|
CITY MANAGER REPORT
December 5, 2025
| | |
Tree Lighting Event-NEW LOCATION
Join us this Saturday for our annual Tree Lighting Celebration at the Des Moines Marina! Enjoy a cozy, family-friendly evening filled with holiday cheer, sparkling lights, and a special visit from Santa himself. Gather with friends and neighbors as we kick off the season together—don’t miss this magical community tradition! Tree to be lit at 6:00 PM!
| | | |
Community Town Hall
Join us for a Community Town Hall on Tuesday, December 9 from 6–8 PM at Des Moines Elementary as we chart the future of our city together!
This fun, interactive event is part of our Charting Our Course strategic planning process. No speeches — just real conversations, hands-on activities, and a chance to share what matters most to you.
Family-friendly! Kids’ activities and a space for them to share their ideas too.
Enter our Mayor for a Day raffle for a chance to step into the Mayor’s shoes and share your ideas!
Haven’t taken the community survey yet? There’s still time (closes Dec 12):
| | |
Animal Control Update
We understand the importance of animal control services to our community. During last night’s City Council meeting, city staff presented several options for reinstating these services. The Council concluded that renewing the contract with Burien CARES is the most cost-effective solution at this time and has directed staff to prepare a proposed contract. We will be bringing this contract back to the Council for consideration soon, and we are optimistic that our community will see a return to animal control services as early as this spring!
| | | | | |
Please Join Us!
The City will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the Des Moines Steps on Tuesday, December 16 at noon. This project will create a welcoming, pedestrian-friendly connection from Marine View Drive down to the Marina, improving access, safety, and walkability in the heart of our waterfront. Community members are invited to join us as we celebrate the start of this exciting new addition to our city.
| |
Breakfast with Santa
Join us for Breakfast with Santa at the Des Moines Activity Center! Enjoy holiday activities, a delicious breakfast, and the chance to take photos and share your wish list with Santa himself. All children must be accompanied by an adult with a purchased ticket. The event takes place Saturday, December 13, with two seating’s: 9:00–10:15 AM and 10:45 AM–12:00 PM. Tickets are $10 per person
| | |
| |
Family Bingo Night - Holiday Edition
Join us for a festive evening of bingo, prizes, and holiday fun—perfect for kicking off winter break with friends and family! Concessions will be available, and space is limited, so be sure to register early. All ages are welcome.
The event takes place Friday, December 19, 2025, from 6:30–8:00 PM at the Des Moines Activity Center (2045 S 216th Street). Cost is $5 per person; ages 3 and under are free.
| | | | |
Wrap it Up – Gift Wrapping Event
Join us at the Field House or Activity Center for our Wrap It Up gift-wrapping parties. Your chance to wrap presents without the risk of curious eyes discovering Santa’s secrets. We’ll provide tables, chairs, festive music, hot cocoa, coffee, and donated wrapping supplies (or feel free to bring your own). Staff and volunteers will be on hand to assist anyone who needs help wrapping. These free events request registration, with limited walk-in space available.
Join us Thursday, December 18, 3–6 PM at the Field House (childcare available for $5 per child) or Monday, December 22, 6–9 PM at the Activity Center (no childcare available).
Open to adults and seniors.
| |  | |
Club KHAOS – Break Camp
Club KHAOS Break Camp gives kids a fun, safe place to spend school breaks! Through games, arts and crafts, sports, and hands-on activities, participants stay active, creative, and engaged while parents enjoy peace of mind.
The program focuses on teamwork, social skills, and plenty of laughter.
Program runs from 8:00am-6:00 PM at the Des Moines Field House
- December 22-January 2
- February 13
| | |
|
Upcoming Classes and Programs Offered through our Community Enrichment Services Department
Day Trips:
- Governor’s Mansion Holiday Tour – December 10
- Watson’s Greenhouse and Nursery – December 12
- Fantasy Lights Drive Thru – December 16
- Meeker Mansion Holiday Tour – December 19
- Bellevue Garden d’Lights – December 30
Socializing and Game Play:
- American Mahjong – Experienced - Wednesdays
- Scrabble, Chess and Cribbage - Thursdays
- Mexican Train Dominoes - Fridays
- Rummikub – Wednesdays
- Hand and Foot Card Game – Mondays
- Adult Coloring and Painting Club – Tuesdays
For program detail and a complete listing of classes and programs please visit our Community Enrichment Services Department, see link below.
