CITY MANAGER REPORT

April 10, 2026

Des Moines Featured in Fodor’s Travel:

A Stop on Washington’s “UFO Mysteries Trail”

 

The City of Des Moines has recently been highlighted in Fodor’s Travel as part of one of the “10 Most Unique Travel Experiences Across the United States” – The UFO Mysteries Trail in Washington State. This recognition places our waterfront community among a series of intriguing destinations connected to one of the most unusual, and debated events in Pacific Northwest history.


The trail centers around the 1947 Maury Island Incident, which occurred just offshore in the waters between Des Moines and Maury Island. In June of that year, local harbor patrolman Harold Dahl reported witnessing several unidentified flying objects hovering above Puget Sound. According to accounts, one of the objects allegedly released debris that rained down onto his boat causing damage and reportedly injuring his son and killing his dog. 


Today, the story continues to capture imaginations. The UFO Mysteries Trail invites visitors to explore locations throughout the region tied to sightings, folklore, and Cold War-era intrigue, including stops right here along our Puget Sound shoreline. 


Adding to the fun, the annual Men in Black Birthday Bash Festival (MIBBB), held in June, celebrates this unique piece of local history with a mix of humor, science fiction, and community spirit. The event has grown in popularity and brings visitors from across the region to experience this one of a kind story where history and mystery intersect. 


Whether you are a history enthusiast, a curious skeptic, or just someone who enjoys a good story, it's exciting to see Des Moines recognized as part of this distinctive Pacific Northwest experience. 



…and the Men in Black events are just around the corner! So be sure to check those out as well as the Maury Island Incident Mural near 7th Avenue S and S 223rd Street.

Explore, Connect and Get Out and About with Community Enrichment!


Looking for a fun way to get out, explore the region, and connect with others this spring? The City’s Community Enrichment Services (CES) team has a great lineup of Day Trips and Out to Lunch excursions planned throughout April, perfect for enjoying local destinations without the hassle of planning or driving.



  • Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in La Conner – April 15
  • Olympia Farmer’s Market – April 24
  • Downtown Enumclaw for Shopping – April 28
  • UW Botanical Gardens Arboretum Tram Tour – April 30


For those who enjoy good food and great company, CES is also offering two popular Out to Lunch trips

  • Bourbon Street Creole Café – April 17
  • Lobster Shop – April 22


These trips are a wonderful way to stay active, meet new people, and experience some of the best our region has to offer, all with transportation and coordination taken care of.


Space is limited, so be sure to register early! For full details and registration information, visit the City’s website.  
Community Enrichment Services

Spring Recycling Event Draws Strong Community Participation


The City’s Spring Recycling Event at the Des Moines Marina on March 28th was a big success! With beautiful weather residents took full advantage of the opportunity to responsibly dispose of recyclable materials.


A total of 485 carloads came through the event, resulting in a significant volume of material collected and properly diverted from the water stream.



In addition to recycling services, the rain barrel and bin sale was also a hit, with all available inventory selling out! These tools help residents reduce stormwater runoff and support environmentally friendly practices at home. 

Now Accepting Applications: Salary Commission


The City of Des Moines is seeking residents interested in serving on its newly established Salary Commission.


The Salary Commission is an independent body responsible for reviewing and setting the salaries of the Mayor and City Councilmembers. This process helps ensure that compensation is determined in a fair, transparent, and objective manner, consistent with state law.


We are looking for community members who are interested in civic engagement and bringing a thoughtful, balanced perspective to this important responsibility. Serving on the Commission is a unique opportunity to contribute to the City’s governance and help promote accountability and public trust.


Additional details regarding qualifications, expectations, and the application process are available on the City’s website.


If you are interested in serving your community in this capacity, apply today!

Apply for the Salary Commission Here

The Des Moines Field House is the only full log cabin of its kind in Washington State! Built in 1939 as part of a Depression-era recovery program, it’s now a designated King County Historic Landmark. Unlike similar structures, like the White Center Community Center’s log cabin, which uses half logs, the Field House is constructed entirely of full logs, making it a truly unique piece of local history. 

Thank you, as always, to our wonderful and hardworking staff. This Staff Kudos section will serve as a way to recognize and celebrate the hard work and dedication of our City of Des Moines employees, volunteers, Councilmembers, and more.
Click Here to Share Your Staff Kudos!

Staff Kudos


“A HUGE shout out to Michelle Santiago from IT and Mike Drahosz from Facilities for being absolute rock stars in helping us set up our new Passport Services Office in City Hall. They both were there at my every beck and call to get the space ready in such a short time. Beyond both being amazing humans, they are both so talented at their trade! The City of Des Moines is beyond lucky to have them!



