Downtown foot traffic continues to increase and exceed national averages, a new report from the Greater Des Moines Partnership shows.

Highlights from the June 1 through Aug. 31 report show that:

• Weekly foot traffic averaged nearly 85% of pre-pandemic levels and was nearly 12% over 2022 levels. Foot traffic on Mondays through Fridays was 67% of pre-pandemic levels; it was 93% on Fridays through Sundays. The national average for foot traffic was 49% of pre-pandemic levels, according to the national Kastle Systems’ Back to Work Barometer.
• Events drew thousands of people downtown. The World Food & Music Festival attracted more than 105,000 people, a record for the event. The Downtown Farmers’ Market attracted more than 345,000 visitors, pushing the season-to-date total number of attendees to over 600,000.
• Downtown economic development projects totaled $850,000. The projects include Iowa State University’s enhancement of its downtown Ivy College of Business center at Capital Square; the Algae Biomass Organization’s relocation of its headquarters from Minnesota to the Financial Center; Security Benefit Life Insurance Co.’s plans to open a location in the Capitol Center III complex; and the expansion of Cattlemen’s Heritage headquarters at 666 Walnut St.

Downtown foot traffic is expected to continue to increase. In August, Principal Financial Group told its workers that most would be required to begin working in the office at least three days a week starting this fall. FJ Management Inc., which recently acquired Kum & Go convenience stores, will require workers at its regional headquarters to be in the office at least three days a week. The company is leasing space at 1100 Locust St.

“Downtown Des Moines foot traffic continues to come back strong,” Renae Mauk, vice president of downtown development for the Partnership, said in a prepared statement. “We continue to see investment in downtown in addition to major events and world-class amenities that will keep downtown Des Moines a vibrant place that continues to attract foot traffic.”

To read the third-quarter report, click here.