Our Purpose

we exist to involve neighbors in a collective effort to enhance and celebrate the quality of residential life in downtown Des Moines
  • we socialize – enjoying camaraderie with our neighbors
  • we participate – in local activities, like participating in the Drake Relays Street Painting
  • we communicate – via our website, email, and social media
  • we collaborate – with other downtown entities, like the Downtown Community Alliance
  • we advocate – for the neighborhood, working with governmental agencies and elected officials
  • we preserve – the rich heritage of downtown Des Moines
  • we are philanthropic – giving to deserving charities and institutions that support downtown Des Moines

Our Boundaries

The boundaries of the Downtown Neighborhood Association are: Ingersoll Avenue (West of 14th Street), High Street (between 14th Street and 6th Avenue) and Grand Avenue (East of 6th Avenue) on the North, the Raccoon River on the South, the Des Moines River on the East, and 18th Street on the West.
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Our History

A small group of early downtown residents got together in June 2002 to begin the process of establishing our neighborhood association. The City of Des Moines officially recognized the Downtown Des Moines Neighborhood Association, today known as the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Des Moines or simply the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) in September 2002. Our first board meetings and members joined in October 2002. Our first annual meeting and election of a board of directors occurred in January 2003. We went online with our first version of desmoinesdna.com on January 16, 2003.

On March 13, 2014, the Downtown Neighborhood Association was recognized as a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)4 of the Internal Revenue Code. We were granted a retroactive exemption with an effective date of March 15, 2010.

Today, the Downtown Neighborhood Association is one of the fifty-seven (57) neigbhorhoods represented within the City of Des Moines. Collectively these neighborhoods are part of the umbrella neighborhood association of Des Moines Neighbors.

DNA Members of the Board

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Brandon Brown

President

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Open Position

Vice President

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Christine Comito

Secretary

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Doug Selsor

Treasurer

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Chris Fultz

At Large Member of the Board

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Deb Madison Levi

At Large Member of the Board

Our Volunteers

In addition to our all Volunteer board, there is also a Social Committee and Membership Committee. Contact us at dnaboard@desmoinesdna.com to inquire.

Our Meeting Minutes

Looking for documentation or meeting minutes for the neighborhood association? This is available upon request. Please contact dnaboard@desmoinesdna.com to inquire.