Des Moines Transforming Neighborhoods Project Brings New Focus to Community Revitalization

This week, Seattle King County REALTORS® joined the City of Des Moines and The Counselors of Real Estate® (CRE) in advancing the Transforming Neighborhoods Project, an initiative designed to identify opportunities for neighborhood revitalization, economic development, and long-term community investment.

Through the project, Des Moines is drawing on specialized real estate expertise to evaluate local challenges, explore opportunities for growth, and identify strategies that can help strengthen its downtown and marina core and support the city’s economic vitality.

The initiative reflects the importance of collaboration among local government, real estate professionals, property owners, and other community stakeholders in addressing complex development challenges. By bringing these perspectives together, the project seeks to identify practical approaches that can help communities unlock investment potential and create lasting value.

The Counselors of Real Estate’s Consulting Corps program connects communities with experienced real estate professionals who volunteer their expertise to help evaluate local issues and develop actionable recommendations. Through the National Association of REALTORS®’ Transforming Neighborhoods program, REALTOR® associations can help communities address challenges related to redevelopment, vacant properties, housing, and economic vitality.

For Seattle King County REALTORS®, the project demonstrates how REALTOR® advocacy extends beyond public policy to include meaningful partnerships that help communities plan for the future. REALTORS® bring on-the-ground knowledge of local real estate markets, development conditions, and the factors that influence investment and housing opportunities.

The work also underscores the value of aligning public priorities with market realities. Successful neighborhood revitalization often requires coordination among public agencies, private property owners, businesses, and community partners to identify barriers, evaluate opportunities, and develop strategies that can be implemented over time.

As Des Moines continues to consider its future, the Transforming Neighborhoods Project provides an opportunity to explore solutions that support economic development while advancing the community’s broader goals.

Through this partnership, Seattle King County REALTORS® and its collaborators are helping bring expertise, new perspectives, and a practical framework to the conversation about Des Moines’ future.