Des Moines Cuts Sustainability Office Amid Budget Shortfall

Des Moines City Council faced backlash from residents and climate activists after the city laid off its entire Office of Sustainability staff due to a projected $17 million budget shortfall for the 2026 fiscal year. Community members argued that eliminating the sustainability initiative, which was responsible for implementing a comprehensive climate action plan aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, would hinder progress in combating climate change. City Manager Scott Sanders attributed the layoffs to reduced property tax revenue and rising service costs, with no prior public discussion on the decision. Activists expressed concern over the future of ongoing sustainability projects, emphasizing that the challenges posed by climate change cannot simply be reassigned to other departments. The move raised alarms about the potential rollback of ambitious environmental goals established by the city. City officials are now working to finalize a plan to address the responsibilities previously managed by the sustainability office.