The supervisors approved an agreement with Simonson & Associates for master planning and market analysis of a possible entertainment district near the Iowa Events Center, by a 3–0 vote, with one supervisor passing.
Approved the agreement with Simonson & Associates LLC for environmental, master planning, rendering/animation and market analysis work. Supervisor Connolly passed; Supervisor Hockensmith was absent. Adopted.
How each member voted
| Official | Seat | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Matt McCoy | Dist. 1 | Yes |
| Jill Altringer | Dist. 2 | Yes |
| Mark Holm | Dist. 3 | Yes |
| Tom Hockensmith | Dist. 4 | Absent |
| Angela Connolly | Dist. 5 | Pass |
More from the record
The county intends to do master planning and market analysis for "a potential new entertainment district north and south of the convention complex." The memo says the district would turn underutilized land into a mixed-use destination and expand jobs and the tax base (the county’s stated expectations). The fiscal note lists $175,000 to $200,000, with $25,000 from the City of Des Moines and $50,000 from Knapp Properties. Two speakers commented on the item; one also submitted written questions, which were received and filed. The County Administrator discussed the agreement’s background and the county’s procurement process.
The alternative
No other options were presented in the record.
Money
- Who
- Polk County, the City of Des Moines and Knapp Properties
- How
- $175,000 to $200,000 total, including $25,000 from the city and $50,000 from Knapp Properties
- When
- FY 26/27
- Source
- Agenda packet · Minutes (saved copy)
Housing and neighborhood
- Who
- Downtown land north and south of the convention complex
- How
- Planning only; no development is approved by this item
- When
- Not in the record
- Source
- Agenda packet · Minutes (saved copy)
Who gets a say
- Who
- Residents
- How
- Two speakers commented and written questions were filed at this meeting
- When
- Oct 6, 2026
- Source
- Agenda packet · Minutes (saved copy)
Source Minutes (saved copy) · Agenda packet