Des Moines officials said on Monday that the city remains committed to attracting a professional soccer franchise, even though talks with the Iowa Soccer Development Foundation (ISDF) have reached an impasse. The city’s decision to walk away from the $90 million stadium proposal was driven by recent budget cuts and new state property‑tax legislation that limited the municipality’s ability to contribute additional funds.
Mayor Boesen explains the city’s position
In a statement to KCCI, Mayor Connie Boesen said the city had spent seven years negotiating with Krause+, the development partner behind the ISDF plan. “The City has negotiated with Krause+ for seven years to reach development agreements on the soccer stadium district,” Boesen wrote. “Throughout that time, Krause+ has continued to ask the City to contribute more financial resources towards the project while at the same time facing increased fiscal limitations as a result of new state property tax legislation.”
Boesen added that the city presented what it considered “final terms that were fiscally responsible,” taking into account the recent $17 million budget reductions slated for the next two years. “Krause+ chose not to meet those terms,” she said.
ISDF founder calls the project a worthy investment
Kyle Krause, founder of the Iowa Soccer Development Foundation, responded that the stalled negotiations should not halt the vision for a professional soccer venue. “There’s been a lot of time, money, and resources as part of this project,” Krause told KCCI. “We can’t allow politics to stop a fantastic project from happening.”
Local coach Justin Vorster, assistant with the Iowa Menace, echoed the sentiment, noting the community’s eagerness. “I just hope it gets done. We’ve been waiting a long time for it. Des Moines needs a professional soccer club,” Vorster said.
What comes next?
The city has not announced any concrete plans to resume negotiations with Krause+. Instead, Boesen said Des Moines is reviewing alternative proposals that could bring professional soccer to the metro area. “The City of Des Moines owes it to our residents, our partners with Polk County and across our metro area to explore all possible opportunities to bring regional economic vitality and excitement to Central Iowa,” the mayor wrote. “Des Moines remains committed to the goal of bringing high‑quality sports and entertainment to our city. As a result, alternative options have been presented to the City to bring professional soccer to Des Moines. We are doing our due diligence to explore the possibilities these new opportunities can bring to our community.”
City officials indicated that any future arrangement will need to align with the city’s fiscal constraints while still delivering the promised economic boost that a professional sports venue can provide. The stadium was projected to generate construction jobs, ongoing employment, and increased tourism revenue for local businesses.
Community reaction
Local residents and business owners expressed mixed feelings. Some praised the mayor’s prudence in protecting taxpayers, while others worried that missing the original timeline could diminish the city’s chances of securing a franchise. The ISDF has indicated it will continue to work with the city and explore other financing models that could satisfy both parties.
For now, Des Moines residents can expect the city to keep the conversation alive, weighing new proposals against the backdrop of a tighter budget and evolving state tax rules.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
