City Manager Report - February 27, 2026

CITY MANAGER REPORT

February 27, 2026

Charting Our Course: What We Heard from You

Last fall, we asked for your input as we began developing Des Moines’ first-ever Strategic Plan — and you showed up! More than 1,000 residents completed our community survey, and many others participated in focus groups and our Town Hall meeting last December. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.

Your feedback is now helping the City Council shape priorities that will guide our work over the next 3–5 years.

What You Love About Des Moines

You told us you value:

Our waterfront and natural beauty
The small-town feel
A strong sense of community connection
Beloved events like the Waterland Festival and Farmer’s Market

The Top Challenges You Identified

When asked about the biggest issues facing our city, the most common responses were:

Business attraction and support (50%)
Financial stability and budget shortfalls (45%)
Managing new development while preserving community character (33%)
Protecting the natural environment (31%)
Public safety (27%)

Priorities for the Next 3–5 Years

Looking ahead, you identified:

Downtown revitalization (55%)
Fiscal stability and sustainable revenue (44%)
Public safety (33%)
Infrastructure improvements (24%)
Green space preservation (23%)
Marina amenities and activities (17%)

Encouragingly, 61% of respondents said they feel optimistic about Des Moines’ future. Words like vibrant, safe, community-focused, walkable, and destination were used again and again.

The City Council is now using your input to finalize a Strategic Plan that reflects what matters most to our community and provides a clear roadmap for the years ahead. As I write this now, we are at the City Council Strategic Planning workshop (shh! Don’t tell…I am multi-tasking!). I am incredibly excited to see your input and Council’s vision come to life in this plan! We will share the draft plan in the spring.

Read the full Sense of Stakeholders Summary Report below!

Sense of Stakeholders Summary Report

King County Metro……Where To….!

Just think where transit can take you! From adventures to appointments, game days to work and school, King County Metro is your ride to it all. Whether you’re planning a sunset picnic, heading to a concert, cheering on your favorite team, or setting a new personal fitness goal, Metro makes getting there easy, affordable, and stress-free. Looking to explore beyond the usual route? Hop aboard the King County Water Taxi for a scenic trip across Elliott Bay or over to Vashon Island. However you spend your day, let transit be part of the journey—and get inspired by where your neighbors are headed with #WhereToMetro!

Plan Your Next Trip!

Country Line Dancing & Family Bingo Night – Luck o’ the Irish Edition

Our Community Enrichment Services team has some fun opportunities coming up at the Activity Center! Lace up your boots and join us for Country Line Dancing beginning Wednesday, March 4, from 7:30–8:30 p.m. This energetic class is open to ages 16+ and is a great way to stay active, learn new moves, and enjoy a fun midweek night out.

Then bring the whole family for Family Bingo: Luck o’ the Irish Edition on Friday, March 13, from 6:30–8:00 p.m. Enjoy an evening of festive fun, friendly competition, and chances to win prizes and all ages are welcome.

Grab your friends and family and join us for these exciting community gatherings!

Blue Star Marker Dedicated in Honor of Our Armed Forces

On February 16, 2026, the Des Moines Garden Club hosted a special dedication of the Blue Star Marker to honor our Armed Forces. Mayor Grace Matsui, Deputy Mayor Achziger and King County Councilmember Fain joined in recognizing this meaningful tribute. The City was honored to install the marker and create the beautiful flag triangle, which stands as a lasting symbol of our community’s gratitude and respect for the U.S. Military.

Did you know that a short independent film about the historic 1947 UFO sighting known as “The Maury Island Incident” included scenes filmed around Des Moines and nearby areas?

An outdoor mural from that production now has a home in our city, celebrating both local folklore and the creative projects it inspired.

