Overview
Jim Peters and Sergeant Garth explored innovative approaches to managing public spaces and transportation in entertainment districts and college towns, with a focus on post-COVID adaptations, safety, and community engagement.
Daytime Activation Over Nightlife: Cities are shifting focus from late-night activities to daytime events like farmers’ markets, which have grown in popularity and offer safer, family-friendly environments.
Curbside & Traffic Zoning: Strategic designation of curbside areas for party buses, taxis, and rideshare services based on time of day has improved traffic flow and pedestrian safety.
Rideshare Management in College Towns: Balancing parking and rideshare needs remains a challenge. Temporary street closures using barricades help manage congestion during peak hours.
Market Safety Measures: Barricades are used near liquor-serving venues and markets to protect pedestrians from impaired drivers. Daytime events have fewer transportation issues due to better parking availability.
Post-COVID Social Behavior: College nightlife saw a dip post-COVID, but attendance is rebounding. Universities have increased on-campus programming, while daytime events have become more prominent.
Community Engagement & Positive Policing: Officers prioritize education and positive interactions over enforcement, leading to a significant drop in arrests and fostering long-term behavioral change.
Nightlife District Traffic Management: Des Moines implemented cab stands and party bus lanes to reduce curbside congestion and improve safety during busy nightlife hours.
Rideshare Hub: The city’s entertainment district now includes rideshare lanes, food delivery zones, and e-bike rentals, with ongoing adjustments for emerging trends like electric scooters.
Food Truck Program Oversight: Food trucks aid in crowd management but require better health and safety standards. Cities are exploring food truck associations to manage cleanliness and operations collaboratively.
Sgt. Garth House is the coordinator of policing services and strategies in Des Moines’ Court Avenue Historical District, the hub of entertainment activities in Iowa’s capital city.
Hosting one of the nations top-ranked farmer’s markets, large holiday celebrations, and thousands of visitors who enjoy the weekend nightlife of the district, Sgt House has built solid and sustainable relationships with a diverse group of restaurateurs, event planners, and other stakeholders.
With experience in patrol services, criminal investigations, and tactical operations, Sgt House brings unique experience and perspective to the collaborative policing efforts in the district.
