News

DES MOINES, IA - At-large Councilor and Mayor Pro-Tem Mike Simonson announced Wednesday that he would seek re-election to a full term on the Des Moines City Council.

 

With his announcement, Simonson released the following statement:

"While I am proud of the progress we've made since I joined the City Council, there's still so much more we can do together. I’ll keep showing up — every neighborhood, every street, every vote. I believe in Des Moines and the people who call it home. That's why I'm running for a full term: to help lead the way in the fight for lower costs, real solutions to the housing crisis, and improved service delivery for all."

 

Simonson, who won a 2024 special election, looks to build on the progress the city has made in the year he has served while continuing to fight for a better Des Moines. Simonson noted several accomplishments in his record as a councilor to include: 

• Helping to develop the city’s comprehensive plan on homelessness

• Working to keep Birdland pool open amid budget constraints

• Placing greater emphasis on housing affordability and availability

• Supporting zoning reform to reflect the needs of Des Moines today 

• Publicly opposing the city ordinance placing fines on those experiencing homelessness and voting against the final legislation

 

In his first full term, Simonson looks to continue to address homelessness, with plans to implement the city’s first permanent warming and cooling shelter and increase longer-term supportive housing units. Broader housing affordability is also a top priority, with diversification in housing types to meet supply needs. Simonson also plans to improve DART services to maintain and improve cost-effective public transportation. Additionally, with input from the community, Simonson looks to support Des Moines Public Schools as they reimagine education.

 

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