Accomplishments

Josh Mandelbaum is currently serving his second term on the Des Moines City Council. During Josh’s term, Des Moines has continued to grow and thrive while tackling long-standing problems. 

Implementing Local Climate Solutions

  • Spearheaded an effort to pass a 24/7 100% clean energy policy that is the first of its kind for a city government in the nation.

  • Shepherded Des Moines’ building benchmarking ordinance through passage creating a policy targeting the largest users for improved energy efficiency and water conservation.

  • Supported adding electric vehicles to the city fleet.

  • Supported hiring the first full-time sustainability director and initiating a comprehensive climate action and adaptation plan.

Increasing Access to Affordable Housing

  • Championed passage of the city’s legal source of income non-discrimination ordinance to expand access to stable affordable housing options to some of our communities most vulnerable residents.

  • Partnered with Central Iowa Shelter and Service to expand its facility to include 24 new supportive housing apartments.

  • Created affordability carve outs on city supported multi-family residential developments.

Creating an Accessible Community

  • Launched the largest street repair program in city history.

  • Adopted the city’s first transportation master plan, MoveDSM, to better design streets and ensure that our transportation system works for everyone.

  • Passed a leading complete streets policy that prioritizes safe access for all users of our streets.

  • Implemented streetscape improvements on Ingersoll and University that enhance the pedestrian and bike infrastructure and safety.

  • Reconstructing Fleur Dr. and including sidewalks on both sides of the street to better connect the Watrous South, Gray’s Lake and Southwestern Hills neighborhoods.

Connecting a Strong Downtown to Vibrant, Diverse Neighborhoods

  • Entered an agreement to clean up the Dico site, a superfund site since 1983, and to redevelop the area into a new Stadium district.

  • Invested in MacRae Park to make it a signature city park and help serve as an anchor for a strong SW 9th St. corridor.

  • Transformed the University Avenue corridor by Drake with investment in a new streetscape, new businesses and housing.

  • Created the InvestDSM neighborhood revitalization program and targeting limited dollars to have maximum impact.

  • Invested in repairing and replacing aging infrastructure with a record investment of $145 million in storm sewer investments over a six year period.

  • Expanded operating hours at all six branches of the Des Moines Public Library.

Improving Public Safety

  • Passed a ban on racial profiling and improved data collection of police stops.

  • Required de-escalation and implicit bias training for all police officers.

  • Required police policies and procedures to be published on the city website for the first time and created a citizen led Policy and Practice Review committee.

  • Sponsored the creation of Des Moines’ Marijuana Taskforce, and then joined local elected officials from around the state to advocate for statewide marijuana legalization, a key taskforce recommendation.

Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic

  • Advocated taking public health precautions including closing public buildings, opening more patio space at restaurants to get folks outside and distanced, and early support for Des Moines’ mask mandate.

  • Partnered with IMPACT Community Action and the County in providing $14 million in rent assistance.

  • Created a restaurant relief program that focused aid to small businesses for delivery and carryout materials.

  • Created a small business relief program that provided over $1 million dollars to 140 local small businesses.

  • Partnered with local restaurants and Central Iowa Shelter and Services to provide over 53,000 free meals at 14 distribution sites to those in need during the pandemic.