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.