DART's leaner bus network is projected to boost the regional economy, but the gains may come at the expense of transit access in several suburbs, according to a new study released yesterday.

Why it matters: The study gives DART an economic case for its overhaul, but also raises questions about whether the benefits are distributed fairly across the metro.

Catch up quick: DART replaced its network last month with 11 routes that run more frequently along the metro's busiest corridors, aiming to improve the system's usability and make rides faster and more reliable.

• The redesign cut 17 routes, reduced total service hours by about 10%, and eliminated express routes and several specialized services.
• Bondurant and Pleasant Hill also withdrew from DART, ending service in those cities when the new network launched on June 14.

Driving the news: An independent study by the Des Moines Area MPO estimates that DART's new network will support employment for 5,655 workers and generate $17.39 billion in regional GDP over 25 years.

• That's compared with 4,467 workers and $13.7 billion under the previous network.

Stunning stat: The nearly 1,200 additional workers are expected to generate $147 million more in annual GDP, according to the study.

Reality check: The findings are projections based on transportation and economic modeling, not measured results from the newly launched network.

By the numbers: The study projects the new network will generate $1.48 in transportation benefits for every $1 spent, up from $1.16.

• Broader business output is projected at $2.15 per public dollar, up from $2.07 under the previous system.

Friction point: The redesign reduced or eliminated service in some lower-ridership areas, potentially worsening transit access or increasing driving costs in parts of West Des Moines, Urbandale, Waukee, Grimes and Norwalk, according to the study.

Separately, the workforce report estimates that broader transit cuts could increase local spending on homelessness, policing, health care and social services.

What they're saying: The changes were based on limited funding and on priorities set by the communities that help pay for its services, spokesperson Sarah Welch tells Axios.

• An evaluation of the new network's performance and the effects on areas no longer served is ongoing, she said.

What we're watching: How the DART Commission responds if the redesign creates significant access or driving-cost issues.

The YMCA of Greater Des Moines is seeking another year without payments on its $6.4 million Polk County loan, with the possibility of two additional annual extensions.

Why it matters: Polk County taxpayers could wait years longer for repayment while the YMCA spends elsewhere and its downtown redevelopment remains unresolved.

Driving the news: Polk County supervisors will consider today whether to postpone the YMCA's first payment from Nov. 1 to at least Dec. 1, 2027.

• Once repayment begins, the YMCA would initially pay about $32,882 a month.

Catch up quick: Polk County approved the low-interest bridge loan in 2022 to help stabilize the YMCA after years of debt, operating losses and pandemic disruptions.

• Supervisors granted a two-year payment pause in 2023 and later added another year.
• The loan has a 2% interest rate through mid-2033.

Zoom in: The earlier deferment was intended, in part, to give the YMCA more time to secure a sale or redevelopment agreement for the 146,000-square-foot Wellmark YMCA at 501 Grand Ave.

• A prior deal to convert part of the building into affordable housing collapsed in 2021.

Flashback: Supervisor Matt McCoy, now chairperson of the board, cast the sole vote against both the original loan and its 2023 extension.

• He called the arrangement risky for taxpayers and suggested the YMCA consider bankruptcy reorganization.

Yes, but: McCoy told Axios yesterday that he will support another one-year deferral.

• The YMCA did not return Axios' requests for comment yesterday.

State of play: The Wellmark YMCA remains open.

• The group has not publicly announced a new buyer or a redevelopment agreement for the downtown site.

The intrigue: It is spending $3 million to renovate its Walnut Creek facility in West Des Moines, with construction expected to end later this year.

What's next: If approved, the revised loan would still require the YMCA to pay off the remaining balance or establish a new payment schedule by July 2031, with the debt due in full by July 2042.

Read more: YMCA's latest taxes

💵 A Des Moines Public Schools accountant questioned payments former Superintendent Ian Roberts made to a romantic and business partner 10 months before his arrest, according to email records. (Des Moines Register)

😋 Mezze Mediterranean Kitchen is opening in the Temple for Performing Arts space. The restaurant will sell salads, grain bowls and wraps. (Wini Moranville)

💧 Central Iowa Water Works announced it's lifting all lawn watering restrictions now that nitrate levels have reduced. (KCCI)

🦆 The Ducktail Lounge in Clive is temporarily closed after a driver ran into the building, causing structural damage. (Des Moines Register)

Linh here. I'm back from my ninth RAGBRAI, and over the years, I've had many reflections about my favorite time of year.

• My latest has been the influence of the ride on relationships.

How it started: I had an ex-boyfriend who was adamant RAGBRAI is where relationships "go to die." (Heat + fatigue + drinking = Total disaster.)

• So, despite us going every year, we also never went together over our three-year relationship.

So, when I was dating my then-boyfriend, Eric, I told him we couldn't move in together without completing a RAGBRAI together.

• I lent him a bike. He stuck to a training plan. 500 miles later, we finished RAGBRAI 2023 together.
• Since then, we've biked thousands more miles together (a fact our wedding officiant made sure to note).

Here are three takeaways from RAGBRAI:

💬 Communicate: No one's going to know if you're tired or you're on their left if you don't say anything.

🚲 When in doubt, slow down: There are no winners. If anything, the ride rewards those who stop for that extra slice of pie.

😊 Assume positive intent: It's easy to get annoyed in high heat while wearing spandex. But really trying to hear the other person goes a long way.

The bottom line: RAGBRAI isn't where relationships go to die (but don't expect us on a tandem soon).