Special City Council Meeting - July 10, 2026

The City of West Des Moines held a Special City Council Meeting on July 10, 2026, primarily focused on public hearings related to a significant urban renewal project involving a large-scale development including a 6,000-seat outdoor amphitheater, hotels, conference center, water park, restaurants, and housing. A resident expressed concerns about the potential impacts on nearby homes, particularly regarding noise, traffic, parking, lighting, and the use of public tax increment financing (TIF) incentives before comprehensive impact studies and enforceable protections are in place. The council approved resolutions and ordinances related to consolidating the urban renewal plan and the development agreement, emphasizing that the project has been in planning for over five years and includes safeguards such as a pay-as-you-go TIF structure. Additionally, the council approved the termination of a lease agreement for a local business. The meeting highlighted the council's commitment to addressing community concerns while advancing a major economic development initiative.