Area residents have the opportunity to determine the fate of a potential Latino Center in Central Iowa. The Latino Forum, an offshoot of the Capitol Crossroads initiative, is exploring the possibilities for establishing a Latino Center that could provide a focal point for the Latino community, serve as a bridge with the community at large, and present the Latino culture in Central Iowa. Over 38,000 Latinos live in the Des Moines metropolitan area, but currently no central organization exists for the entire Latino community. All area residents, Latinos and Non-Latinos, are invited to join Latino Forum members at one of two public forums to express their views on the proposed Latino Center –

Sunday, February 10

Our Lady of the Americas Roman Catholic Parish (Parish Hall Basement),

1271 East 9th St, Des Moines, 1:30‐3:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 21

North High School (Cafeteria),

501 Holcomb Ave, Des Moines, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Each meeting will have a brief background presentation, followed by small group discussions. Participants will discuss what activities or services a Center could offer, where a Center could be located, and how it could be supported. In addition to these public forums, residents are invited to express their opinion through a survey, available at www.rdgusa.com/latinocenter.

Tamales will be served at both meetings. Children and families are welcome. Activities for children will be provided.

The Latino Center initiative and the Latino Forum evolved out of the Capital Crossroads plan, a strategic vision for the Greater Des Moines region. The Urban Core initiative of Capital Crossroads formed the Latino Forum, which in turn formed a subgroup to explore the possibilities for establishing a Latino Center in Greater Des Moines. A consulting team from RDG Planning & Design of Des Moines was hired to help the Latino Forum perform a feasibility study to evaluate the needs for a Latino Center. These public forums are an essential part of the feasibility study. The information collected will be used by RDG to provide a recommendation to the Latino Forum concerning the possibilities of a Latino Center in the Des Moines Metropolitan Area.

###

For more information, please contact Barbara Dinnen (barbdinnen53@gmail.com or 515.490‐1234), Chair of the Latino Center steering committee.