Got a complaint about potholes, a burned out traffic light, or something else for the city of Des Moines?

Get help fast by using the MyDSM mobile app, available for both iPhones and Android.

At-large city councilman Carl Voss writes in his latest newsletter that the app saw a record number of tickets in 2025, with 7,058 requests for service. That’s up about 100 from the previous year.

Potholes comprised the most complaints, about one-third of the total, with 2,256 requests for service. The city’s Public Works Department aims to respond to pothole complaints in 24 to 48 hours.

Other complaint categories:

• Trash – 866 reports (12.3%)
• Tall grass and weeds – 856 reports (12.1%)
• Trees – 669 reports (9.5%)
• Inoperable vehicle on private property – 436 reports (6.2%)
• Snow – 427 reports (6.0%)
• Graffiti – 364 reports (5.2%)
• Request a street sweeper – 361 reports (5.1%)
• Traffic sign missing – 198 reports (2.8%)
• Traffic signal problem – 182 reports (2.6%)
• Stormwater problem – 176 reports (2.5%)
• Alleyway repair – 141 reports (2.0%)
• Sanitary sewer problem – 45 reports (0.6%)
• Report work without a permit – 41 reports (0.6%)
• Rooster concern/complaint – 40 reports (0.6%)

The city will usually reply quickly to any concerns expressed through the app and let you know which department it’s been referred to. If possible, you can attach pictures of whatever the problem is to help the city find and fix the concern.

Search the app store for iOS or Android for the MyDSM mobile app and put it to good use!