Des Moines Daily Local Headlines: Towing debate, East Village redo, and Highland Park preservation
Des Moines, IA – February 26, 2026 – City Council’s towing vote, East Village redo, Highland Park preservation move, plus girls state hoops prep.
Local headlines to know
City towing contract draws pushback
Des Moines leaders approved a new towing contract after a public debate that touched on customer service, oversight, and what drivers experience when a car gets towed. The city said it needs a provider with enough capacity to handle thousands of tows a year, but several council members signaled they want clearer expectations and better accountability going forward.
East Village streetscape overhaul approved
A nearly $1.6 million streetscape refresh is coming to the East Village, with updates aimed at making key blocks feel safer and easier to walk. Plans include new curb extensions at intersections and work along East Locust, including replacing many of the neighborhood’s county sidewalk plaques. Construction is expected to start in the coming months and wrap up this fall.
Highland Park preservation effort expands
After a redevelopment plan for the historic Odd Fellows Hall fell apart, the city is now considering buying three adjacent historic buildings on Euclid Avenue. The idea is to secure the properties and move quickly on stabilization, keeping the door open for future redevelopment while preventing further deterioration.
What to watch next
Des Moines is also gearing up for the Iowa girls state basketball tournament, set for March 2–7 at Casey’s Center. Organizers have released schedules, ticket details, and other basics for fans planning a weekday trip downtown.
Today’s quick calendar note
At the State Capitol, the governor’s public schedule lists a Black History Month event in the Rotunda at 3 p.m. Thursday. And if you’re looking for something lighter, a local weekly events roundup posted this week highlights live music around the metro through March 1.
Sources
- https://www.kcci.com/article/des-moines-city-council-approves-towing-contract-amid-debate/70470950
- https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/02/25/east-village-streetscape-county-plaques-des-moines
- https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/02/23/des-moines-odd-fellows-adjacent-historic
- https://www.kcci.com/article/iowa-high-school-girls-state-basketball-tournament-scores-bracket-schedule-2026/70512830
- https://governor.iowa.gov/press-release/2026-02-25/office-governor-releases-public-schedule-week-february-23r
- https://www.dsmpartnership.com/downtowndsmusa/news-blog/blog/live-music-this-week-in-dsm-feb-24-march-1-2026