About and Membership

The River Bend Neighborhood Association was organized in 1986 when a group of neighbors met to discuss the area’s needs. The River Bend Neighborhood Association is committed to improving our neighborhood. Accomplishments include:

• Ongoing work with city agencies to advocate for better law enforcement and other city services
• Working with several developers to bring historically sensitive development into the River Bend
• Saving historical houses, including the Ruan home
• Working with other neighborhood associations to work for the common interests of Des Moines residents
• Taking action against landlords that create nuisance properties through improper management
• Developing a 6th Avenue revitalization plan and working with businesses and the city to help make the vision a reality
• Holding an annual home tour to raise awareness of the neighborhood
• Holding a monthly neighborhood farmers market from June through October

Here are the answers to common questions about the Association:

• • • When/Where are meetings held?
      • General meetings are hybrid and are held on the last Tuesday of the month at 6pm at:
        • In person: 1618 6th Ave., HOME, Inc. Education Center
        • Via Zoom: We share the link on our Facebook page
      • Board meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month, starting at 6pm.
    • Who can attend? Everyone is welcome to attend general and board meetings, and there’s no charge to attend. To become a member of the neighborhood association, which gives you rights to vote for the Association board, as well as run to be a board member after one year of membership, the basic membership cost is $12 per person per year, or $24 per family. Membership dues cover a calendar year Jan-Dec. Buy or renew your membership below.
    • How can I get involved?
      • Attend a meeting
      • Become a Block Captain
      • Visit the farmers market, second Saturdays June through October
      • Sign up to receive the monthly newsletter