Deputy City Manager Matt Anderson, who oversaw $2 billion in downtown Des Moines investments, will retire in January after 25 years of service. During his time with the city, Anderson helped oversee approximately $2 billion in downtown investments, including projects such as the East Village, Western Gateway Park, and the downtown Hilton.

Legacy of Development

Anderson played a significant role in downtown Des Moines’ development. “Downtown was a thriving 8-to-5 Monday-through-Friday city 25 years ago,” Anderson said. “Now it’s become more of an 18-hour city, seven days a week. We’ve added over 10,000 residents downtown, which was a council goal back then when I started. We’ve far surpassed that.” City Manager Scott Sanders says Anderson will leave a “lasting impact.” “Matt has helped shape not only the economic landscape of Des Moines, but also the culture that makes our organization successful,” Sanders said.

Assistant city manager Jen Schulte will be appointed to the deputy job following Anderson’s retirement. City officials also announced that the vacancy created by Schulte’s promotion will not be filled due to the city’s $12 million budget deficit.

Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.