CITY MANAGER REPORT

August 21, 2026

Budget Town Hall Recap

We had a great time at Tuesday's Budget Town Hall! For more information, please visit the Finance page on our website.

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!

Three Cities Submit Joint Response on Airport Expansion

Des Moines, Burien, and SeaTac have submitted a coordinated written response to the Port of Seattle's environmental review of the proposed Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), which would add 19 new gates, a second terminal, and expanded cargo facilities at Sea-Tac International Airport.


Des Moines sits directly beneath the flight path. More gates and terminals mean more flights — and more noise, traffic, and air quality impacts for the neighborhoods closest to the airport. Our comments urge the Port to take a more collaborative approach to expansion planning, one that fully accounts for the health, environmental, transportation, and quality-of-life effects on surrounding communities, and that pairs any growth with real investment in the people already living with the airport's impacts.


The three cities are working under a formal agreement to speak with one voice on behalf of our residents.


You can read more about the process and the City’s efforts here and here.

Redondo Parking Lot Closure for Resurfacing

What's happening: The Redondo parking lot will be closed for resurfacing from Wednesday, September 9 at 9:00 p.m. until Friday, September 11 at 6:00 p.m.


What to expect: Crews will resurface the lot and restripe it in its existing layout. Please plan ahead if you're visiting Redondo during this time and use alternate parking where available.


Advance notice: The Marina Team will place A-frame signs around the area before the closure begins.


Weather: As with any outdoor paving project, the schedule depends on weather and may shift if conditions aren't favorable.


Looking ahead: This project restores the surface without changing the layout. Separately, the City plans to take a closer look at how the lot is designed to see whether additional parking spaces can be added while still accommodating boaters with large trailers who need wider stalls.


Thank you for your patience while this work is completed.

Celebrating Des Moines Artist Nancy Bogni

Inkfish Gallery will celebrate more than 60 years of artwork by Des Moines artist Nancy Bogni with a special retrospective exhibition.


The community is invited to an Opening Reception on Saturday, August 29, from 2:00–5:00 p.m. at Inkfish Gallery, 22220 7th Avenue South. Nancy will be in attendance, and guests can enjoy live jazz by Brazilian guitarist Marco de Carvalho while viewing a selection of Nancy’s drawings and paintings.


Stop by and help celebrate the remarkable artistic legacy of one of Des Moines’ own!

Harpoon Sculpture Temporarily Removed for Repairs

Visitors to the Des Moines Marina may notice that the Harpoon sculpture is temporarily missing from its usual spot. Unfortunately, the artwork was recently damaged by vandalism and has been removed for safekeeping.


The sculpture is currently being securely stored at the Marina while the City works with the artist to determine the best path forward for repairs.


We know Harpoon is a familiar part of our waterfront, and we look forward to seeing it repaired and returned to its home at the Marina.

Did You Know...

The Des Moines Theater has been a downtown landmark for nearly 80 years?


The theater opened in March 1947, built and operated by Delbert and Alvina “Wally” Osterhoudt. With approximately 400 seats, it gave local residents a place to catch a movie without traveling to Burien, White Center or Kent.


The building was more than a theater—it also housed local businesses and offices, including the Des Moines Drug Store. Wally Osterhoudt later served on the Des Moines City Council and as Mayor.


After many changes over the decades, the historic theater has been given new life and remains a familiar piece of downtown Des Moines—and a great connection to our community’s past.

“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!


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


  • Police Officer-Hiring Incentives Available!
  • Volunteer Opportunities with Des Moines Community Enrichment Services 
Apply Here Today! 

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City Council Meeting Recap


There was no meeting last night. The next Council Meeting will be August 27 and here is what is on the Agenda:

 

City Council Regular Meeting:

  • Des Moines Historical Society - New Executive Director
  • Community Enrichment Services Fall/Winter Activities
  • 2026 2nd Quarter Financial Report
  • Groundwater Remediation Consultant Contract
  • Judge Pro Tem Compensation, 1st Reading
  • Marina Steps Innovative Stormwater Bioretention Testing Grant and Consultant Contract Amendments
  • Interlocal Agreement with Highline Water District for 2026 North Hill AC Water Main Replacement Project
  • 24th Avenue S Improvements Project - S 223rd Street to S 216th Street - Transportation Improvements Board Grant and Professional Services Consultant Agreement
  • Development Agreement Ordinance
  • Capital Improvements Plan
August 27, 2026 Meeting Information
Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items

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!

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


Nancy Bogni Retrospective Exhibition

Inkfish Studio

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

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

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