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About Downtown

Downtown DSM USA

DSM USA is the regional identifier for Greater Des Moines (DSM). Downtown DSM USA is the identifier for the region’s core — Downtown. The Downtown DSM USA identifier is the result of significant quantitative and qualitative research that shows the identifier closely ties Downtown to the region, therefore making both identifiers stronger. Downtown DSM USA is shown through research to communicate that Downtown is fresh, contemporary, active, cultural and diverse. 

Downtown DSM USABusinesses are encouraged to use Downtown DSM USA messaging on their websites and in their communications. Click here to download the Downtown DSM USA graphic. To request additional file types, contact Derek Lippincott.

Learn more about the DSM USA regional identifier here. To help spread the word and show your support and passion for DSM, consider becoming a DSM USA Ambassador. 

Downtown Events and Downtown Events Group 

Major community events like the Downtown Farmers' Market, including The Winter Market, World Food & Music Festival, Holiday Promenade and Out to Lunch are dedicated to ensuring the continued growth of Downtown Des Moines (DSM). These hallmark events along with pop-up activations bring more than one million people to Downtown DSM annually, creating unique and vibrant experiences for all who attend.  

Downtown DSM, Inc., leads efforts to drive development, placemaking and events in Downtown DSM. It promotes Downtown through integration of retail, restaurants, businesses, housing, events and placemaking. The Downtown Events Group, an affiliate of Downtown DSM, Inc. is a 501c3 affiliated with the mission of enhancing the vibrancy of Downtown Des Moines through the creation, elevation and activation of arts, culture and humanities events and community placemaking.  

Downtown Events Group Sponsors
  • Bankers Trust 
  • Bravo Greater Des Moines 
  • Capital Vacations 
  • City of Des Moines 
  • Clear Choice Exteriors 
  • Dotdash Meredith 
  • EMC 
  • Federal Home Loan Bank 
  • First Interstate Bank 
  • Hy-Vee 
  • IHMVCU Credit Union
  • Iowa Speedway 
  • Landus 
  • Metronet 
  • MidAmerican Energy Foundation 
  • Nationwide 
  • Operation Downtown 
  • Prairie Meadows 
  • Principal 
  • Ruan Foundation 
  • UnityPoint Health – Des Moines 
  • University of Iowa 
  • Veridian Credit Union 
  • Vero 
  • Voya 
  • Weller Brothers 

View the Downtown DSM Board Members here.  

Downtown Economic Development Council

The Downtown Economic Development Council is part of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. This board is populated by a diverse collection of Downtown DSM’s leading figures in culture and business.

Skywalk Reimagined

The Skywalk Reimagined Pilot Committee, made up of Bravo Greater Des Moines, Catch Des Moines, the City of Des Moines, the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Operation Downtown and additional community partners, has opened an RFP for local artists and architects to apply to participate in reimagining a section of the skywalk in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). 

This is the first step in a process to Reimagine the Skywalks, as outlined in the Downtown DSM: Future Forward Vision Plan and Action Plan. The plan calls for the transformation of each section of the skywalk into a different theme while creating a multi-dimensional, multi-use destination that both moves people through and brings people to the skywalk. This first project space has called for the theme of “Let’s Move/Play.” The RFP also calls for a wayfinding solution that indicates "The Green Line.”  

Connect Downtown

Connect Downtown was an initiative to make Downtown DSM more convenient by improving access to and within Downtown DSM for people walking, bicycling, driving and using public transportation. Numerous stakeholders participated and the study and initiative prompted recommendations, several of which have been implemented.