City Manager Report - April 3, 2026

CITY MANAGER REPORT

April 3, 2026

Help Set the Salary of our Elected Officials

In order to take the politics out of salary setting process for the Mayor and City Council, state law authorizes the creation of salary commission to set and review compensation. 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. This is a temporary committee and their work should include several meetings with work expected to be completed within the year.

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

Apply today if you are interested in serving your community in this capacity!

PLEASE NOTE: Individuals currently serving on a City committee or board may apply; however, appointment would require resignation from their current committee or board.

Apply Here!

Notice of Temporary Road Closures

Residents may notice increased construction activity in the coming weeks as regional utility partners complete important infrastructure upgrades in our community. These projects are essential to maintaining reliable water and sewer service and supporting future growth.

North Twin Bridge Closure (Midway Sewer District)

Beginning April 14 through May 26, the North Twin Bridge area will be closed for approximately six weeks on 16th Avenue S between S 250th Street and 14th Place S. Crews will be installing a new sewer force main beneath the bridge over the North Fork of McSorley Creek. A detour will be in place directing travelers around the work site and over to Marine View Drive. Residents who live within the closure will still have access to their homes, but no vehicles will be permitted to travel across the bridge during the closure period.

This work is critical to improving the capacity and reliability of the sewer system. Drivers should plan for alternate routes during this closure.

North Hill Water Main Replacement (Highline Water District)

From April 6 through May 6, the Highline Water District will be completing a water main replacement project in the North Hill neighborhood. Work will occur along 1st Place S and 2nd Avenue S between S 206th Street and S 208th Street.

This project will upgrade aging infrastructure and help ensure continued delivery of safe, dependable drinking water.

While temporary disruptions are expected, these improvements are investments in the long-term health and reliability of our community’s infrastructure. We appreciate your patience and encourage residents to follow posted detours and construction signage for safety.

Have Input on Stormwater? We Want to Hear From You!

Each year, the City updates its Stormwater Management Plan, which outlines how we manage rainwater runoff as it travels across streets and through our drainage system—picking up pollutants along the way.

The 2026 plan is now open for public review. Visit our website to learn more and share your feedback, or reach out to Surface Water Manager Tyler Beekley, tbeekley@desmoineswa.gov , or at 206-870-6869.

You can find the 2026 Stormwater Management Plan on the City's website.

Find the 2026 Stormwater Management Plan Here!

Eggstravaganza is…………….Tomorrow!

Spring is here, and with it comes one of Des Moines’ favorite family traditions—Eggstravaganza! Families are invited to join us Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 9:00 to 10:30 AM at Beach Park Meadow (22030 Cliff Ave S) for a morning full of fun and festivities.

This popular event features a variety of activities for children ages 1–12, including an exciting egg hunt, games, prizes, and special photo opportunities with the Bunny. It’s a great way for families to celebrate the season and enjoy time together outdoors in one of our beautiful park spaces.

Tickets are available for $5 per child when purchased online and $10 per child on the day of the event. To secure your spot in advance, visit our website.

We look forward to seeing you there for a festive and memorable start to spring!

Community Shredding Event – April 22

Protect your personal information and safely dispose of sensitive documents at the City’s upcoming Community Shredding Event!

Join us on Wednesday, April 22, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Des Moines Activity Center (2045 S 216th Street). This event is open to all Des Moines residents and provides a convenient way to securely shred confidential paperwork.

Accepted Items:

Paper documents, receipts and bills, file folders, envelopes, bank statements, and cancelled checks. (Staples are okay!)

Items Not Accepted:

Cardboard, newspapers, boxes, X-rays, and plastic materials.

This is a great opportunity to declutter while ensuring your personal information is properly destroyed.

For more information, please call 206-878-1642.

Des Moines’ shoreline may have had its own “love story”… or escape story! A glistening white rock once noted near the Des Moines Beach Park Shoreline was believed to symbolize a bride in Native tradition. Over time, the tale grew into a legend of a maiden fleeing her husband—proof that even our coastline comes with a little drama!

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

"Chief Boe,

My name is Dave Brandt. My wife, Heather, and I have been residents of Des Moines for a handful of years, and I wanted to just send a message thanking the police department and specifically Officer Gasporra (and his partner whose name I did not get) for an incredible response to an incident at our home last week.

We currently have our house listed on the market to sell, and there was a break in on Thursday night while no one was home. Your officers responded on Friday night 3/27 around 8pm soon after we learned that a stranger had been staying in our house for the previous night. We're currently out of state and had no ability to check on the house ourselves. Your officers showed up within a few minutes of us calling the non-emergency line, and they just went above and beyond to sweep the property, access realtor key boxes, search for missing items, send photos, and answer our questions. I was just so impressed with the quick response, professionalism and the time and effort invested to take care of us and our property. They explained everything that they found, spent extra time securing the house for the night, and reviewed all the options and next steps with us.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, for all that you and your teams do to put yourselves in harm's way for our city."

Sincerely,

Dave Brandt

Apply Here Today!

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!

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

Your City - Your News

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

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 2, 2026

Committee of the Whole:

Des Moines Marina 10 Year Capital Improvement Plan

City Council Study Session:

Permitting Software Presentation
Amenity Rental Discussion
Future Capital Improvement Projects Update

Here's what's on the agenda for next week:

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

Link to April 2, 2026 City Council Packet

Link to April 9, 2026 City Council Packet

Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items

Eggstravaganza

Beach Park

April 4

KHAOS Break Camp

Field House

April 6-10

UK Soccer Camp

Field House

April 6-10

Out to Lunch Trips: Chambers Bay Grill - Chambers Bay Golf Course

April 7

City Council Meeting

City Hall

April 9

Craft Cafe

Des Moines Activity Center

April 10

Day Trip: Point Ruston Public Market - Tacoma

April 9

Airport Committee Meeting

City Hall

April 13

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 4

Coffee and Chess

Second Love

April 4

Saltwater State Park Habitat Restoration Project: Forest Restoration

Saltwater State Park

April 4

Discovery Day

MaST Center

April 4

Des Moines Garden Club Monthly Meeting

Covenant Life Center, Kent

April 6

Blues Jam

Creole Soul

April 9

SR3 Open House

Des Moines Marina

April 10

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

April 10

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 9

Dollars for Scholars Scholarship Award Ceremony

Des Moines Yacht Club

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

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

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

May 23

Discovery Day

MaST Center

May 23

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

May 30

Des Moines Garden Club Monthly Meeting

Covenant Life Center, Kent

June 1

Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

June 6

Coffee and Chess

Second Love

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

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

June 13

Seattle Aquarium Beach Naturalist Program

Des Moines Beach Park

June 13

Seattle Aquarium Beach Naturalist Program

Des Moines Beach Park

June 16

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

June 20

Waterland Pridefest

Des Moines Theater

June 20

MIBBBFest 2026

Quarterdeck

June 20-21

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

June 27