Ankeny, a city in the Des Moines metro area, is currently evaluating a proposal that could reduce its financial support for regional arts and tourism partnerships. Local officials have indicated that the city may contribute 12.5% less to Bravo Greater Des Moines and Catch Des Moines in the future, as part of ongoing discussions about managing limited revenue. These deliberations are influenced by restrictions imposed on property taxes by state lawmakers, making it necessary for cities to reconsider their financial commitments.

Proposed Changes to Contributions

On February 24, 2025, the Ankeny City Council reviewed the potential reduction in contributions to Bravo Greater Des Moines and Catch Des Moines. The city manager has been involved in negotiations with other municipalities, attempting to adjust funding levels that align with the limitations placed on property taxes by the state. Under the current proposal, Ankeny would lower its contribution to both organizations from the current level, saving the city approximately $168,714, which could be reinvested into operations or capital improvement projects.

However, this cut could only take place if all the cities that contribute to Bravo and Catch Des Moines agree to cap their hotel/motel tax contributions at 25%, down from the current 28.6%. All participating cities must revise their contracts to reflect this change. Until an agreement is reached, the Ankeny City Council plans to move forward with a budget that maintains the current contribution level, which amounts to $674,857 each to Bravo and Catch Des Moines. The city hopes to finalize the agreement before the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, 2025.

Impact of Potential Cuts on the Arts and Tourism Sector

Both Bravo Greater Des Moines and Catch Des Moines play significant roles in promoting arts and tourism across the region. Bravo offers a variety of grants and programs that support arts organizations in the 17 communities it serves. Its funding helps sustain community theater groups, festivals, music organizations, and other cultural institutions, including the Des Moines Arts Center, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and the Blank Park Zoo. Bravo also facilitates the Passport to Culture program, providing access to youth arts programs in local school districts.

Catch Des Moines, on the other hand, plays a vital role in attracting and supporting regional events, such as conventions, competitions, and large-scale cultural events. It also works to bring in significant events like NCAA March Madness and national tournaments. These efforts contribute to the economic and cultural vibrancy of the Des Moines metro area, benefiting local businesses and residents alike.

The Broader Debate Over Regional Funding

As Ankeny reviews its budget and contribution levels, the larger discussion about regional funding continues to evolve. Ankeny’s Mayor, Bobbi Bentz, emphasized that there is widespread desire to reevaluate how Bravo and Catch Des Moines are funded. This reflects the financial pressure that many cities in the metro area are facing due to changes in property tax revenue rules.

Ankeny’s administrative services director, Jennifer Sease, noted that while the proposed cuts may seem significant, they are designed to be manageable and reasonable. The city aims to balance its fiscal responsibilities while still supporting vital regional programs. However, these decisions are complicated by the necessity for mutual agreement from all cities involved. The goal is to ensure that the regional funding model is sustainable, taking into account the economic realities of each city.

The Economic Importance of Bravo and Catch Des Moines

Bravo Greater Des Moines and Catch Des Moines have been recognized for their strong return on investment in the region. According to Sally Dix, the president of Bravo, the organization generates $70 in economic impact for every $1 invested. This impressive return underscores the critical role Bravo plays in fostering cultural development and economic vitality in the region. Bravo’s programs contribute significantly to quality of life and the development of the local arts scene, benefiting all residents in the Greater Des Moines area.

Catch Des Moines has similarly been credited with helping attract large-scale events and conferences that bring in visitors and boost the local economy. Greg Edwards, president and CEO of Catch Des Moines, expressed disappointment over the potential funding cuts, noting that reducing support for these organizations could harm the region’s ability to compete for major events and tourism dollars.

Challenges Facing Regional Partnerships

In recent months, other cities in the region have also taken steps to reduce or withdraw their support from Bravo and Catch Des Moines. Cities like Altoona, Indianola, and Norwalk have already voted to pull out of these regional partnerships, citing the financial strain caused by the new state property tax cuts. These decisions reflect the broader challenges that local governments across Iowa are facing as they navigate the limitations on property tax revenue growth imposed by House File 718.

Altoona and Norwalk have chosen to withdraw from Bravo, while Indianola has decided to leave Catch Des Moines. These withdrawals highlight the ongoing tension between local funding priorities and the pressures of state-imposed revenue restrictions. The departures of these cities are part of a broader trend in the Des Moines metro area, where municipalities are reassessing their participation in regional programs as they adjust to new fiscal realities.

Global and Local Impact on Tourism and Arts

The potential reduction in funding for Bravo and Catch Des Moines will have both local and broader implications for tourism and arts in the region. National and international travelers who participate in events supported by Catch Des Moines or engage with cultural institutions funded by Bravo may notice a shift in the offerings and quality of services available. The region’s ability to host large-scale events could be compromised, leading to a decrease in tourism-related spending. This may also have a ripple effect on the hospitality, retail, and service industries that rely on tourism.

On a global scale, this trend may affect the Des Moines metro area’s attractiveness as a destination for major conventions, arts festivals, and sporting events. Reduced funding for key regional organizations could make the area less competitive in attracting such events, potentially leading to a loss in both domestic and international visitors.

The Path Forward for Regional Funding

As Ankeny and other cities in the Des Moines metro area continue to navigate their financial constraints, the future of regional partnerships like Bravo Greater Des Moines and Catch Des Moines remains uncertain. While some cuts may be necessary due to state-imposed property tax limits, these decisions will likely have long-term effects on the region’s cultural and tourism sectors. Local governments will need to find ways to balance fiscal responsibility with the ongoing need for investment in arts, culture, and tourism to maintain the region’s economic vitality and global appeal.

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