Des Moines expects early-August release of resident input on projected $12 million budget gap
Des Moines expects to publish resident suggestions in early August after asking the public to weigh possible savings, revenue, service and cut options connected to a projected $12 million general-fund gap in fiscal year 2028.
The city launched its online Budget Savings Calculator and public-feedback tool in early July. Residents were invited to provide input as the city considers options for addressing the projected gap; the city said the suggestions would be made public in early August.
The pending release is the next known public development in the process. The available materials do not give a final publication date or identify what residents recommended.
Two projected general-fund gaps
The fiscal 2028 gap is estimated at approximately $12 million. The city also identified a separate projected general-fund gap of about $5 million for fiscal year 2029.
Both figures are projections. They do not establish that cuts, service changes or revenue measures have been adopted, and the available sources do not identify which specific options city leaders will ultimately propose.
The feedback tool focused on possible savings and new revenue, while KCCI reported that residents were also asked to consider potential cuts and service options. The process gives residents an opportunity to weigh choices before city leaders develop a response to the projected gaps.
Aug. 6 study session is next meeting milestone
A Des Moines City Council study session is scheduled for Aug. 6, 2026, according to the city’s published budget calendar material. It is the next known public meeting milestone after the expected early-August release of resident input.
It remains unknown how the City Council will use the feedback or whether the results will point toward particular savings, revenue or service options. Until the city publishes the suggestions, the public record described in the available materials does not show which approaches residents supported.
The discussion concerns projected gaps in the city’s general fund for future fiscal years, rather than an identified immediate cash deficit. Any final budget response has not been established in the source material.