CITY MANAGER REPORT

August 29, 2025

City Offices Closed in

Observance of Labor Day

City Offices will be closed Monday, September 1, 2025 in Observance of Labor Day. Emergency Services and Marina fuel dock will remain open.  

Community Meeting

Thank you to everyone in the community who attended last week’s Landmark meeting. The video is available below. We will soon share responses to the issues raised and will notify the community when those are ready. 

Waterland Woof

Join us for Waterland Woof on September 6—a fun community event with an important purpose! This gathering is designed to raise awareness about the Poverty Bay Pollution Identification & Correction (PIC) program, which works to protect local waters from fecal pollution. Residents will have the chance to learn more, share ideas, and discover everyday clean water actions that make a difference.


In addition, the event will highlight the City’s new Des Moines DocuPet licensing program, while also providing resources on pet and people safety, animal control, microchip scanning, and lost/found pet protocols.


It’s a great opportunity to connect with neighbors, support a cleaner environment, and celebrate our four-legged friends!

More Information Can Be Found HERE

Share Your Ideas

on City Programs!

We want to hear from you! The City’s Community Enrichment Services Department (formerly Parks & Recreation) has launched a short Community Input Survey to gather your thoughts on programs, events, facilities, and priorities for the future.


Your feedback will help us:


  • Understand how you and your family use our programs, events, and facilities.
  • Learn which activities and services you value most—and where improvements are needed.
  • Gather ideas for new or expanded offerings that could benefit the whole community.


This is your chance to help shape the future of City programs, services, and events. What we hear from you will guide decisions for the next several years—so your input really matters!


Survey closes September 15th!
Take the Survey Here!

Federal Way Link Extension

Pre Revenue Operations

On Wednesday, Aug. 27, the Federal Way Link Extension (FWLE) entered into pre-revenue operations, or “PRO.” The PRO period involves training for operators and maintenance staff, and continued testing to ensure stations, tracks, utilities, and vehicles work together as expected in preparation for the start of service.

 

During this time, Link light rail vehicles will travel across the entire length of the extension, between Federal Way Downtown Station at the southern end and Kent Des Moines Station to the north. Each day (with the exception of Labor Day weekend) there will be one train run roughly every 45 to 60 minutes, between 6:45am and 9:15pm.

 

During this phase, you can expect to hear all the noises typical of an operating light rail system, including station announcements, wheels on tracks, and warning signals. Construction and its accompanying noises will also continue during PRO.


The FWLE is scheduled to start running December 6th.

 

General questions from the community can be directed to FWLE community engagement staff at fwle@soundtransit.org or (206) 398-5300. In addition, Sound Transit will continue to provide a 24-hour hotline for after-hours construction concerns, which can be reached at (888) 298-2395.
Email Us Today!
Take the Survey Here!

 Help Shape the Future of 

Des Moines Creek 

and Beach Park

The City of Des Moines is restoring the Des Moines Creek Estuary to improve fish and wildlife habitat, reduce flood risk, and replace aging infrastructure. This restoration effort will enhance the natural estuary at the mouth of the creek, support salmon recovery, and preserve the park and meadow as valued community spaces. 



Your Voice Matters

We want to hear how you use the park and what improvements matter most to you. Take our short survey, it only takes 5 minutes, and help shape the future of the Des Moines Creek Estuary.

City Council Meetings to Go Live on Zoom

Starting September 11, 2025, City Council meetings will be available live on Zoom! This new option makes it easier than ever to stay connected, whether you’d like to watch from home or actively participate during public comment. Recordings will continue to be available afterward for those who can’t join live and can be accessed on the City’s website.



Step by step instructions on how to join a meeting via Zoom coming soon! 

UPCOMING CLASSES AND PROGRAMS

Below is a list of Youth, Adult and Senior classes and programs offered by our Community Enrichment Services Department (formerly Parks, Recreation & Senior Services), and featured in the Fall issue of the City Currents.  To find out more information, or to register click the Program Registration and Information link below!
Program Registration and Information
  • Club KHAOS: Kids Having an Outrageous School Year
  • Cub KHAOS: Break Camps
  • Indoor Tot Time – Returns September 16th  
  • Open Gym: Youth and Adult
  • Youth Basketball League – Registration Opens September 2nd
  • Skyhawks Sports Programs
  • Volleyball
  • Pickleball
  • Art Workshops
  • Melanie's Dance Unlimited
  • Senior Day Trips
  • Socializing and Games
  • Tennis
  • Cheerleading
  • December Gift Making Workshop
  • Good Manners – Basic Dog Obedience
  • Basket Weaving
  • Hot Lunches at the Activity Center
  • AARP Smart Driver Course
  • Fitness and Movement
  • Health & Social Services

Licensing Your Pet is Now Easier Than Ever!

