Local Economy & Finances

Growth (25 Responses)

Expansion (13)

• Too fast, too much
• Urban sprawl
• Too many shopping facilities – saturation and consumerism
• Growing too big for what we can provide for
• Growing too rapidly without coordination
• Jordan Creek Mall may have negative effect on other malls, Valley Junction and metro area

Business (9)

• Need to attract small businesses to fill strip malls
• Strengthen business partnerships
• Need more mentoring
• Need more diversity in businesses
• Jordan Creek Mall will be economic boost
• Expansion caused by good employment
• Need small businesses
• Lack of development in Valley Junction causing decline

Planning (3)

• Continue planning to deter problems and maintain benefits of growth
• Need long term economic planning
• Evaluate sustainability
• Tendency is “more is better”

Finance and Budget (19 Responses)

Cities (11)

• Facing budget cuts while needs grow
• Resources spread too thin
• Cities can’t afford all their programs
• West Des Moines City Council cut funding for services that West Des Moines uses
• West Des Moines taxes too high
• Cost for art center activities prohibitive to most families
• Public finances need to be more easily accessible

Schools (8)

• Reduced funding causes stress on meeting needs of youth
• Money spent on extravagant items (stadium)