Presidential Politics Enters the Des Moines Rezoning Debate

Julián Castro, Democratic candidate for president and former secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, chose a side regarding the controversial rezoning proposal making its way through the Des Moines City Council.

2 minute read

August 15, 2019, 10:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Iowa State Flag

Jiri Flogel / Shutterstock

Kim Norvell reports: "Julián Castro, a Democratic candidate for president, said cities like Des Moines should provide more opportunities for affordable housing when updating their zoning and building codes."

Advocates have been expressing concern about the potential for proposed changes to the city's 54-year-old zoning code to make housing more expensive to build in the city throughout the summer, as local news outlets have tracked the zoning changes.

Recently, however, national urbanism media has picked up on the talking points of housing advocates: Streetsblog USA call the proposed changes a "possibly racist" example of downzoning. CityLab also uses the word downzoning to describe the reformed zoning code and definitely implies that the zoning changes are specifically designed to keep growth in the city at bay. Capps also presents the thinking of Des Moines planners in suggesting the changes: the city wants to be able to compete with suburbs.  

Into that now national context, Castro the presidential candidate emerges. "Castro, speaking Tuesday at an affordable housing town hall on the east side, said he was made aware of Des Moines' efforts earlier in the day. He met with city officials to discuss the plan," according to Norvell.

"Castro said he would reserve judgment until he reads it in its entirety. But, based on what he'd heard, Castro said he would encourage the city to be more flexible in its approach to allow for more affordable housing."

Tuesday, August 13, 2019 in Des Moines Register

Few passengers waiting in subway station with multiple platforms and "North Station" signs in Boston, Massachusetts

Boston Transit Riders Report Safety Concerns

Almost three-quarters of current and former riders report feeling unsafe while using MBTA services.

September 18, 2023 - Hoodline

View of Interstate 205 bridge over Columbia River with Mt. Hood in background.

The Unceremonious Death of a Freeway Expansion Project

The end of an Oregon freeway project didn't get much fanfare, but the victory is worth celebrating.

September 19, 2023 - Streetsblog USA

Wood frame house under construction

Houston Lot Size Reforms Yield Positive Results

New research shows that reducing lot size requirements helped create thousands of new homes.

September 17, 2023 - Pew Trusts

Aerial view of Omaha, Nebraska downtown.

Omaha Streetcar Breaks Ground

The city aims to bring back its once-extensive streetcar network.

8 minutes ago - Omaha World-Herald

Houston BCycle bike share station full of bikes at University of Houston

From Zero to Two: Houston’s Bike Share Saga Continues

The city is now proposing supporting BCycle as well as launching a new, complementary system.

1 hour ago - Axios

View of Austin, Texas skyline at dusk with Colorado River and bridge in foreground

‘Affordability Unlocked’ Boosts Austin’s Affordable Housing Production

A 2019 program has created new housing at a faster rate than other city programs.

2 hours ago - KUT