West Des Moines officials are considering rezoning some residential neighborhoods in Valley Junction to grow more businesses and new types of housing.

Why it matters: Some residents and elected officials say the rezonings could cut down West Des Moines' supply of affordable single-family homes, though supporters say it would help build needed "middle housing," like townhomes and duplexes.

The big picture: As part of Valley Junction's master plan, city staff are proposing rezoning five residential areas near the business district to help grow more "mom-and-pop" shops and diversify housing options.

• Proposed parcels include 5th Street between Vine and Locust streets; 6th Street between Locust and Walnut streets; and parts of 4th Street between Walnut Street and Railroad Avenue.
• If rezoned, these areas could redevelop to include more medium-density housing like row houses, plus small businesses like boutiques, hair salons and yoga studios.
• "I think there's demand," says Ryan Moffatt, WDM's economic development director. "With all the work that's been done in this district, we do have an area that people and businesses want to be a part of."

Catch up quick: Elected officials first considered the Valley Junction transition zones in 2022, though they delayed a decision amid pushback from residents and questions from council members.

State of play: It came up again last month because of a request to demolish homes at 308, 312 and 316 4th St.

• The century-old rental homes are owned by WB Realty. Ryan Wiederstein, owner of WB Realty, says their rents range from $600 to $1,200 a month.
• In their place, Wiederstein says they want to build 12 townhome units around 1,100 square feet each.
• "We're looking at replacing three homes that we feel are at the end of life," Wiederstein says.

What they're saying: City councilmember Kevin Trevillyan, who represents the Valley Junction area, says he is against the rezonings.

• Trevillyan says they take away affordable single-family homes and is concerned they could become a money grab for developers.
• "Why would you bulldoze housing for either more commercial or apartments?" Trevillyan tells Axios. "Why would we force our starter families into an apartment when they could have had a house?"

Between the lines: Valley Junction is the most ethnically diverse part of the city, and includes more lower-income households than the rest of West Des Moines.

• Since 2016, the city has been working on a master plan that's focused on the area's commercial district. Now, they're extending to residential parts, though there's tension between preservation and new development.

What's next: Last month, the majority of WDM City Council members approved studying the transition zones during a workshop meeting.

• City staff will workshop more and return to the City Council to get their thoughts, though a timeline isn't firm, Moffatt says.

The city of Des Moines has restarted and expanded a short-term, low-interest loan program for small businesses.

Why it matters: The program aims to fill a small-loan financing gap that traditional lenders often overlook, making it difficult for small businesses to survive or grow.

Catch up quick: The Small Business Impact Loan Program provides loans up to $20,000 for businesses with 20 or fewer full-time employees at prime rates.

• Applicants must demonstrate they do not have access to credit from a traditional lender.

Zoom in: The city launched the program last year with $100,000, issuing six loans to support businesses in opening storefronts and making building improvements.

• Repayments are distributed over three or five years and are part of a currently ongoing revolving loan fund.

State of play: The council allocated an extra $300,000 to the program in October and announced last week that it had reopened applications for new loans.

• Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until this year's funds are fully allocated.

What they're saying: The reauthorization reaffirms the city's commitment to the creativity, determination and resilience of small businesses, DSM Mayor Connie Boesen said in a press release.

What we're watching: How businesses like Rook Room, which benefited from the program, perform over the long term.

December's full Moon arrives tonight with extra oomph and an appropriately frosty name — the Cold Supermoon — to match the season.

Why it matters: For skywatchers, photographers and people who love the night sky, Moon watching is one of the easiest ways to enjoy a celestial event — no telescope or expertise required.

The big picture: This week's supermoon will sit about 221,965 miles from Earth when it hits peak illumination tonight.

• It will look especially dramatic just after the Moon's rise thanks to the Moon illusion phenomenon — the visual quirk that makes the Moon appear huge when it's low on the horizon.

The backdrop: The Old Farmer's Almanac traces the name "Cold Moon" to Mohawk tradition. Other Native American tribes used "Long Night Moon," a nod to December's long stretch of darkness.

It's a perfect moment to step outside, take a breath and, if the spirit moves you, let out a good-natured howl, a harmless way to release a bit of 2025 chaos.

💻 Four essays posted on LinkedIn have been published under former Superintendent Ian Roberts' account. They recount his time in custody, including his Taekwondo practice and interactions with other inmates. (Des Moines Register)

A group of neighbors is suing the Warren County Board of Supervisors, accusing them of approving moving a Waukee gun club to New Virginia without proper public notice. (KCCI)

🧀 The Altoona City Council approved plans to help a Wisconsin metal manufacturer expand into the city and purchase a 60-acre site north of the Meta facility. (Business Record)

🦃 Bird flu was found in an 18,000-bird turkey flock in Hamilton County, marking the first case in Iowa since October. (Radio Iowa)

🍺 Hit reply and correctly guess Jason's backstage location by 4pm today for a chance to win this Beer-A-Day special edition variety box, courtesy of Confluence Brewing Company.

• The winner will be named in tomorrow's newsletter.