Thank you Michelle and Mike!”

 

Denise Hall
Apply Here Today! 
Contact Us! 

Job Opportunities


Looking for a fulfilling career with competitive pay and excellent benefits? The City of Des Moines is hiring for several positions, including:



  • Facilities Maintenance Specialist
  • Facility Attendant
  • Police Officer-Hiring Incentives Available!
  • Volunteer Opportunities with Des Moines Community Enrichment Services
  • Youth Soccer Referee – Spring Season


Applying for a job with the City of Des Moines is simple!



  1. Browse current Job Openings
  2. Click on a job title to learn more
  3. Apply!

Your City - Your News

Sign Up Today!


Be in the know! Get the latest updates straight from the City Manager, and more - stay informed about what's happening in your community!
Subscribe Here!

Current and Past Issues of the City Manager Report


Missed an issue or want to take another look? You can find this report and all past City Manager Reports anytime on the City’s website—your go-to spot for staying informed.
Click Here for Past and Current Issues of the City Manager Report
Sign Up Today!


Get The Latest Updates From Mount Rainier Pool Management


Stay up-to-date with pool activities, events and closures!
 

City Council Meeting Recap


The following items were discussed at last night’s meeting:  


April 9, 2026

City Council Regular Meeting

  • Black Wellness Week Proclamation
  • Annual National Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) Update
  • Human Services Funding Criteria Discussion
  • Economic Development Update for 2026 First Quarter
  • Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month Proclamation
  • Appointive Code and Citizens Advisory Board Update, 2nd Reading


No meeting next week. The next meeting will be a City Council Regular Meeting on April 23, 2024, starting at 6:00pm!



Link to April 9, 2026 City Council Packet
Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items

Airport Committee Meeting

City Hall

April 13


Planning Commission Meeting

City Hall

April 14


Day Trip: Skagit Valley Tulip Festival - LaConner

April 15


Out to Lunch Day Trips: Bourbon Street Creole Cafe - Puyallup

April 17


Craft Cafe

Des Moines Activity Center

April 17


Shredding Event

Activity Center

April 22


Out to Lunch Trips: Lobster Shop - Tacoma

April 22


Monthly Dessert Social

Activity Center

April 23


City Council Meeting

City Hall

April 23


Day Trip: Olympia Farmers Market

April 24


Craft Cafe

Des Moines Activity Center

April 24


International Sculpture Day

April 25


Evening Elementary Art Classes Start

Field House

April 28


Day Trip: Enumclaw Downtown Shopping

April 28


Skyhawks Tennis Lessons Start

Field House

April 29


Preschool Art Classes Start

Field House

April 29


Country Line Dancing Session Starts

Des Moines Activity Center

April 29


Citizens Advisory Board Meeting

City Hall

April 29


Day Trip: UW Botanical Gardens - Arboretum Tram Tour - Seattle

April 30


Craft Cafe

Des Moines Activity Center

May 1


Out to Lunch Trips: Pink Chandelier: High Tea- Puyallup

May 5


Spring Planter Painting & Potting Workshop

Activity Center

May 5


Day Trip: Downtown Poulsbo

May 7


City Council Committee of the Whole & Study Session

City Hall

May 7


Craft Cafe

Des Moines Activity Center

May 8


Family Night Bingo - Mother's Day

Activity Center

May 8


Airport Committee Meeting

City Hall

May 11


City Council Meeting

City Hall

May 14


Craft Cafe

Des Moines Activity Center

May 15


Out to Lunch Trips: Jak's Grill - West Seattle

May 15


Day Trip: Amazon Spheres - Seattle

May 16


Day Trip: Issaquah Troll & Gilman Village

May 19


Day Trip: Village Theater - GREASE - Everett

May 21


Craft Cafe

Des Moines Activity Center
May 22


City Offices Closed in Observance of Memorial Day

May 25


Skyhawks Tennis Lessons Start

Field House

May 26


KHAOS Break Camp

Field House

May 26


Day Trip: Cougar Mountain Zoo - Issaquah

May 27


Citizens Advisory Board Meeting

City Hall

May 27


Monthly Dessert Social

Activity Center

May 28


Senior Bingo

Activity Center

May 28


City Council Meeting

City Hall

May 28


Craft Cafe

Des Moines Activity Center

May 29


Out to Lunch Trips: Bogey's Public House - Auburn Golf Course

May 29


Storm Fest

June 2-4


City Council Committee of the Whole & Study Session

City Hall

June 4


Craft Cafe

Des Moines Activity Center

June 5


Airport Committee Meeting

City Hall

June 8


City Council Meeting

City Hall

June 11


Craft Cafe

Des Moines Activity Center

June 12


City Offices Closed in Observance of Juneteenth

June 19


FIFA Viewing Party

Des Moines Theater

June 19


Camp KHAOS Starts

Field House

June 22


Citizens Advisory Board Meeting

City Hall

June 24


City Council Meeting

City Hall

June 25


Craft Cafe

Des Moines Activity Center

June 26



Have An Upcoming Event You Want To Share?
Share Your Events With Us Here!


Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

April 11


Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

April 11


Discovery Day

MaST Center

April 11


Coffee and Chess

Second Love

April 11


Roper Romp

152nd Street in Burien
April 12


Blues Jam

Creole Soul

April 16


Project Promise

Highline Schools Foundation

April 16-18


Live Music - Sam Chambliss

Creole Soul

April 17


Friends of Saltwater Earth Day

Saltwater State Park

April 18


Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

April 18


Inkfish International Sculpture Day

Inkfish Studios

April 25


Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

April 27


Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

April 18


Discovery Day

MaST Center

April 18


Live Music - Sam Chambliss

Creole Soul

April 18


Earth Day

Saltwater State Park

April 18


Saltwater State Park Habitat Restoration Project: Creek Restoration

Saltwater State Park

April 19


Earth Day-Discovery Pass Not Required

Saltwater State Park

April 22


Blues Jam

Creole Soul

April 23


Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

April 24


Live Music - ASTA NICE

Creole Soul

April 24


Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

April 25


Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

April 25


Discovery Day

MaST Center

April 25


Blues Jam

Creole Soul

April 30


Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

May 1


Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

May 2


SR3 Open House

Des Moines Marina

May 2


Saltwater State Park Habitat Restoration Project: Forest Restoration

Saltwater State Park

May 2


Discovery Day

MaST Center

May 2


Redondo Boardwalk Beats

Redondo

May 2


Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

May 2


SR3 Community Open House

Des Moines Marina

May 2


Des Moines Garden Club Monthly Meeting

Covenant Life Center, Kent

May 4


Mosquito Fleet

Des Moines Historical Society

May 6


Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

May 6


Blues Jam

Creole Soul

May 7


Marina Mamas Walking Group

May 8

Des Moines Marina


Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

May 9


Discovery Day

MaST Center

May 9


Letter Carrier Food Drive

May 9


South Sound Opening Day Boating Ceremony

Des Moines Yacht Club

May 9


Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

May 9


Dollars for Scholars Scholarship Award Ceremony

Des Moines Yacht Club

May 13


Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

May 13


Blues Jam

Creole Soul

May 14


Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

May 15


Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

May 16


Discovery Day

MaST Center

May 16


Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

May 16


Seattle Aquarium Beach Naturalist Program

Des Moines Beach Park

May 17


Saltwater State Park Habitat Restoration Project: Creek Restoration

Saltwater State Park

May 17


Seattle Aquarium Beach Naturalist Program

Des Moines Beach Park

May 19


Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

May 20


Blues Jam

Creole Soul

May 21


Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

May 22


Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

May 23


Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

May 23


Discovery Day

MaST Center

May 23


Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

May 27


Blues Jam

Creole Soul

May 28


Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

May 29


Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

May 30


Des Moines Creek Park Run After Party

Beach Park

May 30


Discovery Day

MaST Center

May 30


Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

May 30


Des Moines Garden Club Monthly Meeting

Covenant Life Center, Kent

June 1


Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

June 3


Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

June 6


Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

June 6


Seattle Children's Spring Bazaar

Grace Lutheran Church

June 6

 

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

June 5


Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

June 6


Farmer's Market Opening Day

Des Moines Marina

June 6


North Hill BBQ

North Hill Community Center

June 6


Redondo Boardwalk Beats

Redondo

June 6


Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

June 10


Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

June 12


Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

June 13


Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

June 13


Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

June 13


Seattle Aquarium Beach Naturalist Program

Des Moines Beach Park

June 13


Seattle Aquarium Beach Naturalist Program

Des Moines Beach Park

June 16


Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

June 17


Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

June 19


Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

June 20


Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

June 20


Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

June 20


Waterland Pridefest

Des Moines Theater

June 20


MIBBBFest 2026

Quarterdeck

June 20-21


Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

June 24


Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

June 26


Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

June 27


Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

June 27


Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

June 27

City of Des Moines | 21630 11th Avenue S, Suite A | Des Moines, WA 98198 US

Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice

Constant Contact