Program areas at DCA
Economic development: the organization serves the Downtown by undertaking leadership and collaborative efforts to leverage and enhance the strengths of the area. During 2021, the organization helped attract or expand 7 businesses and assisted with projects that led to 386 new or retained jobs. It continued to support the development and expansion of Downtown amenities and other key projects that enhanced Downtown des moines. Results in the current year reflected the impacts of the pandemic.
Downtown banner program: the organization manages this program which approves and executes the placement of street banners at nearly 350 sites throughout Downtown. The program is primarily available to non-profit organizations but can be utilized by for-profit organizations if the banners are being placed on poles in front of property owned by the for-profit entity. The program is a very successful and popular way to draw attention to local events, organizations, and activities.
Downtown des moines farmers market: the market, which dates back to 1976, is held each saturday from may to october. The market boasts nearly 300 vendors and averages more than 25,000 in attendance each week. In addition, an indoor market is held over two weekends in november and december. The nationally-recognized market includes a variety of vendors and product offerings and is produced, operated, and managed by the organization. The 2021 season marked a return to an in-person market and over the course of the season, the event return to pre-pandemic levels of activity.
This includes the costs and revenues associated with various programmatic offerings during 2022 including lunchtime events offered to the Downtown workforce and resident population. In addition, the costs of marketing and promoting Downtown activities and offerings, including but not limited to, those carried out by the organization are reflected here.