Welcome to the Des Moines Perspective. The intent of this blog is to examine development, community, and politics in the Des Moines metro area from an urbanist perspective. 
I will look critically at areas where I think we can do better, promote efforts towards sustainable development, and highlight successful projects.
I grew up in Ames and moved to St. Louis to attend architecture school. I ended up falling in love with the city and lived there for 14 years. Des Moines has a lot to love as well, and I want to see the greater Des Moines community make good decisions about the allocation of (scarce) public resources.
In 2007, my wife and I decided to move back to central Iowa to be closer to family. I own a design consulting business, organize a group called the Des Moines Rehabbers Club, and live in the Drake neighborhood with my wife and two kids.
See swilkeshapiro.com for more information.
