CITY MANAGER REPORT

August 14, 2026

Crime Down 18.7% in Des Moines

Every July, the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) releases its Crime in Washington report — a statewide compilation of data submitted by every law enforcement agency, including the Des Moines Police Department. It's a chance to step back from individual incidents and look at year-over-year trends.

This year's numbers are encouraging. Overall crime in Des Moines dropped 18.7%, with declines across nearly every major category:

Auto theft: down 55%
Vandalism: down 35%
Burglary: down 26%
Assault: down 21%

Not everything moved in the same direction. The city saw a slight increase in weapons violations and an increase in rape offenses — categories the Police Department is watching closely.

Des Moines also compares well across King County. Its crime rate per 1,000 residents came in below cities including Renton, Kent, Auburn, Burien, Federal Way and Seattle — and remains among the lowest in South King County.

One year of data is a snapshot, not a guarantee. Crime numbers move, and a single strong year doesn't mean the work is finished — particularly with a staffing gap to close. The statewide average is 1.37 commissioned officers per 1,000 residents. Des Moines sits at 1.10 at full staffing, and 0.95 at current staffing levels.

The Police Department uses this annual data to identify trends, evaluate what's working and shape where resources go next. Sharing it with you is part of that work.

Link to Chief Boe's August 13, 2026 Power Point Presentation

Link to Crime In Washington 2025 Report

Council Meeting Recap: New Development Coming to Redondo

The City Council has approved a Development Agreement for a new commercial project in Redondo. Plans include a restaurant in the former Salty's space, along with new residential and commercial development across the street.

Redondo is one of the most beautiful stretches of the Des Moines waterfront, and we're glad to see investment there. We also know that new development in a neighborhood this compact raises real questions — about traffic, about parking, about how a project fits alongside the homes already there.

As the project moves forward, we'll keep working with the developer to make sure it strengthens the neighborhood, and we'll keep you posted as the details come together.

Council Meeting Recap: City Council Approves Memorandum of Understanding for New Food Bank Site

The City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Des Moines Area Food Bank for a City-owned parcel as a potential future home for the Food Bank. The site sits next to Steven J. Underwood Park and the Post Office — closer to Pacific Highway, near two arterials, a main bus line, and light rail.

After 60 years in the United Methodist Church, the Food Bank has outgrown its space and needs to relocate. A new facility would mean better storage, a larger market space with shorter waits, and room for programs like nutrition and financial literacy classes.

The MOU allows preliminary planning and site review to begin. A long-term lease will come back to the Council for consideration.

ABBAGraphs Concert Rescheduled for Tuesday, August 25

Good news, ABBA fans!

The ABBAGraphs concert, originally scheduled for August 5 and postponed due to poor air quality, has been rescheduled!

Join us at Des Moines Beach Park on Tuesday, August 25, from 7:00–8:30 p.m. for an evening filled with your favorite ABBA hits.

Please note: This special rescheduled concert will take place on a TUESDAY, rather than our usual Wednesday concert night.

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, gather your friends and family, and get ready for a fun night of music at the Beach Park.

Mamma Mia… here we go again!

And there’s more music before then! Don’t forget to join us next Wednesday, August 19, for Power of Love, a Huey Lewis Tribute Band, live at Des Moines Beach Park from 7:00–8:30 p.m.

Two great concerts, two nights at the Beach Park — we’ll see you there!

Mark Your Calendar: Budget Town Hall - August 18

Parades, concerts, sunshine, and... spreadsheets? Hear us out. On Tuesday, August 18 at 6 PM at the Activity Center (2045 S 216th St), we're capping off your summer of fun with the event you didn't know you needed: the City's Budget Town Hall.

Okay, we know what you're thinking — nothing says "peak summer" quite like municipal finance. But this is genuinely your chance to shape where the City invests over the next two years. Roads? Parks? Public safety? You tell us what matters most, and we'll bring the pens (and maybe some snacks).

…and to sweeten the pot, we’ll be playing a game of Budget Bingo with prizes like Des Moines swag and tickets to Blues-and-Brews!

We hope to see you there!

