West Des Moines, IA

2026 Economic Development Strategic Action Plan

The City of West Des Moines has received the final draft of Newmark’s Economic Development Strategic Action Plan, providing a clear, data-informed roadmap to support future growth and investment over the next decade. The roadmap highlights opportunities to evolve the economic development landscape by

• attracting new and growing industry clusters to bolster the local economy
• evaluating the small business development and entrepreneurship ecosystem of the city
• accelerating growth potential of already-successful businesses in the area
• considering the economic development strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities of the city to better position it for future growth
• analyzing and marketing existing development sites that will be the most competitive for future economic prospects
• outlining strategies for redevelopment throughout the older portions of the city (like Valley West Mall and the Grand Avenue corridor)
• looking at innovative, fiscally responsible financial incentive policies for development

06/01/26 - The West Des Moines City Council received and filed the final version of the 2026 Economic Development Strategic Action Plan

Historic West Des Moines Master Plan

For nearly 130 years, Historic West Des Moines has been a resilient and unique part of our city. To protect this identity, the City adopted the Historic West Des Moines Master Plan on September 19, 2016. This plan guides the growth and reinvestment in the Valley Junction area.

• View the Master Plan (PDF)
• View the Project Action Steps Worksheet (PDF)
• View the Funding Summary (2016-2021)

Design Guidelines

On December 5, 2022, the City Council approved the Historic West Des Moines Design Guidelines (PDF). These guidelines ensure that new construction and renovations match the historic feel of the neighborhood.

Stay Informed

• Questions: Call 515-273-0770 or email ced@wdm.iowa.gov.

Steering Committee

The Master Plan Steering Committee (HWDMSC) consists of 19 volunteer members. They represent local residents, businesses, and non-profit organizations.

Past Meetings & Records

Records of past meetings, including agendas and video recordings, are organized by date below.

Note: Additional past meeting records from 2021-2022 are available upon request.

University Avenue Corridor Study 

The University Avenue Corridor Study is now complete. This study was conducted to evaluate the current conditions of the University Avenue corridor and to develop a long-term vision for transportation, land use, and beautification in the area.

The final report identifies opportunities for improved traffic flow, enhanced pedestrian safety, and future development that aligns with the City's growth goals.

View the Final University Avenue Corridor Study (PDF)

Study Goals

• Transportation: Improving safety and efficiency for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
• Land Use: Guiding the types of businesses and housing that fit the corridor.
• Aesthetics: Enhancing the visual appeal of one of West Des Moines' busiest roadways.

Historic Valley Junction - Building Histories

Historic Valley Junction is a community many love and call home. Filled with an array of new and multi-generational families, eclectic shops and restaurants, organizations, and stakeholders, the community is rich in history, character, and opportunity.

What follows is an account of Historic Valley Junction commercial properties as identified in Valley Junction Commercial Historic District: 2022 Jacobsen Survey Update + Findings. The City encourages you to review this document and share any additional stories and photos that you have for any of the properties included by emailing them to ced@wdm.iowa.gov.