Des Moines City Council Holds First Meeting in New City Hall

The council votes to keep recreation centers free for youth amid budget concerns.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Des Moines City Council held its first meeting in the new City Hall building on Monday, which previously housed Nationwide offices. During the meeting, the council voted unanimously to continue offering free admission to recreation centers for people 19 and under, despite a proposed $1 daily fee due to an expected budget shortfall.

Why it matters

The move to keep recreation centers accessible for youth, especially those from low-income families, highlights the city's commitment to providing important community resources despite financial challenges. The new City Hall also represents a significant milestone for Des Moines as it consolidates various city departments under one roof.

The details

The new TM Franklin Cownie City Administration Building, located near the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, will house 11 city departments that were previously spread across four different locations. The city purchased the building and its connecting parking garage for $36 million. During the council meeting, the members voted to maintain free admission to recreation centers for people 19 and under, rather than implementing a proposed $1 daily fee. Councilman Joe Gatto cited the importance of keeping these spaces accessible, especially for low-income residents who may not be able to afford private health club memberships.

  • The city council held its first meeting in the new City Hall on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • The city previously purchased the building and parking garage for $36 million.

The players

Des Moines City Council

The governing body of the city of Des Moines, Iowa, responsible for making decisions on local policies and issues.

Joe Gatto

A Des Moines city councilman who spoke about the importance of maintaining free access to recreation centers for youth.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of this is because of some of the property tax rules that are being thrown at us from the statehouse. It's really hurting our ability to be able to give services. That needs to be really looked at. The whole property tax reform isn't really doing what they say.”

— Joe Gatto, City Councilman (Local 5)

“We need to be able to provide services to the people that can't afford to go to a health club on their own. It is most important to the people that really need it. They need to be able to use this type of service.”

— Joe Gatto, City Councilman (Local 5)

What’s next

The city is still seeking a developer to repurpose the old city hall building in the East Village.

The takeaway

The Des Moines City Council's decision to maintain free access to recreation centers for youth demonstrates the city's commitment to providing important community resources, even in the face of budget challenges. This move highlights the council's focus on ensuring equitable access to these facilities, especially for low-income residents.