CITY MANAGER REPORT

April 24, 2026

The Redondo Fishing Pier Replacement Project is nearing the finish line, with major structural work now complete.

Crews are focusing on final touches, including lighting on the pier and concrete improvements at the Redondo Plaza and Boat Launch. Work will continue over the next few weeks as remaining site features and amenities are completed, with the City aiming to reopen the pier to the public in early June 2026.

Pedestrian access will be maintained as much as possible during construction, with temporary closures in place for safety.

More Construction Work Ahead (Thanks for Hanging in There!)

I know we’ve been sharing a lot of construction updates lately—and here are a couple more to keep on your radar.

Redondo Beach Drive S Maintenance Work

Starting May 4
Duration is 2-3 days
Portions of the boardwalk will be temporarily closed
Traffic will be reduced to a single lane with flaggers guiding vehicles

The good news—there will always be access available. The entire boardwalk will not be closed at any time, and the sidewalk on the opposite side of the street will remain open.

Repaving of S 196^th Street, just east of 8^th Avenue

May 12
Duration from 7:00AM to 5:00PM

Please plan ahead and use alternate routes during that time.

We really appreciate your patience as we take care of these important improvements—thank you for sticking with us while we get the work done!

Traffic Calming Improvements Begin in May

Starting in May, you’ll see new speed bumps installed in select neighborhoods as part of the City’s traffic calming efforts to slow speeds and improve safety.

Where this is happening:

Five pilot locations were selected based on traffic data and community need:

8th Ave S: S 207th St to S 208th St
S 229th St: 21st Ave S to 23rd Pl S
30th Ave S: Kent-Des Moines Rd to S 224th St
21st Ave S: S 240th St to S 243rd St
14th Pl S: S 257th Pl to 16th Ave S

How locations were chosen:

We used a data-driven approach that looks at:

Traffic speeds and volume
Crash history
Nearby destinations like schools and parks

What to expect next:

Installation begins in May
Locations will be monitored to see how well the changes reduce speeding
Results will help guide future improvements in other neighborhoods

This is part of a step-by-step program that starts with traffic studies, followed by education and enforcement, and adds physical improvements where they’re needed most.

Celebrating Our Dedicated Staff

At last night's City Council meeting, we had the opportunity to recognize three outstanding members of our team for their years of service and commitment to the Des Moines community.

Scott Wilkins, Harbormaster – 30 years of service
Kevin Penney, Assistant Police Chief – 25 years of service
Tonya Seaberry, Community Services Officer – Retirement after 30 years of service

These milestones represent decades of dedication, leadership, and care for our community. Each of these individuals has made a lasting impact on the City of Des Moines through their service, and we are incredibly grateful for their contributions.

Please join us in thanking Scott and Kevin for their continued service, and in congratulating Tonya on her well-earned retirement.

Chat with the Mayor

Have a question, idea, or just want to connect?

Join Mayor Yoshiko Grace Matsui for an informal “Chat with the Mayor” session this Saturday at Tandoori Slice from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

These casual meetups provide a great opportunity to stop by, say hello, and share what’s on your mind in a relaxed setting—no agenda, just conversation.

Whether you have feedback, questions, or simply want to learn more about what’s happening in the City, all are welcome.

Additional dates and locations will be announced soon.

We’re on Instagram!

We’re excited to share that the City of Des Moines is officially on Instagram!

This is another way for us to connect with you—sharing photos, quick updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and all the things that make our community special.

If you’re on Instagram, come give us a follow and say hello. We’d love to see you there!

@theWaterlandCity

International Sculpture Day

Celebrate creativity right here in Des Moines for International Sculpture Day!

This global celebration, led by the International Sculpture Center, happens every year on the last Saturday in April and is all about getting out and enjoying art in your everyday spaces (which we happen to have a lot of!).

If you’ve never taken a moment to really notice the sculptures around our city, this is your sign. From the Marina to tucked away spots you might not expect, there’s some pretty great art waiting to be discovered.

Our Citizens Advisory Board’s Arts Committee has made it easy with a self guided Sculpture Walk, so you can explore at your own pace. Go for a walk, grab a coffee, bring a friend, make a little outing of it!

Check out the map on our website to plan your route and see how many you can find.

It’s a simple, fun way to see Des Moines a little different, and I hope you’ll check it out!

Get Your Map Here

Sound Transit Town Hall

Sound Transit Town Hall – May 13

Want to stay informed about the future of transit in our region? Here’s an opportunity to hear directly from decision-makers and share your input.