Getting Around Just Got Easier: Metro Service Expands August 29

Beginning Saturday, August 29, King County Metro and regional transit partners will roll out major service improvements across South King County, including several changes that will benefit riders in Des Moines.

The new South Link Connections network is designed to improve connections to Link light rail while providing more frequent trips, expanded service hours and better weekend service. Across South King County, Metro is adding 51% more weekday trips and 72% more weekend trips, while approximately 44,600 more people will gain access to frequent transit service.

What’s Changing in Des Moines?:

Route 156 – Kent Des Moines Station to Southcenter:

More trips will be offered every day of the week, with connections to Link light rail at the new Kent Des Moines Station and a more direct route through McMicken Heights.

Route 164 – Kent Des Moines Station to Green River College:

This new frequent route will replace part of Route 165 and provide more trips every day of the week, connecting riders with Link at Kent Des Moines Station.

Route 166 – Kent Des Moines Station to Burien Transit Center:

This new peak-frequent route will travel through Des Moines and Normandy Park, replacing part of Route 165 and providing additional daily trips and connections to Link.

RapidRide A Line – Federal Way Downtown Station to Tukwila International Boulevard Station:

The A Line will connect with Link light rail at the new Federal Way Downtown and Kent Des Moines stations while continuing to serve Angle Lake, SeaTac/Airport and Tukwila International Boulevard stations.

These changes are part of a larger effort to make it easier for South King County residents to connect to jobs, schools, services and destinations throughout the region using transit.

The new service begins Saturday, August 29. Riders are encouraged to review their routes and plan ahead before the changes take effect.

There's Still Time to Pop Up & Play!

Summer may be winding down, but there’s still time to get outside and play!

Pop Up & Play Des Moines continues through August 28, bringing free, drop-in fun to parks throughout the community. Kids and families can stop by between 12:00 and 3:00 p.m. for games, activities and plenty of opportunities to get moving and have fun.

Find Pop Up & Play at:

Monday & Tuesday: Midway Park
Wednesday & Thursday: Wooton Park
Friday: Des Moines Beach Park

No registration needed — just stop by and join the fun!

Make the most of these last few weeks of summer and Pop Up & Play!

New Speed Hump Installed on Redondo Beach Drive South

Crews this week installed new speed humps on Redondo Beach Drive South between South 281st Street and South 282nd Street, part of the City's ongoing work to slow traffic and improve safety through the area. Delineators go in shortly.

These specific humps are temporary. Permanent humps are on order and will replace them later this year.

If you drive this stretch, take it slow while everyone gets used to the change. Thanks for your patience as we work to make the neighborhood safer.

A Little Fall Prep Goes a Long Way

We may still be enjoying the warm days of August, but fall — and our rainy season — will be here before we know it!

Now is a great time to take a few simple steps around your home to help keep our stormwater systems flowing and prevent localized flooding. Clean gutters, clear leaves and debris from nearby storm drains and catch basins, and sweep rather than hose off driveways and sidewalks to keep pollutants from washing into Puget Sound.

And don't forget our four-legged friends! Properly disposing of pet waste is another easy way to help protect local water quality.

A little preparation now can make a big difference when the rain returns.

A Bit of History...

Long ago Redondo was home to quite the entertainment destination!

The Redondo Skating Arena opened for roller skating in the summer of 1936 in a building originally constructed around 1922 as a recreation and dance hall. Owned and operated by Weston J. “Wes” Betts and his wife, Lauree, the building offered much more than roller skating.

The first floor featured a bowling alley, billiards tables, a shooting gallery, archery lanes, a dance floor, a restaurant and a large arcade filled with games. Upstairs was the roller skating rink, complete with live organ music.

Sadly, the building and its organ were completely destroyed by fire on January 20, 1951.

Today, Condos stand on the site where generations once gathered to bowl, dance, play games and roller skate.

“Just want to say Thank you so much for helping with our roof replacement, permit process through the roofing company we hired and having the Des Moines inspector Ryan come out and check the roofers work!! It is a great relief to us!! You are all the best!!”

