Katherine's Priorities
As a candidate for City Council, Katherine Harrington is focused on the priorities that will help West Des Moines continue to thrive — today and for generations to come. She believes strong communities are built through thoughtful planning, collaboration, and leadership that listens. Katherine is committed to growing a strong, diverse economy by supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, attracting new industries, expanding affordable housing options, and strengthening workforce pipelines. By investing in education, innovation, and job creation, she will help ensure West Des Moines remains a place where families thrive and businesses grow.
Katherine wants to build the best city in America to live, work, and play.
Economic Development
Affordable Housing
Workforce Development
Economic Development
Katherine Harrington believes a strong local economy starts with supporting the entrepreneurs and small businesses that form the backbone of West Des Moines. She is committed to creating an environment where local businesses can grow, innovate, and hire, while also attracting new industries and investment that strengthen and diversify our economic base.
Katherine supports partnerships that help businesses access capital, mentorship, and workforce talent, and she will advocate for policies that encourage smart, sustainable development. By fostering a well-rounded business climate, West Des Moines can remain competitive, resilient, and positioned for long-term success. Her goal is to help create strong, high-quality jobs that keep young talent in our community, attract new families, and ensure that opportunity continues to grow for businesses and residents alike.
Affordable Housing
Katherine supports partnerships with developers, nonprofit housing organizations, and regional agencies to expand housing options across price points and life stages. She will advocate for smart planning and thoughtful zoning policies that encourage diverse housing types while maintaining the character of our neighborhoods. By prioritizing affordability and accessibility, West Des Moines can remain a place where people who work here can also live here — strengthening community connections and supporting long-term economic stability.
Workforce Development
Katherine Harrington believes that preparing the next generation for success is one of the most important investments a city can make. She supports strong partnerships between schools, colleges, training providers, and employers to ensure students gain real-world skills and career pathways. From internships and apprenticeships to leadership development and retraining programs, Katherine will champion initiatives that connect education directly to employment. She also believes in helping companies grow from the bottom up by supporting talent development and innovation.
By strengthening the workforce pipeline, West Des Moines can attract cutting-edge industries, retain young professionals, and become known as a center for innovation and opportunity where individuals and businesses can grow together.
