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Downtown Des Moines could get new entertainment district

Polk County wants to study more than 12 acres around the Iowa Events Center.

News

Polk County may explore turning underused land around the Iowa Events Center into a mixed-use entertainment district that could include more convention space.Why it matters: The proposal could create a denser destination that adds housing, businesses and a larger tax base.

West Des Moines considers e-bike ordinance

The city wants to restrict high-speed devices, and cycling advocates want to see more.

The West Des Moines City Council is considering moving forward with a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long-awaited high-speed e-mobility ordinance tonight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/17/des-moines-metro-leaders-debate-who-should-lead-e-bike-changes" data-vars-content-id="b66ff6ec-a2bd-4759-a5d4-88d9b994dab2" data-vars-headline="West Des Moines considers e-bike ordinance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/17/des-moines-metro-leaders-debate-who-should-lead-e-bike-changes" target="_self">long-awaited high-speed e-mobility ordinance tonight</a>, but local cycling advocates say there&#x27;s still a safety gap on city streets.Why it matters: Parents in the Des Moines metro are unknowingly buying their kids electric motorcycles and high-speed e-scooters, which can move at 30–60 miles per hour.

Sand and Lahn to face off in first of four Iowa gubernatorial debates

Iowa bucks a national trend with four governor debates this fall.

Iowa voters get their first of four chances Tuesday to see Republican Zach Lahn and Democrat Rob Sand debate face-to-face before the Nov. 3 election.Why it matters: Iowa&#x27;s four gubernatorial debates make it a national outlier as face-to-face matchups disappear from competitive races.

Elite basketball prep school plans Des Moines expansion

Iowa United dropped AAU as its founder doubles down on his passion project.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iowa United Basketball" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/08/26/iowa-united-basketball-prep-school-des-moines" data-vars-content-id="a8654efb-b03b-4abe-ad11-b7b27cd5dce5" data-vars-headline="Elite basketball prep school plans Des Moines expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/08/26/iowa-united-basketball-prep-school-des-moines" target="_self">Iowa United Basketball</a> could invest millions of dollars to build a private outdoor recreation and training area.Why it matters: The project is another major investment by founder Mark Scharnberg in the scholarship-based prep school he and his wife fund.

West Des Moines parent shares concerns over AI reading program

The AI reading program has gained popularity nationwide.

Education

A West Des Moines mom says an AI reading tutor used in her daughter&#x27;s classroom has hurt her confidence.Why it matters: Elementary students are at vastly different reading levels, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Amira, an AI tutor students read to" data-vars-click-url="https://educate.iowa.gov/headline-story/2025-11-04/growing-strong-literacy-skills-amira" data-vars-content-id="835b8257-d9eb-4a11-8afd-6045149643e5" data-vars-headline="West Des Moines parent shares concerns over AI reading program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://educate.iowa.gov/headline-story/2025-11-04/growing-strong-literacy-skills-amira" target="_blank">Amira, an AI tutor students read to</a>, can provide individualized feedback that&#x27;s time-consuming for teachers.

New visa rules worry Iowa's international students

New international student visa restrictions are deepening students' sense of being unwelcome at Iowa universities.

New federal rules capping student visa stays are increasing anxiety for Iowa&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="international students" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/15/international-college-student-enrollment-us-trump" data-vars-content-id="58e2e82f-a422-4126-b0ec-25a35298a3b7" data-vars-headline="New visa rules worry Iowa&#x27;s international students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/15/international-college-student-enrollment-us-trump" target="_self">international students</a> and could affect how many are enrolled at the state&#x27;s public universities, per the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Midwest Newsroom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.iowapublicradio.org/ipr-news/2026-08-19/international-students-bring-crucial-tuition-to-iowa-colleges-trumps-visa-policies-are-shrinking-their-ranks" data-vars-content-id="58e2e82f-a422-4126-b0ec-25a35298a3b7" data-vars-headline="New visa rules worry Iowa&#x27;s international students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.iowapublicradio.org/ipr-news/2026-08-19/international-students-bring-crucial-tuition-to-iowa-colleges-trumps-visa-policies-are-shrinking-their-ranks" target="_blank">Midwest Newsroom</a>.Why it matters: There&#x27;s already a decline in international students at universities, and a further squeeze could hurt college towns and university budgets that depend on their full tuition and local spending.

East Village charter school proposes new athletic field and park

The Des Moines City Council will consider its zoning request on Monday.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Des Moines Prep" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/03/06/des-moines-charter-high-school" data-vars-content-id="8bbdba68-27f8-4664-8820-e0628b511900" data-vars-headline="East Village charter school proposes new athletic field and park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/03/06/des-moines-charter-high-school" target="_self">Des Moines Prep</a> could construct a new athletic field and park in Des Moines&#x27; East Village.Why it matters: The project could give students and residents shared outdoor space and support a more vibrant, connected neighborhood, the charter school said in rezoning <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="application documents" data-vars-click-url="https://councildocs.dsm.city/resolutions/20260420/16.pdf#page=11" data-vars-content-id="8bbdba68-27f8-4664-8820-e0628b511900" data-vars-headline="East Village charter school proposes new athletic field and park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://councildocs.dsm.city/resolutions/20260420/16.pdf#page=11" target="_blank">application documents</a> submitted to the city.