Dan & Tina Nelson

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.

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:

Police Officer-Hiring Incentives Available!
Volunteer Opportunities with Des Moines Community Enrichment Services

Apply Here Today!

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:

King County Metro Update
Update from the King County Library System on Des Moines Programs
Community Engagement Officer Introduction and 2026 Work Plan
Crime in Washington Report
LUA2019-0063 Final Plat Approval
Signal Maintenance Agreement with WSDOT
16th Ave Storm Project Contracts
Draft Resolution 26-093 - Midway Park RCO Grant Authorization
Stormwater Management Action Plan - Phase 2 Task Assignment
Redondo Parking Lot Resurfacing and Striping Project Contract Award
PSE Schedule 74 Construction Agreement for Barnes Creek Trail Project
Carters Dock LLC Development Agreement
223rd Street Alternatives Revisit
Food Bank Relocation Memorandum Of Understanding

The following items were held over for consideration for the August 27 City Council meeting:

Development Agreement Ordinance – 1st Reading
Capital Improvements Plan – 1st Reading

August 13, 2026 Meeting Information

Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items

Budget Town Hall

Des Moines Activity Center

August 18

Day Trip: Whidbey Island -Shopping and Scenery

August 18

Summer Concert: Huey Lewis Tribute Band

Beach Park

August 19

Pop-Up Karaoke

Activity Center

August 20

Family Night Bingo

Activity Center

August 21

Day Trip: Archie McPhee’s with Lunch at Salmon House-Wallingford

August 25

Citizens Advisory Board Meeting

City Hall

August 26

Out to Lunch: Clove Indian Restaurant-Renton

August 27

City Council Meeting

City Hall

August 27

Poverty Bay Blues and Brews Festival

Beach Park

August 29

Out to Lunch: Charlie's Restaurant & Lounge - Puyallup

September 2

City Council Committee of the Whole & Study Session

City Hall

September 3

City Offices Closed in Observance of Labor Day

September 7

Day Trip: Tacoma Rainiers Baseball Game

September 8

Out to Lunch: WildFin - Point Ruston

September 10

City Council Meeting

City Hall

September 10

Day Trip: Crystal Mountain Gondola

September 11

City Council Budget Retreat

City Hall

September 12

Airport Committee Meeting

City Hall

September 14

Out to Lunch: Mandolin Sushi& Japanese Steak House

September 15

Presentation: Smart Living for Your Next Chapter

Activity Center

September 15

Day Trip: Washington State Fair - Puyallup

September 16

Marina Tenant Meeting

Marina Pavilion

September 16

AARP Smart Driving

Activity Center

September 17-18

Waterland Yoga

Soundview Park

September 19

Pop Up Karaoke

Activity Center

September 20

Day Trip: Vashon Island: Oscar the Bird King Troll & Exploring Downtown

September 22

City Council Meeting

City Hall

September 24

Dessert Social

Activity Center

September 24

Out to Lunch: Stonehouse Cafe

September 30

Citizens Advisory Board Meeting

City Hall

September 30

City Council Committee of the Whole & Study Session

City Hall

October 1

Day Trip: Maeve Chocolate Factory Tour & Tasting

October 2

Shredding Event

Activity Center

October 6

Planning Commission Meeting

City Hall

October 6

Day Trip: Pierce College Science Dome (Planetarium) & Homestead Restaurant

October 7

City Council Meeting

City Hall

October 8

Day Trip: Swans Trail Farms Harvest Festival & Cabbage Patch Restaurant - Snohomish

