Fuller and Grand Construction Update

Due to great weather last week, the contractor was able to make great progress in paving operations at Fuller Road and Grand Avenue. Below are some photos taken last Friday morning.

Fuller Road Looking East:

Grand Avenue Looking North:

Grand Avenue Looking South:

Currently the intersection is scheduled to be open in time for the Hy-Vee Triathlon, although it will be closed to thru traffic for most of that weekend. For important information regarding the Triathlon weekend including park impacts, road closings information, and more, visit the Triathlon News page on the city website.

Site Selection Recognizes the Greater DSM Partnership

Site Selection magazine, which recognized Jordan Creek Town Center earlier this year as a development that creatively combines retail and entertainment options, recently gave the Greater Des Moines Partnership an Honorable Mention as one of the Top Economic Development Groups of 2008. The Microsoft Data Center slated for West Des Moines is mentioned in their discussion of the Partnership's work.

The article in Site Selection is also interesting because it suggests that the "jobs of the future" are headed to Middle America. The author notes that, based on Site Selection's data, communities in the central United States are leaders in job creation and corporate investment in facilities.

Site Selection's choices for the top economic development groups were based on numerous criteria: total capital investment; investment per capita; total jobs created; jobs created per capita; the contributions of the local or regional economic development organization toward the attainment of these numbers; overall economic vitality; depth and breadth of economic strength; diversity of industry; ability to generate breakthrough deals; and the ability to provide documentation for all projects.

Another sign that Central Iowa is considered a strong and vital economic power! Thanks to the Partnership for their continued commitment to attracting and retaining businesses in our area, assisting business expansion, and developing our workforce.

If you haven't visited the Partnership's website recently, I suggest you view the Partnership's Workforce Attraction Video or get information about their recent I Believe campaign.

Employees Mark Earth Day

Last Wednesday, ten West Des Moines employees took an hour out of their day to collect garbage and litter near Interstate 35 between Mills Civic Parkway and Grand Avenue. They collected over 20 bags of trash in that short time. A commendable effort that I know mirrored the efforts of numerous groups, organizations, and individuals who demonstrated their commitment to making our community more sustainable on Earth Day.

Another group of city employees is working to develop a comprehensive sustainability strategy for the City organization, which will serve as a year-long reminder that we need to be cognizant of the effects of our present-day activities on the future.