The City of West Des Moines is changing rapidly. Population is increasing and its geographic boundaries are growing. In addition, with steady job creation in financial services, software and IT, insurance, and retail, the city has experienced significant economic development success over the past several years.

However, as the economic development landscape becomes increasingly more global and competitive, West Des Moines will need to sharpen its strategies and build more effective partnerships to become a more “innovative” community – where competitiveness is drawn from a combination of a high-technology sustainable infrastructure, highly skilled workers, and enhanced research & development.  

The City of West Des Moines has launched a broad study to chart a course for the future of economic development in the City. The West Des Moines Economic Development Plan Update is a multi-faceted, five-month project led by the City’s Community & Economic Development department to create high-value jobs and retain young talent through sustainable approaches.

AngelouEconomics (AE), an economic development consulting firm based in Austin, Texas, will manage the project and its four objectives:

1. Assess the region's current competitiveness
2. Identify specific high-impact target industries
3. Develop specific strategies to improve city efforts:

• Attract new business
• Retain and expand existing businesses
• Retain young professionals and grow a skilled workforce
• Revitalize older commercial areas
• Encourage entrepreneurship

4. Build a shared vision and catalyze collective action through a detailed implementation plan

We want this project to be a public process and we encourage all community citizens to get involved. This website will be your main tool to stay involved and follow our progress. Your input is essential to the success of this project!  Here is how you can get involved:

• Read recent news and reports

• Send your thoughts to the AE project team – Meredith Bossin