DMPS board chairperson Kim Martorano shares priorities

Martorano wants to improve communication and build trust with the community.

Axios sat down with Des Moines school board chair Kim Martorano, who was elected to her position late last year, to get her priorities for her tenure.Why it matters: Martorano inherited major challenges when she became chairperson, including <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="budget shortfalls" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dmschools.org/departments/business-finance/fy-2027-budget-process/" data-vars-content-id="2f8581dc-c730-4b9f-9c1e-39a19cf058ce" data-vars-headline="DMPS board chairperson Kim Martorano shares priorities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dmschools.org/departments/business-finance/fy-2027-budget-process/" target="_blank">budget shortfalls</a>,<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" enrollment declines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/01/07/des-moines-public-schools-loses-hundreds-more-students-enrollment" data-vars-content-id="2f8581dc-c730-4b9f-9c1e-39a19cf058ce" data-vars-headline="DMPS board chairperson Kim Martorano shares priorities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/01/07/des-moines-public-schools-loses-hundreds-more-students-enrollment" target="_self"> enrollment declines</a> and the shockwaves from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="former Superintendent Ian Roberts&#x27; arrest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/01/15/ian-roberts-considers-plea-des-moines-schools" data-vars-content-id="2f8581dc-c730-4b9f-9c1e-39a19cf058ce" data-vars-headline="DMPS board chairperson Kim Martorano shares priorities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/01/15/ian-roberts-considers-plea-des-moines-schools" target="_self">former Superintendent Ian Roberts&#x27; arrest</a>.

Des Moines Public Schools enrollment declines by 600+ students

The district is continuing to lose students.

Des Moines Public Schools enrollment declined by 677 students in comparison to last year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to 2025-26 certified enrollment numbers" data-vars-click-url="https://educate.iowa.gov/pk-12/data/data-collections/certified-enrollment" data-vars-content-id="2f2921d6-ac07-4729-9049-3fa9ac6c7236" data-vars-headline="Des Moines Public Schools enrollment declines by 600+ students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://educate.iowa.gov/pk-12/data/data-collections/certified-enrollment" target="_blank">according to 2025-26 certified enrollment numbers</a>.Why it matters: The loss hurts the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="district&#x27;s budget" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/02/09/des-moines-public-schools-budget-cuts-teacher-raises" data-vars-content-id="2f2921d6-ac07-4729-9049-3fa9ac6c7236" data-vars-headline="Des Moines Public Schools enrollment declines by 600+ students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/02/09/des-moines-public-schools-budget-cuts-teacher-raises" target="_self">district&#x27;s budget</a>, and the drop underscores a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="longer-term enrollment decline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/03/12/des-moines-schools-open-enrollment-student-loss" data-vars-content-id="2f2921d6-ac07-4729-9049-3fa9ac6c7236" data-vars-headline="Des Moines Public Schools enrollment declines by 600+ students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/03/12/des-moines-schools-open-enrollment-student-loss" target="_self">longer-term enrollment decline</a> the district is trying to reverse.State of play: At its peak in 2017-18, DMPS had about 33,057 students. This school year, there are about 30,160.<ul><li>The city&#x27;s population also <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="peaked around 2017" data-vars-click-url="https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/MOW/966739.pdf" data-vars-content-id="2f2921d6-ac07-4729-9049-3fa9ac6c7236" data-vars-headline="Des Moines Public Schools enrollment declines by 600+ students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/MOW/966739.pdf" target="_blank">peaked around 2017</a>, with an estimated 217,500 people living in Des Moines proper. As of 2024, the U.S. Census estimates <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="around 213,100 residents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/desmoinescityiowa/LND110210" data-vars-content-id="2f2921d6-ac07-4729-9049-3fa9ac6c7236" data-vars-headline="Des Moines Public Schools enrollment declines by 600+ students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/desmoinescityiowa/LND110210" target="_blank">around 213,100 residents</a>.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: DMPS lost students during periods of online and hybrid learning in 2020 and 2021, school board chairperson Kim Martorano tells Axios.<ul><li>But she also attributes the decline to state law changes, including using tax dollars <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="to pay for private school tuition" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/03/20/iowa-private-school-enrollment-grows" data-vars-content-id="2f2921d6-ac07-4729-9049-3fa9ac6c7236" data-vars-headline="Des Moines Public Schools enrollment declines by 600+ students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/03/20/iowa-private-school-enrollment-grows" target="_self">to pay for private school tuition</a>,<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" expanding charter schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2022/08/08/iowa-allocates-1-million-choice-charter-school-launch" data-vars-content-id="2f2921d6-ac07-4729-9049-3fa9ac6c7236" data-vars-headline="Des Moines Public Schools enrollment declines by 600+ students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2022/08/08/iowa-allocates-1-million-choice-charter-school-launch" target="_self"> expanding charter schools</a> and changes in the open enrollment law.</li><li>In 2024-25, 2,242 students who live within DMPS&#x27; district boundaries utilized the state&#x27;s private school tuition program. That grew to 3,121 this year, per the Iowa Department of Education.</li><li>&quot;Public school districts are operating in a more competitive education environment across the Des Moines metro,&quot; Martorano said in an email.</li></ul>The other side: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gov. Kim Reynolds has said the recent laws" data-vars-click-url="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/07/31/gov-reynolds-offers-support-for-states-iowa-esa-program/" data-vars-content-id="2f2921d6-ac07-4729-9049-3fa9ac6c7236" data-vars-headline="Des Moines Public Schools enrollment declines by 600+ students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/07/31/gov-reynolds-offers-support-for-states-iowa-esa-program/" target="_blank">Gov. Kim Reynolds has said the recent laws</a> expand education options for families who previously couldn&#x27;t afford them.What&#x27;s next: DMPS is leaning into its Reimagining Education initiative, after voters approved <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a $265 million bond referendum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/11/05/des-moines-schools-bond-approved-ian-roberts" data-vars-content-id="2f2921d6-ac07-4729-9049-3fa9ac6c7236" data-vars-headline="Des Moines Public Schools enrollment declines by 600+ students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/11/05/des-moines-schools-bond-approved-ian-roberts" target="_self">a $265 million bond referendum</a> in November.<ul><li>The plan will restructure its schools, build new facilities, and allow students to specialize in fields, including medical sciences and fine arts.</li><li>While changes won&#x27;t happen overnight, Martorano says these initiatives will hopefully slow the district&#x27;s changes and help make DMPS a &quot;destination district.&quot;</li></ul>