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

Congratulations Katy Bevegni – 2026 Seattle Southside Hospitality Hero

We are proud to share that Katy Bevegni, Deputy Harbormaster at the Des Moines Marina, has been selected as a 2026 Hospitality Hero by Seattle Southside! Katy began her journey at the Marina as a teenager and now brings more than 20 years of experience to her role, helping foster a welcoming and thriving boating community. As her nominator shared, “Katy is an excellent teacher and works hard to make sure all of her employees and co-workers are excelling professionally and personally. She has a quiet ear for both her clients and her co-workers in times of need. She believes in training and supporting her employees and strives for them to be the best versions of themselves, whilst modeling excellent professionalism and caring. She is deeply invested in the safety and security of boaters in our region.”

Congratulations to Katy on this well-deserved recognition for her leadership, dedication, and commitment to our marina community!

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
Paralegal/Domestic Violence Victim Advocate
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

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City Council Meeting Preview

The first of a 2-part City Council Workshop was held last night at the Beach Park Dining Hall. The Council will finish up discussing the Strategic Plan today.

February 26, 2026: City Council Workshop

6:00-9:00pm

Governance
Strategic Plan

February 27, 2026: City Council Workshop

9:00am-4:00pm

Governance
Strategic Plan

Link to February 26 & 27, 2026 City Council Packet

Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items

Youth Soccer League Registration Opens

January 2-March 1

City Council Strategic Plan Workshop

Beach Park Dining Hall

February 27

Out to Lunch Trips: Black Diamond Bakery & Museum

March 5

City Council Committee of the Whole & Study Session

City Hall

March 5

Airport Committee Meeting

City Hall

March 9

Day Trip: Ben Franklin Crafts & Ooba Tooba Mexican - Redmond

March 10

Day Trip: Pike Place Market and Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub - Seattle

March 12

City Council Meeting

City Hall

March 12

Family Bingo Night - Luck o' the Irish

Activity Center

March 13

Day Trip: Thrifting Around Bremerton

March 17

Monthly Dessert Social

Activity Center

March 17

Senior Bingo

Activity Center

March 17

Out to Lunch Trips: Island Lodge - Lake Tapps Golf Course

March 20

Day Trip: Snoqualmie Casino

March 25

Citizens Advisory Board Meeting

City Hall

March 25

Out to Lunch Trips: Farm 12 - Puyallup

March 26

City Council Meeting

City Hall

March 26

Spring Recycling Event

Des Moines Marina – South Parking Lot

March 28

Day Trip: Flower World/Maltby Cafe

March 31

City Council Committee of the Whole & Study Session

City Hall

April 2

Out to Lunch Trips: The Pumphouse Bar & Grill - Bellevue

April 3

Eggstravaganza

Beach Park

April 4

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

April 7

City Council Meeting

City Hall

April 9

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

Aptil 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

International Sculpture Day

April 25

Day Trip: Enumclaw Downtown Shopping

April 28

Citizens Advisory Board Meeting

City Hall

April 29

Day Trip: UW Botanical Gardens - Arboretum Tram Tour - Seattle

April 30

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

Family Night Bingo - Mother's Day

Activity Center

May 8

Airport Committee Meeting

City Hall

May 11

City Council Meeting

City Hall

May 14

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

City Offices Closed in Observance of Memorial Day

May 25

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

Out to Lunch Trips: Bogey's Public House - Auburn Golf Course

May 29

Have An Upcoming Event You Want To Share?

Share Your Events With Us Here!

