Axios Des Moines: West Des Moines officials announced plans on Wednesday to improve the aging neighborhoods around Valley Junction to help local residents and attract first-time homebuyers and young families to the area. The area is home to some of the city’s most affordable housing, but houses there also need work that can be difficult for homeowners to afford, like repairing foundations, West Des Moines Mayor Russ Trimble told Axios. West Des Moines is launching applications for three new housing initiatives on July 1 to aid in home improvements, renovate dilapidated rental properties, and offer down payment assistance.