Des Moines has partnered with DocuPet to provide residents with a simple online solution for pet registration. Through DocuPet, residents can access the complimentary HomeSafe® 24/7 Lost Pet Service, secure online profiles that make licensing a breeze, and hundreds of designer tag styles that double as a pet's official license.


All cats and dogs must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. Licenses are now valid for a full 365 days after purchase.


Reminder: Every dollar from pet license fees goes directly toward rebuilding our animal control services. Your pet’s license helps restore critical funding and support for these programs.


To celebrate this partnership, DocuPet is offering pet owners $5 off a designer license tag of their choice when you use promo code WELCOME5 at checkout.
License Your Pet Today!

Friends of Saltwater State Park Volunteers Needed!

Join the Friends of Saltwater State Park in their ongoing efforts to restore the park’s natural beauty by removing invasive plants like ivy and blackberry and replanting with natives. No experience is needed—just dress for the weather and bring gloves if you have them. Tools, extra gloves, and snacks will be provided. It’s a wonderful way to support a healthy ecosystem and care for one of our community’s favorite parks! Join the fun and make a difference!  Contact restoration@friendssaltwater.org to let them know you can help! 

Forest Restoration Dates:

September 6

October 4

November 1

December 6

Creek Restoration Dates:

September 21

October 19

November 16

December: No Work Party

The Des Moines Beach Park is on the National Register of Historic Places! Once a bustling Methodist camp meeting ground, it hosted thousands of visitors every summer in the early 1900s. Today, its restored Auditorium, Dining Hall and picnic shelter continue to welcome community events—keeping over a century of gathering tradition alive. For rental information, contact our Community Enrichment Services staff at 206-870-9370 today! 

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.

Staff Kudos

“Hi Anthony,



Thanks for our conversation as well along with providing a link to PSE. I have submitted the form and will keep you apprised if any action is taken on their part.


Thanks also to Michael for responding to my latest email. I appreciate you both for your quick responses and help with my concerns.”


Scott Gary
If you want to share a staff KUDOS with me, email me today! 
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:


  • Police Officer
  • Youth Soccer Referee - Fall 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


Need help? Call Human Resources at 206-878-4595 or email HR@DesMoinesWA.Gov

Your City - Your News,

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City Council Meeting Recap


The next meeting is September 4th and here is what is on the agenda.


Committee of the Whole

  • Sustainable Airport Master Plan Update
  • Discussion on Committee of the Whole Pilot


Study Session

  • Highline School District Presentation on Pacific Middle School
  • Interlocal Agreement with Highline School District
  • Short Term Rentals; Amenity Rentals Ordinance, First Reading
  • Des Moines Marina Steps Funding and Bidding Update
Click here to review packet
Click here for a listing of all future Committee and Council meeting items
Live Stream Marina Dock Replacement Project
Marina Dock Replacement Time-Lapse Footage

