Operation Downtown Celebrates 20-Year Anniversary

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (March 14, 2018) — Operation Downtown is celebrating 20 years of service supporting the vibrancy of Downtown Des Moines (DSM). Formed in 1998, Operation Downtown’s mission has been to enhance the quality of life in Downtown DSM by keeping it safe, clean, welcoming and beautiful.

In 2017, Operation Downtown Ambassadors accomplished the following:

• Removed 657,976 pounds of trash.
• Removed 1,843 graffiti tags.
• Power washed 481 block faces.
• Assisted 9,199 people.
• Expanded the RecycleDSM program to Western Gateway and the area around the Iowa Events Center to include 56 recycling receptacles.

In 2018, Operation Downtown’s funding for the next five years is up for renewal. Operation Downtown is classified as a Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID), which needs to be renewed periodically by Downtown property owners. A petition to fund Operation Downtown has been sent to Downtown property owners in the mail.

“Downtown DSM has grown tremendously in the last 20 years. In addition to a major business presence and world-class events, Downtown DSM now has a significant residential population,” said Amy Lego, Executive Director of Operation Downtown. “Operation Downtown is proud to have contributed to this momentum and looks forward to doing so long into the future with the support of Downtown property owners.”

Property owners are encouraged to sign their petition to continue Operation Downtown’s safe, clean and beautiful services. In addition to receiving the letter in the mail, the petition can also be downloaded at operationdowntown.com/petition.

About Operation Downtown

Created to help make Downtown Des Moines (DSM) a safer, cleaner place to work, live and visit, Operation Downtown is classified as a Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID). Since day one, the mission has been to enhance the quality of life in Downtown DSM by keeping it welcoming and beautiful. Programs include trash cleanup, flower planting and visitor assistance. Operation Downtown, a 501(c)(6), was formed in 1998 by business leaders to provide enhanced services that are not provided by the City of Des Moines. Today, the Greater Des Moines Partnership is a partner of Operation Downtown, and helps keep DSM among the highest-rated, most vibrant regions in the country. Learn more at operationdowntown.com.

About the Greater Des Moines Partnership

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,100 Regional Business Members and more than 320 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.