After School Hangout

Woodmont Library

February 27

Creation Station

Des Moines Library

February 27

Waterland Sockhop: For Crying Out Loud

Waterland Arcade

February 27

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

February 28

Watercolor: Create a Wax Resist Painting

Des Moines Library

February 28

Discovery Day

MaST Center

February 28

Destination Roadhouse "Music Around the World" Lion of Judah Band

The Roadhouse

February 28

Waterland Yoga

Des Moines Theater

March 1

Travessias Brazilian Film Festival

The Roadhouse

March 1

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

March 2

English Language Learners (ELL) Class

Des Moines Library

March 2

Daytime Playtime

Des Moines Library

March 3

Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

March 3

Take Home Kits for Teens

Des Moines Library

March 4

Study Zone Tutors

Des Moines Library

March 4

Knit Lit Book Group

Woodmont Library

March 4

Young Toddler Story Time

Des Moines Library

March 5

Preschool Story Time

Des Moines Library

March 5

Study Zone Reading Buddies

Des Moines Library

March 5

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

March 6

Game Time

Des Moines Library

March 6

Woodmont Library Teen Advisory Board

Woodmont Library

March 6

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

March 7

Destination Roadhouse "Music Around the World" House of Tarab

The Roadhouse

March 7

Waterland Yoga

Des Moines Theater

March 8

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

March 9

English Language Learners (ELL) Classes

Des Moines Library

March 9

Craft & Chat

Des Moines Library

March 10

Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

March 10

Create Your Life

Des Moines Library

March 11

Study Zone Tutors

Des Moines Library

March 11

Beads, Bears, and Besties: 90's Family Craft Night

Woodmont Library

March 11

Young Toddler Story Time

Des Moines Library

March 12

Messy Babies! (Morning Session)

Woodmont Library

March 12

Preschool Story Time

Des Moines Library

March 12

Tween Zone

Woodmont Library

March 13

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

March 13

Drag Queen Bingo

The Cove

March 13

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

March 14

Lego Brick Building

Des Moines Library

March 14

Waterland Yoga

Des Moines Theater

March 15

Woodmont Library Garden Club: Small Space, Year-Round, Edible Organic Gardening

Woodmont Library

March 15

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

March 16

English Language Learners (ELL) Classes

Des Moines Library

March 16

Daytime Playtime

Des Moines Library

March 17

Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

March 17

Study Zone Tutors

Des Moines Library

March 18

Throwback Theater: Fever Pitch

Woodmont Library

March 18

Des Moines Evening Book Group

Des Moines Library

March 18

Des Moines Historical Society Lecture

Odd Fellows Hall

March 18

Young Toddler Story Time

Des Moines Library

March 19

Preschool Story Time

Des Moines Library

March 19

Handwriting Lab: Society of Scribes

Woodmont Library

March 19

Study Zone Reading Buddies

Des Moines Library

March 19

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

March 20

Woodmont Library Teen Advisory Board

Woodmont Library

March 20

Open Mic

Des Moines Library

March 20

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

March 21

Community of Creators

Woodmont Library

March 21

Uncle Ernie

Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant

March 21

Waterland Yoga

Des Moines Theater

March 22

Sound It Out Saturday!

Woodmont Library

March 22

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

March 23

Des Moines Writing Group

Des Moines Library

March 24

Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

March 24

Study Zone Tutors

Des Moines Library

March 25

Arty Time 90's Rewind! The Ultimate 90's Paint n' Sip Party

Des Moines Library

March 25

Tiny Art Show

Woodmont Library

March 25

Young Toddler Story Time

Des Moines Library

March 26

Preschool Story Time

Des Moines Library

March 26

Study Zone Reading Buddies

Des Moines Library

March 26

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

March 27

After School Hangout

Woodmont Library

March 27

Creation Station

Des Moines Library

March 27

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

March 28

Lego Brick Building

Des Moines Library

March 28

Waterland Yoga

Des Moines Theater

March 29

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

March 30

Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

March 31

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

April 3

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

April 4

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

April 10

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

April 11

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

April 27

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

April 18

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

April 24

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

April 25

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

May 1

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

May 2

Redondo Boardwalk Beats

Redondo

May 2

SR3 Community Open House

Des Moines Marina

May 2

Marina Mamas Walking Group

May 8

Des Moines Marina

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

May 9

South Sound Opening Day Boating Ceremony

Des Moines Yacht Club

May 9

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

May 15

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

May 16

Seattle Aquarium Beach Naturalist Program

Des Moines Beach Park

May 17

Seattle Aquarium Beach Naturalist Program

Des Moines Beach Park

May 19

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

May 22

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

May 23

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

May 29

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

May 30