Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How could Des Moines’ new tax and transit ideas hit your wallet?

Happening soon: Candlelight: Holiday Special Featuring 'The Nutcracker" & More on the Des Moines Patch calendar

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Good morning to you Des Moines! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How could Des Moines’ new tax and transit ideas hit your wallet?
  • What zebra mussels in the Des Moines River mean for your water
  • How could this year’s Statehouse agenda change your Des Moines tax bill?

Also on today's calendar: Woofmas Wrapped and 4 more events.

Find out what's happening in Des Moinesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one magnet say to the other magnet? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Des Moinesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Tuesday: Sun and areas of high clouds, with a high of 46 and low of 34 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Sun and areas of low clouds, temps: high: 49, low: 37.
  • Thursday: Intervals of clouds and sun, with a high of 57 and low of 40 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Can Des Moines leaders make living in the city more affordable? (desmoinesregister.com subscription) — Des Moines city leaders are rethinking generous property tax abatements, transit funding, and childcare incentives as they confront budget shortfalls and rising living costs for residents. Council members are weighing how to better target tax breaks, adjust DART service and fares, and possibly support new childcare providers while protecting cost-burdened households and keeping the city competitive with its suburbs.
   

2. KCCI Investigates: Invasive zebra mussels found in Des Moines River for first time (kcci.com) — Zebra mussels have been found for the first time in the Des Moines River near Birdland Marina, raising concerns for local ecosystems and water systems. Des Moines Water Works and state experts urge metro boaters and anglers to clean, drain, and dry equipment to slow the spread of this fast‑reproducing invasive species.
   

3. Property taxes, criminal justice reform, affordability among Iowa House priorities for 2026 Legislative Session (who13.com) — State lawmakers are gearing up in Des Moines to tackle property tax reform, criminal justice changes, and affordability when the 2026 legislative session opens in January. Des Moines Rep. Brian Meyer is pushing proposals to cut residential property taxes, expand first-time homebuyer grants, and lower living costs, while GOP leaders emphasize tax changes, tougher penalties for violent offenders, and boosting in-state manufacturing.
   

4. IEDA Board Approves Funding for Companies, Quality-of-Life Initiatives and Startup Services (kscj.com) — Des Moines families and entrepreneurs stand to benefit from new state funding, including $787,000 to relocate and expand the Des Moines Children’s Museum in West Des Moines and a two-year grant for The Iowa Center’s small-business coaching. The IEDA Board also approved major job-creating projects in other Iowa cities and statewide startup support, all aimed at boosting quality of life and economic growth.
   

5. City of West Des Moines names new police chief (weareiowa.com) — West Des Moines has selected veteran Houston officer Craig Bellamy as its next police chief, with his tenure beginning Feb. 2, 2026. He’ll take over as current Chief Chris Scott retires in March, a leadership change that could shape policing across the Des Moines metro.
   

📸 Around Des Moines

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Des Moines

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★ Featured events ★

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📣 Des Moines Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hello my cat Milo got out of a cracked window around midnight early Sunday morning.
    Here is a picture please call me at 5152048261 if you have seen him. He is very friendly and doesn’t scratch but may run away from strangers. (Nextdoor Gray's Woods)
  • Please share & repost to help reunite this stray dog!
    FOUND on December 21, 2025 in Des Moines, IA 50317 near E 29th and Hubbell Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor Norwood)
  • MyJobsCorner posted a job opening for Dock Worker Jobs: Hiring Immediately! Full Time / Part Time - $18-$36/Hr in Des Moines. Apply here.
  • Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member in Des Moines. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Des Moines here.

Ok Des Moines! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I find you very attractive!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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