What We Champion
We back the projects, businesses, and partnerships that make River Bend a better place to live.
Housing and homeownership
Affordable, stable housing is growing in River Bend. New construction and creative financing are putting homeownership within reach for more families while keeping the neighborhood’s historic character intact. We’ve championed these projects through letters of support, rezoning testimony, and community outreach.
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Habitat for Humanity: |
Six duplex homes at Arlington and Clark with affordable mortgages for qualified homebuyers. We supported the rezoning, testified before the Planning and Zoning Commission, and provided a statement for Habitat’s fundraising efforts. |
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Urban Dreams: |
Six family-sized townhomes at 1411 and 1419 7th Street for households at 50% of area median income, developed from Urban Dreams’ River Bend headquarters. We backed this project with a letter of support. |
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FourEver Homes and Building Homes for Heroes |
Two new mortgage-free homes at 1522 and 1524 9th Street for military veterans. We’re helping spread the word to find veteran applicants and welcomed FourEver Homes as a new member and neighbor. |
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Central Iowa Community Land Trust |
A partnership with local municipalities to create permanently affordable homeownership in central Iowa. We’ve been at the table since the 2023 stakeholder kickoff. |
6th Avenue Corridor
6th Avenue is the heart of River Bend, and it’s coming back. New businesses, restored buildings, affordable housing, and a Main Street program are bringing energy to the corridor. We’ve backed these projects from their first grant applications through their ribbon cuttings.
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North Des Moines Town Hall |
Restoration of the historic hall at 1601 6th Avenue, plus affordable apartments, retail, and restaurant space replacing two long-vacant buildings. We wrote letters of support for the project’s earliest grants, including a $100,000 Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant. |
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Center at Sixth |
A food hall, makers market, and affordable housing bringing local vendors, entrepreneurs, and new residents to 6th Avenue. We supported the zoning process and have championed the project at every stage. |
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6th Avenue Corridor (6AC) |
The Main Street program for 6th Avenue, with a business incubator focused on retail and service entrepreneurs. We’ve been a partner since 6AC’s founding, and its executive director holds an ex officio seat on our board. |
Near Northside Neighbors
River Bend helped build the Near Northside Neighbors coalition with King Irving, Cheatom Park, Mondamin Presidential, Chautauqua Park, and Good Park. Six neighborhoods planning together, sharing resources, and speaking to the City with one voice.
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National Night Out |
The six neighborhoods hold National Night Out together at Evelyn K. Davis Park every year. River Bend serves as fiscal agent and supplies volunteers and equipment. |
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Reichardt Community Recreation Center |
The coalition worked with Des Moines Parks and Recreation on the new rec center at 915 College Avenue, which opened in 2026. River Bend holds its monthly meetings there. |
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Neighbor’s Kitchen |
A cooking class program launched through the NeighborWorks Community Leadership Institute, alongside American Red Cross partnerships for community fridges, preparedness kits, and free CPR training. |
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Mutual support |
These are neighborhoods that have been underinvested in for decades. Together, the coalition gives us a louder voice on city budgets, services, and the decisions that shape where we live. |
Healthy homes and streets
River Bend, like many historically redlined neighborhoods, still carries the consequences of past disinvestment. We’ve pushed for the programs that help close that gap.
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US EPA Community Change Grant |
A City of Des Moines and Iowa Environmental Council application to expand tree canopy, build complete streets, improve homes through the ION program, and replace lead service lines in River Bend and four other neighborhoods. We signed on as a community partner. |
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Lead service line replacement |
Des Moines Water Works piloted its replacement program here. We’ve advocated for funded programs that help homeowners and landlords with the cost. |
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Strategic code enforcement |
An ongoing partnership with the City’s Neighborhood Services division that started when we invited the Mayor and city staff to see problem properties firsthand. That conversation grew into walking tours and regular code enforcement check-ins. |
Polk County Community Betterment Grants
Polk County has been a steady partner in River Bend’s progress. Community Betterment Grants have funded Blocktober, our refreshed logo, a new website, and a neighborhood-wide mailer for our 40th anniversary. Our newest grant funds our most ambitious community project yet.
River Bend Career Pathways
Funded by a 2026 Polk County Community Betterment Grant
When Iowa State ended its ISU 4U Promise program, students from Moulton and King Elementary lost a tuition benefit many families had counted on. River Bend Career Pathways is our response: a scholarship and workforce development pilot connecting neighborhood students to college and careers right here in River Bend. Polk County awarded $8,000 in 2026 to launch it.
