Connie Boesen has never stopped caring about Des Moines and working to make it a better place to live, raise a family, start a business, and grow.
Connie got involved in local government as a parent, when she saw her kids’ public schools crumbling and decided to do something about it. That effort helped secure much-needed funding for the city’s public schools and eventually led her to the Des Moines School Board, where she served from 2003 – 2017. On the School Board, Connie was a strong advocate for kids, parents, and teachers, working to secure additional resources and find solutions to improve access to a high-quality education for everyone in Des Moines.
In 2017, Connie was elected as one of Des Moines at-large City Council members. As a citywide representative on the council, she has worked to bring people together to improve public safety, advocate for our public schools, revitalize neighborhoods, and boost our economy.
On the City Council, Connie helped direct nearly $4 million in federal funding for new preschool classrooms. She has also led efforts to expand access to food assistance programs for Des Moines schools. She has also been an advocate for additional mental health resources, including training to better equip first responders to address mental health crises, and a sobering center to help address addiction and substance abuse issues.
Connie is running for mayor, because she knows there’s even more we can do to keep Des Moines moving in the right direction and find solutions to the challenges ahead.
Connie is a proud graduate of East High School, and she attended both Des Moines Area Community College and Grand View University. She then had a successful career as a buyer for Younkers department store. Today, in addition to her service to the people of Des Moines, she continues to own and operate the Applishus and Salad Bowl concessions businesses which are favorites at the Iowa State Fair.
Connie continues to call the east side of Des Moines home, where she lives with her husband, Ted. Connie and Ted are proud parents and grandparents.
Connie Boesen has never stopped caring about Des Moines and working to make it a better place to live, raise a family, start a business, and grow.
Connie got involved in local government as a parent, when she saw her kids’ public schools crumbling and decided to do something about it. That effort helped secure much-needed funding for the city’s public schools and eventually led her to the Des Moines School Board, where she served from 2003 – 2017. On the School Board, Connie was a strong advocate for kids, parents, and teachers, working to secure additional resources and find solutions to improve access to a high-quality education for everyone in Des Moines.
In 2017, Connie was elected as one of Des Moines at-large City Council members. As a citywide representative on the council, she has worked to bring people together to improve public safety, advocate for our public schools, revitalize neighborhoods, and boost our economy.
On the City Council, Connie helped secure $63 million in federal funding for new preschool classrooms and has led efforts to expand access to food assistance programs for Des Moines schools. She has also been an advocate for additional mental health resources, including training to better equip first responders to address mental health crises, and a sobering center to help address addiction and substance abuse issues.
Connie is running for mayor, because she knows there’s even more we can do to keep Des Moines moving in the right direction and find solutions to the challenges ahead.
Connie is a proud graduate of East High School, and she attended both Des Moines Area Community College and Grand View University. She then had a successful career as a buyer for Younkers department store. Today, in addition to her service to the people of Des Moines, she continues to own and operate the Applishus and Salad Bowl concessions businesses which are favorites at the Iowa State Fair.
Connie continues to call the east side of Des Moines home, where she lives with her husband, Ted. Connie and Ted are proud parents and grandparents.
Welcome to Connie Boesen’s corner of history and heart at the Iowa State Fair. Check out the Iowa Public TV documentary chronicling the vibrant history and enduring legacy of the Iowa State Fair. Connie’s deep-rooted connection to the fairgrounds and her passion for preserving its rich heritage have made her an invaluable contributor to this captivating narrative.
Councilwoman Boesen was re-elected to her current position on the Des Moines City Council on November 2, 2021, and her current four-year term ends on January 1, 2026. She was first elected to the Des Moines City Council on November 7, 2017 and assumed office on January 1, 2018. She previously served as an elected member of the Des Moines Public Schools Board and was elected to serve three-year terms in 2003 and 2006 and four-year terms in 2009 and 2013.
Councilwoman Boesen graduated from East High School, and she attended both Des Moines Area Community College and Grand View University. Councilwoman Boesen had a long career as a buyer for Younkers department store. She was raised on the state fairgrounds and started her own concessions business, Applishus and Salad Bowl, and serves as the company’s owner and president. Councilwoman Boesen has held leadership roles for boards and initiatives that advocate for the essential needs of the Des Moines metropolitan community.