Des Moines Public Schools works on Reimagining Education capital projects

The Reimagining Education plan is already underway.

Work is already underway for Des Moines Public Schools&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Reimagining Education Plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/11/04/des-moines-school-bond-vote-ian-roberts-taxes" data-vars-content-id="544f1498-9f8a-4018-94cc-baf436ceb527" data-vars-headline="Des Moines Public Schools works on Reimagining Education capital projects" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/11/04/des-moines-school-bond-vote-ian-roberts-taxes" target="_self">Reimagining Education Plan</a>, including new classroom designs and demolition plans.Flashback: In November, Des Moines voters <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="approved a $265 million bond referendum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/11/05/des-moines-schools-bond-approved-ian-roberts" data-vars-content-id="544f1498-9f8a-4018-94cc-baf436ceb527" data-vars-headline="Des Moines Public Schools works on Reimagining Education capital projects" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/11/05/des-moines-schools-bond-approved-ian-roberts" target="_self">approved a $265 million bond referendum</a> to pay for renovations in more than 120 classrooms, preschool expansions and new pathways for students to earn college credit.

Des Moines schools pays out administrator $16K monthly

Des Moines Chief Academic Officer Robert Lundin is on paid leave for unknown reasons.

Des Moines Public Schools will keep paying a top administrator $16,000 a month, even though he hasn&#x27;t worked since October.Why it matters: Taxpayers are footing the bill for a $195,000 annual salaried employee who&#x27;s on paid administrative leave, and district leaders have not explained the reasoning behind the arrangement.

Charter group buys Des Moines' former Franklin Jr. High

Horizon Science Academy will become a K-12 school.

A charter school development group purchased the former Franklin Junior High with plans to expand its Horizon Science Academy (HSA), superintendent Christopher Murphy tells Axios.Why it matters: The move resolves the long-uncertain future of the landmark building and secures a college-prep public charter on the city&#x27;s west side.

Des Moines metro school board races go blue

Voters picked Democratic school board candidates this election.

In the Des Moines school board race, incumbent Maria Alonzo and newcomer Sara Hopkins won the contested race for two at-large seats on Tuesday, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unofficial election results" data-vars-click-url="https://polkelectionia.gov/ElectionNight" data-vars-content-id="a8a9b05e-a339-4f3c-96d8-742fd89d8d56" data-vars-headline="Des Moines metro school board races go blue" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://polkelectionia.gov/ElectionNight" target="_blank">unofficial election results</a>.<ul><li>Incumbent DMPS school board chair Jackie Norris and member Jenna Knox did not run for reelection.</li></ul>

A deeper look inside Des Moines schools' $265M bond referendum

The bond would fund preschool access, school redesigns and arts-focused facilities.

Des Moines voters will decide tomorrow whether to approve a $265 million bond referendum to modernize the school district&#x27;s facilities.Why it matters: Des Moines Public Schools officials say they need additional funds to cover gaps left by state appropriations — and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="to reinvent the district amid declining enrollment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/02/12/dmps-school-closures-restructuring" data-vars-content-id="3c876051-4215-4495-a67c-074bf46fdf70" data-vars-headline="A deeper look inside Des Moines schools&#x27; $265M bond referendum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/02/12/dmps-school-closures-restructuring" target="_self">to reinvent the district amid declining enrollment</a>.

Education 📚

West Des Moines parent shares concerns over AI reading program

New visa rules worry Iowa's international students

East Village charter school proposes new athletic field and park

DMPS board chairperson Kim Martorano shares priorities

Des Moines Public Schools enrollment declines by 600+ students