October 9

Halloween Costume Swap

Field House

October 10

Airport Committee Meeting

City Hall

October 12

Out to Lunch: Crab Pot - Bellevue

October 13

Day Trip: Fun at Top Golf - Renton

October 15

Halloween Spooktacular Family Night

Activity Center

October 16

Day Trip: Thrifting Around the South Sound

October 21

Out to Lunch: Waters Table -Renton

October 23

Fall Recycling Collection Event

Marina – South Lot

October 24

Basket Weaving Class

Activity Center

October 24

Day Trip: Snoqualmie Casino

October 27

Citizens Advisory Board Meeting

City Hall

October 28

Day Trip: Thrifted Fashion Runway Show @ Activity Center

October 28

Dessert Social

Activity Center

October 29

City Council Meeting

City Hall

October 29

Karaoke Parties

Activity Center

October 29

Halloween Dessert Social & Bingo Costume Contest with Prizes

Activity Center

October 29

Day Trip: UW Volleyball Game vs. Maryland

November 1

Out to Lunch: TavernHall - Bellevue Square

November 4

City Council Committee of the Whole & Study Session

City Hall

November 5

Day Trip: Chihuly Garden & Glass - Seattle Center

November 5

Airport Committee Meeting

City Hall

November 9

Out to Lunch: West of Chicago Pizza - West Seattle

November 10

City Offices Closed in Observance of Veterans Day

November 11

City Council Meeting

City Hall

November 12

Day Trip: Lynnwood Holiday Boutique & Craft Show

November 13

Day Trip: Gilman Village - Issaquah

November 17

Desssert Social

Activity Center

November 19

Out to Lunch: McMenamins Pub at Elks Temple - Tacoma

November 19

Out to Lunch: Loco Chon - Newcastle

November 24

City Offices Closed in Observance of Thanksgiving

November 26 & November 27

Have An Upcoming Event You Want To Share?

Share Your Events With Us Here!

Watercolor Painting: DIY Postcards

Des Moines Library

August 15

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

August 15

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

August 15

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

August 15

Garden Club

Woodmont Library

August 16

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

August 17

Tinker Tuesday

Woodmont Library

August 18

Daytime Playtime

Des Moines Library

August 18

Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

August 18

Des Moines Evening Book Club

Des Moines Library

August 19

Family Story Time

Des Moines Library

August 20

Night Market

Des Moines Theater

August 20

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

August 21

A Book Club for the Ages

Woodmont Library

August 21

Community of Creators

Woodmont Library

August 22

The Freedom Paradox

Des Moines Library

August 22

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

August 22

Waterland Yoga

Soundview Park

August 22

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

August 22

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

August 22

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

August 24

Summer Movie Matinees

Woodmont Library

August 24

Tinker Tuesday

Woodmont Library

August 25

Des Moines Writing Group

Des Moines Library

August 25

Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

August 25

Summer Game Break

Des Moines Library

August 26

Builder Babies

Woodmont Library

August 27

Summer Game Break

Des Moines Library

August 27

North Hill Game Night

North Hill Community Center

August 27

Lego Brick Building

Des Moines Library

August 28

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

August 28

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

August 29

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

August 29

Uncle Ernie’s

Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant

August 29

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

August 29

Poverty Bay Blues & Brews Festival

Beach Park

August 29

Make Good Milk Soap with Green Apple Alpacas

Woodmont Library

August 30

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

August 31

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

September 4

FusionAxe

Creole Soul Restaurant

September 4

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

September 5

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

September 5

Redondo Boardwalk Beats

Redondo

September 5

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

September 5

Waterland Yoga

Soundview Park

September 5

Rise Support Group

Lighthouse Northwest

September 8

North Hill Game Night

North Hill Community Center

September 10

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

September 11

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

September 12

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

September 12

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

September 12

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

September 18

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

September 19

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

September 19

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

September 19

Oktobertfest Cruise

Marina

September 20

Mens Arise

Lighthouse Northwest

September 22

North Hill Game Night

North Hill Community Center

September 24

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

September 25

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

September 26

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

September 26

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

September 26

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

October 2

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

October 3

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

October 9

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

October 10

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

October 10

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

October 16

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

October 17

Celebrate Event

Highline College

October 17

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

October 17

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

October 23

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

October 24

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

October 24

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

October 30

Trick or Treat Path

Downtown Des Moines

October 30

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

October 31

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

October 31

Bayside Brunch

Anthony’s Home Port

November 1

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

November 6

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

November 7

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

November 7

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

November 13

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

November 14

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

November 14

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

November 20

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

November 21

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

November 21

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

November 27

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

November 28

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

November 28