Des Moines is already facing the effects of climate change, including warmer temperatures and more frequent and severe flooding. These hazards are expected to worsen in the coming years, bringing more extreme temperatures, intense storms, and flooding that threaten community health and safety, infrastructure, and Des Moines’ economy.

To help the Des Moines community become more resilient to future climate impacts and to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, the City of Des Moines is developing a community-wide climate action and adaptation plan. This effort, called ADAPT DSM, will detail solutions to achieve the climate action goals and targets established in the 2016 Strategic Plan and Roll Call Number 21-0040 which includes 100% 24/7 carbon-free electricity citywide by 2035 and net-zero emissions by 2050. ADAPT DSM will build on and reinforce other local and regional efforts, including but not limited to Guide DSM, Plan DSM, Move DSM, and the Polk County Hazard Mitigation Plan.

The City of Des Moines is committed to an equitable and inclusive process and recognizes that robust community involvement and input are essential to the success of both the planning effort and future implementation. The first phase of the process will focus on exploring climate change-related risks and opportunities. Over the course of summer 2022, we want to hear your perspectives and stories about how climate change has impacted you and what concerns and ideas you have for making Des Moines more resilient in the future.

Share your experiences by participating in an online community survey at https://rdgusa.mysocialpinpoint.com/dsmcaap.

Check out the project webpage to learn more: dsm.city/adapt.

For additional information about the project, please contact Jeremy Caron at jwcaron@dmgov.org or 515-248-6348.