City Council Committee of the Whole and Study Session

September 4

City Hall


Airport Committee Meeting

September 8

City Hall


City Council Regular Meeting

September 11

City Hall


Fall Community Academy

September 16

Police Department


Fall Community Academy

September 24

Police Department


Citizens Advisory Board

September 24

Des Moines City Hall


City Council Regular Meeting

September 25

City Hall


Monthly Desert Social

September 25

Activity Center


Halloween Costume Swap

October 1

Des Moines Field House


National Coffee with a Cop Day

October 1

Highline College - Building 8


City Council Committee of the Whole and Study Session

October 2

City Hall


Live Music & Dancing with Randy Litch

October 8

Activity Center


City Council Regular Meeting

October 9

City Hall


Airport Committee Meeting

October 13

City Hall


Medicare Market Update Seminar

October 13

Activity Center


Shredding Event

October 15

Activity Center


Fall Festival & Community Resource Fair

October 18

Redondo Square


Boo Bash Family Dance Party

October 18

Activity Center


City Council Regular Meeting

October 23

City Hall


Citizens Advisory Board

October 29

Des Moines City Hall


Monthly Desert Social

October 30

Activity Center


City Council Committee of the Whole and Study Session

November 6

City Hall


Airport Committee Meeting

November 10

City Hall


City Council Regular Meeting

November 13

City Hall


Monthly Desert Social November 20

Activity Center


City Council Committee of the Whole and Study Session

December 4

City Hall


Holiday Boat Lights

December 6

Des Moines Marina


Airport Committee Meeting

December 8

City Hall


Live Music & Dancing with Randy Litch

December 10

Activity Center


Citizens Advisory Board

December 10

Des Moines City Hall


City Council Regular Meeting

December 11

City Hall
Have an upcoming event you want to share? Email us today!



Des Moines Farmer’s Market

August 30

Des Moines Marina


Discovery Day

August 30

MaST Center


Des Moines Creek Park Run

August 30

Beach Park


Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4  

August 30   


Marine Mammal Stewards Program

August 31

Redondo Beach   


Weekly Wine Tastings

September 4

Marina Mercantile


Marina Mama's Walking Group

September 5

Quarterdeck

 

Boardwalk Beats: Live Music

September 5     

Redondo Boardwalk


Marina Mammal Steward Program with SR3

September 5

Redondo Beach

 

Yoga

September 6

Soundview Park


Waterland Woof

September 6

Beach Park


Des Moines Farmer’s Market

September 6

Des Moines Marina


Marine Mammal Stewards Program with SR3

September 6

Redondo Beach


Discovery Day

September 6

MaST Center


Des Moines Creek Park Run

September 6

Des Moines Beach Park


Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4

September 6     


Live and Local Sounds on the Sound

September 6     

Quarterdeck


Weekly Wine Tastings

September 11

Marina Mercantile


Marina Mama's Walking Group

September 12

Quarterdeck


Marine Mammal Stewards Program with SR3

September 13

Redondo Beach


Yoga

September 13   

Soundview Park


Des Moines Farmer’s Market

September 13   

Des Moines Marina


Marine Mammal Stewards Program with SR3

September 14

MaST Center


Discovery Day

September 13   

MaST Center


Des Moines Creek Park Run

September 13   

Des Moines Beach Park


Weekly Wine Tastings

September 18

Marina Mercantile

 

Marina Mama's Walking Group

September 19

Quarterdeck


Uncle Ernie

September 20   

Arturos


Des Moines Farmer’s Market

September 20   

Des Moines Marina


Marine Mammal Stewards Program with SR3

September 20

MaST Center


Discovery Day

September 20   

MaST Center


Des Moines Creek Park Run

September 20   

Des Moines Beach Park


Oktoberfest 2025

September 20

Quarterdeck


Oktoberfest 2025

September 21

Quarterdeck


Marine Mammal Stewards Program with SR3

September 21

Redondo Beach


What’s Up Des Moines

September 23

Quarterdeck


Weekly Wine Tastings

September 25

Marina Mercantile

 

Marina Mama's Walking Group

September 26

Quarterdeck

 

Marine Mammal Stewards Program with SR3

September 27

Redondo Beach


Des Moines Farmer’s Market

September 27   

Des Moines Marina


Discovery Day

September 27   

MaST Center


Des Moines Creek Park Run

September 27   

Des Moines Beach Park


LITT Yoga Festival

September 27 & 28

Des Moines Beach Park


Marine Mammal Stewards Program with SR3

September 28

Redondo Beach


Weekly Wine Tastings

October 2

Marina Mercantile

 

Marina Mamas Walking Group

October 3

Quarterdeck


Discovery Day

October 4           

MaST Center


Des Moines Creek Park Run

October 4           

Des Moines Beach Park


Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4

October 4

Weekly Wine Tastings

October 9

Marina Mercantile

Marina Mamas Walking Group

October 10

Quarterdeck

               

Discovery Day

October 11         

MaST Center


Des Moines Creek Park Run

October 11         

Des Moines Beach Park 


Weekly Wine Tastings

October 16

Marina Mercantile

Marina Mamas Walking Group

October 17

Quarterdeck


Discovery Day

October 18     

MaST Center 

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

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