DES MOINES, Iowa – Mayor Frank Cownie today announced that the Des Moines City Council will return to in-person public meetings in City Hall on Monday, June 14. All on-site public meetings were suspended on March 15, 2020, by Mayor Cownie’s emergency declaration in response to the community spread of COVID-19. Since then, public meetings have been conducted remotely via the Zoom network.
“At 15 months, this will be a long time in coming and an important step in our pandemic recovery,” Cownie said. “It has been a significant challenge for our community, and I want to thank our residents for being so patient over these many months. We hope they share in the enthusiasm Council members and City staff have in seeing each other in person.”
He added that City boards and commission will resume their on-site public meetings in July.
Additionally, on May 3, the public will be able to meet with city staff at the administration buildings on an appointment-only basis. The city plans to fully reopen administration buildings to the public on June 1.
Face coverings and safe social distance will still be required in city facilities. The city of Des Moines announced that officials will continue to monitor the state of COVID-19 over time and adjust plans as necessary to protect city staff and the public.
