Marcus Coenen

Senior planner, Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)

Age: 36

Education: Bachelor of Arts, history, University of Iowa; Master of Science, urban and regional planning, University of Iowa

Wife: Rebekah Coenen 

Children: Charlotte, Florence

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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.

  • Created the Iowa Data Bike which has been replicated by transportation planners across the country.

  • Led the Beaverdale Neighborhood Association for four years with major projects like 38th Street traffic calming and new neighborhood development (Scooter’s and Fareway).

  • Currently serve as president of the Iowa Chapter of the American Planning Association representing approximately 400 professional planners across Iowa.

  • Was a member of the 35th cohort of the Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship in Germany.

What’s an experience or memory that influenced how you saw the world or what you wanted to do in life?

In 2024 I experienced a significant medical crisis that resulted in the removal of all but 20 centimeters of my small intestine. Following that I decided to slow down and focus less on career growth and more on impact. I rejoined the MPO in 2025 to help support transportation improvements across our region.

What’s one decision you made early in your career that had an outsized impact?

Early in my career, I focused on building technical skills in data and emerging transportation technologies. That decision shaped most of my success, leading to work on the Iowa Data Bike, smart city plans, an emerging transportation technology plan in Texas and selection as a Bosch Fellow.

What are your aspirations for the future?

I hope to build a life that keeps my family at the center — doing work that matters, protecting my health and time, and being present for the moments that don’t repeat. Success, to me, is measured by connection, purpose and the example I leave for my children.

What are you still working on to improve as a leader?

I tend to approach situations with a logic-first mindset. As a leader, I’m intentionally working to balance that by strengthening empathy and authenticity, ensuring decisions reflect both sound analysis and the human impact on teams and communities.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

One piece of advice I always share with young professionals is to keep learning, even if that means leaving a role, company or organization. You can often find your way back, but the opportunity to grow and make yourself better doesn’t always come twice.

What’s one regular habit that’s made you successful?

For over a year, I’ve completed a weekly self-check-in to assess the balance of support and challenge I experienced. Plotting each week helped me visualize growth versus burnout, while also capturing wins, setbacks and self-identified corrective actions to guide intentional improvement.

What’s one outdated way of thinking that you’d like to challenge?

The five-day work week is antiquated. Case studies consistently show that a four-day work week can improve both productivity and well-being by giving people more time to recharge and pursue passions outside of work.

What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?

I gave a presentation a few years ago on planning for smart city technology. One of my sources was a Future of Urban Mobility report by IKEA. Yes, IKEA. The report hits close to home as they include a photo of downtown Des Moines with this stat: “Des Moines, Iowa, has more than nine times as many parking spaces per acre as households per acre.” Central Iowa leaders should take a stronger stand on the disbalance between parking and housing.

What’s one fun fact about you?

I love attending weddings. I usually end up dancing with at least one grandmother.

Hobbies: Cycling, playing card/board games, traveling.

What is one word that best describes you?

Resilient.

What’s one food you think people must try in the Des Moines area?

Oreo Artic Blast from Snookies.

What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that’s happened to you recently?

I was recently immortalized in a card game developed by a friend called “Poopy Diapers.”

What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?

Christkindlmarket.

What is your go-to snack?

An applesauce pouch.