What’s happening:

A community town hall on Sound Transit’s long-term plan and funding challenges.

When & where:

Wednesday, May 13 | 6:00–7:30 PM

Highline College

Why it matters:

Sound Transit is facing a significant funding gap—estimated at $35 billion—that could affect projects across South King County. Leaders are starting to evaluate options, and community input will help shape those decisions.

Who you’ll hear from:

Tukwila Mayor McLeod
Councilmember Fain (Sound Transit Board)

How to participate:

Attend the town hall to learn more and ask questions
Share your input on what matters most to you
Help spread the word by sharing with your networks

A registration link is available for those who plan to attend.

Now Accepting Applications

Citizens Advisory Board

We currently have three openings on the Citizens Advisory Board and are looking for community members who want to get involved and help shape the future of Des Moines.

We are specifically seeking applicants to fill positions representing:

Business Community
Pacific Ridge Neighborhood
Woodmont Neighborhood

The Citizens Advisory Board plays an important role in bringing forward community perspectives, sharing ideas, and helping inform City decisions.

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.

If you’ve been looking for a way to get more involved, these are great opportunities to have a voice and make a difference in your community.

Applications and additional details are available on the City’s website.

Citizens Advisory Board

Salary Commission

We Want to Hear From You!

How do you get around Des Moines? What would make getting where you need to go easier?

We’re gathering feedback on transportation, and your input will help shape future options that better support our community and local businesses.

Take a few minutes to share your thoughts and make a difference!

Your voice matters—help us plan for a more connected Des Moines!

Take the Survey Here!

A Little Bit of History...

Take a look at Des Moines in 1950—pretty different from what we see today! No marina as we know it, fewer roads, and a lot more open space. This was nearly 10 years before the city officially incorporated in 1959, when Des Moines was still a small waterfront community finding its footing.

This photo really shows how far we’ve come while still keeping that strong sense of place.

Take a closer look—do you recognize any buildings or businesses that are still around?

"Hello Michael and Adam.

Thank you for keeping our neighborhood park safe by removing the horseshoe stakes and what was left of the wood. I noticed some improvements to the upkeep of the park in general and the entrance of the parking lot near the old gate also looks much better. I appreciate all your efforts. I realize this kind of work is labor intensive and time consuming.

Last year our cleanup crew separated the many sticker bushes that were intertwined in this rhododendron, so I was happy to see how beautiful it is this year. Enjoy!

It’s been a pleasure working with both of you."

Teresa Laico

Click Here to Share Your Staff Kudos!

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.

Apply Here Today!

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

Browse current Job Openings
Click on a job title to learn more
Apply!

Job Opportunities

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

City Mechanic
Facilities Maintenance Specialist
Limited Term Code Enforcement Officer
Maintenance Worker I-II (Multiple Openings)
Police Officer-Hiring Incentives Available!
Summer Day Camp Staff – Counselors, Lead Counselors and Directors
Volunteer Opportunities with Des Moines Community Enrichment Services

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.

Be in the know! Sign up today!

Click Here for Past and Current Issues of the City Manager Report

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 Council meeting:

City Council Regular Meeting

South Sound Opening Day Boating Proclamation
Recognition of Harbormaster Scott Wilkins for 30 Years of Service
Recognition of Retirement of Community Services Officer Tonya Seaberry
Recognition of Assistant Chief Kevin Penney for 25 Years of Service
Preliminary 2025 4^th Quarter Report
Discussion of Downtown Parking
Tyler Technologies Permit Software Service Agreement
King County 2026-2027 Hazardous Waste Management Program Grant Award
Midway Park Final Design
5^th and 212^th Pipe Replacement Project
Midway Soccer Field Design
2026 Legislative Session Recap

There is no meeting next week. The next meeting will be a Committee of the Whole and Council Study Session on May 7, 2026, starting at 5:00PM.

Link to April 23, 2026 City Council Packet

Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items

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

NEW! Pop-Up Karaoke Fridays

Activity Center

May 29

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

FREE! World Cup Soccer Clinic

Field House

June 19

World Cup 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!

Inkfish International Sculpture Day

Inkfish Studios

April 25

Emery the Emergency Penguin's Birthday Party

MaST Center

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

MIBBB Fest 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

﻿It’s a simple, fun way to see Des Moines a little different, and I hope you’ll check it out!

Job Opportunities

Current and Past Issues of the City Manager Report

It’s a simple, fun way to see Des Moines a little different, and I hope you’ll check it out!