Blitz on Blight, a Des Moines neighborhood revitalization tracking tool, is now online with a new interactive map and digital dashboard. The map and dashboard are funded by revenue from the local option sales tax and were designed by the city’s information technology department.

“This is a wonderful new tool for residents, neighborhood associations and city staff,” SuAnn Donovan, neighborhood inspection zoning administrator, said in a prepared statement. “By connecting to this program, visitors can learn everything they need to know about houses in the Blitz on Blight program, helping us improve Des Moines neighborhoods.”

What’s included in Blitz on Blight:

• An interactive map of all Des Moines properties that have been declared a public nuisance, color-coded by where they are in the Blitz on Blight process. A house is added after the first inspection and is updated as it moves from legal action, rehabilitation or demolition. You can find a photo of each property, the address and its status.

• A list of completed demolitions and the estimated cost to the city. There have been 25 Blitz on Blight demolitions totaling $686,456 since the program launched in 2019. 

“Blitz on Blight and our commitment to improving Des Moines neighborhoods took a huge leap forward last year with the approval of the Local Option Sales Tax,” Donovan said. “In 2020, our goal is to remove 100 abandoned properties or four times the number of last year. We can now provide the public a firsthand account of what’s happening in their neighborhoods and the progress being made.”

Anyone with questions regarding a structure after viewing the map can contact city staff at 515-283-4046 or NID@dmgov.org.