| | | | |
Minor Home Repair Services
The City’s Minor Home Repair Services Program helps income-qualified residents with small but important fixes—like repairing steps, installing grab bars, or addressing minor plumbing and electrical issues. These repairs support safety, accessibility, and independent living for seniors, people with disabilities, and low- to moderate-income homeowners. Email Tina Hickey for more information!
| | |
Early Des Moines families often cut their holiday trees right from the heavily forested areas surrounding town. In the mid-1900s, neighborhood groups would host “tree-trimming parties,” where everyone brought one handmade ornament to hang.
| |
Marina Dock Replacement Project
Watch the progress unfold in real time through our live video feed or catch up anytime with our time-lapse footage showing the docks being removed and the new ones being floated in. Stay connected and see this exciting transformation of our waterfront as it happens!
| | | | |
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
- Senior Mechanic
- Youth Basketball Referee
- Youth Basketball Scorekeeper
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
Sign Up Today!
Be in the know! Get the latest updates straight from the City Manager, Mayor and more - stay informed about what's happening in your community!
| |
| | |
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 presented to Council at last night's meeting:
City Council Committee of the Whole:
- Wesley Master Plan Introduction
- City Currents Update
City Council Regular Meeting:
-
2025 3rd Quarter Financial Report
- Abandonment Application, Second Reading
- Co-Living Housing Ordinance, Second Reading
- Legislative Agenda
- Des Moines Police Guild Contract
- Normandy Park Boundary Line Adjustment
- Planning Commission Ordinance
- Transportation Improvement Plan Update
- City Council Compensation
- Public Safety Fund, First Reading
- Discussion of Contract with Burien Cares
Council packet information for the December 4th meeting will be available November 26. 2025.
| | |
Strategic Plan Survey Open
November 8 - December 12
Coffee with a Cop
December 6
Des Moines McDonald's
Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration
December 6
Des Moines Marina
Airport Committee Meeting
December 8
City Hall
Town Hall Meeting
December 9
Des Moines Elementary School
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
Breakfast with Santa
December 13
Activity Center
Marina Steps Ground Breaking
December 16
Des Moines Marina
City Offices Closed in Observance of Christmas
December 24 & 25
Burning Boat Event
December 31
Des Moines Marina
City Offices Closed in Observance of New Year's Day
January 1
Have An Upcoming Event You Want To Share?
| | | |
Discovery Day
December 6
MaST Center
Des Moines Creek Park Run
December 6
Des Moines Beach Park
Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4
December 6
Arty Time Paint & Sip
December 6
Des Moines Library
Holiday Boat Lights
December 6
Des Moines Marina
Forest Restoration
December 6
Saltwater State Park
Sound Transit Kent Des Moines Light Rail Station Open
December 6
Welcome to Medicare
December 7
Woodmont Library
Craft & Chat
December 9
Des Moines Library
Living Voices: Within the Silence
December 9
Woodmont Library
Weekly Wine Tastings
December 11
Marina Mercantile
Marina Mamas Walking Group
December 12
Quarterdeck
Discovery Day
December 13
MaST Center
Des Moines Creek Park Run
December 13
Des Moines Beach Park
Redondo Holiday Bonfire
December 13
Redondo
Script to Screen: Writing for the Movies
December 15
Woodmont Library
Community of Creators
December 16
Woodmont Library
King County Public Health Program Assistance
December 17
Des Moines Library
Weekly Wine Tastings
December 18
Marina Mercantile
Cozy Read Aloud for Tweens and Teens
December 19
Woodmont Library
Marina Mamas Walking Group
December 19
Quarterdeck
Discovery Day
December 20
MaST Center
Des Moines Creek Park Run
December 20
Des Moines Beach Park
Marina Mamas Walking Group
December 26
Quarterdeck
Discovery Day
December 27
MaST Center
Des Moines Creek Park Run
December 27
Des Moines Beach Park
Burning Boat Event
December 31
Des Moines Marina
Polar Bear Plunge
January 1
Beach Park Event Center
| | | | | |
