely as heavily on property taxes for funding, Wanke says.

Left: A map showing the routes services if DART is fully funded. Right: Routes that would be reduced or cut if DART doesn't receive any additional funds.

A map showing the routes services if DART is fully funded. Right: Routes that would be reduced or cut if DART doesn't receive any additional funds. Maps: Courtesy of DART

DART routes risk cuts without property tax increases

The region's transit system is facing a looming deficit.

DART could face the most significant route reductions in its history if Des Moines metro communities who help fund it don&#x27;t temporarily increase property taxes to help resolve its deficit.Why it matters: DART is the metro&#x27;s only public transit system.

Linh Ta

Featured stories

Iowa's Latino youth will help shape the future of an aging state

The Best Thing Linh Ate: Vegan quesadilla

DART routes risk cuts without property tax increases

Crisp & Green Salad opens in West Des Moines

Iowa schools add little library disclaimers in light of new book law