CITY MANAGER REPORT

February 6, 2026

12th Man Flag Raising Ceremony

Today’s 12th Man Flag Raising drew a great turnout, with community members coming together in strong Seahawks spirit to show their pride and support. Go Hawks!

Council Meeting Recap

At last night’s City Council Study Session, Council discussed a variety of topics, including future City-sponsored special events such as the Fourth of July celebration, the Holiday Tree Lighting, and more. We’ll share a fuller update with additional details in next week’s report.

Council also received an update on the City’s long-range financial forecast. The discussion highlighted the importance of continuing to reduce operating costs where possible, while also focusing on growing revenue to support essential services. The City is committed to addressing these financial challenges in a transparent and inclusive way. More updates are coming soon, along with opportunities for the community to share input on these important issues.

From Pen to Puget Sound: Salmon Rearing at the Marina

Each year, a salmon rearing pen is installed at the Des Moines Marina to support local fish restoration efforts. This year’s pen installation is scheduled for this Saturday, February 7, around 9:00 a.m., with help from Marina staff and dedicated volunteers, and is sponsored by Northwest Salmon Research. Approximately 30,000 Coho salmon will be delivered to the pen on February 11 and cared for until their release in early April (exact dates to be determined). Volunteers feed the fish about twice daily, and additional help is welcome. Those interested in volunteering can contact Bob Bisordi at the link below.

Contact Bob Bisordi

Understanding the Building Permit Process

The building permit process can sometimes seem overwhelming, but it plays a critical role in ensuring the safety, quality and compliance of structures throughout our community. The building permit process is a partnership between the City and its residents to ensure safe, high-quality structures for everyone. If you are looking to open a new business, remodel your home, or do any other type of project that may need a permit, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Community Development and Permitting staff at 206-870-7576. A phone call or quick meeting before a project can make things go much smoother once construction starts! Pre-application meetings and phone calls with our staff are free and recommended!

Visit our Planning and Building Department today........in person, or online!

Visit Planning and Building Today!

DaySmart Website

Email Us Today

Send a Valentine's Day Fairy Gram!

Make a child’s Valentine’s Day extra magical with a sweet surprise! For just $6, you can send a Valentine’s Day Fairy Gram to children ages 4–10.

How to Order:

Visit our DaySmart website and click on Special Events
Include the child’s name and delivery address (Des Moines & Normandy Park only)

Pickup Option:

Boxes will be available for pickup at the Activity Center on February 13, 9 AM – 4 PM
Need a pickup accommodation? Email us!

Order by February 12 and help spread the love this Valentine’s Day!

South 240th Street Construction Update

Road Closure Reminder

Construction is underway on South 240th Street between 16th Ave S and 20th Ave S, including new sidewalks, a multi-use trail, underground utilities, lighting, and roadway repaving.

Road Closure Reminder: Starting February 9, South 240th Street will be closed to through traffic and limited to local access only, with detour routes in place.

Residents are encouraged to follow posted signage and check the project website for updates. Thank you for your patience as we improve our streets and sidewalks!

Project Website

Get ready for a season of fun, teamwork, and friendly competition!

Practices Begin: March 30, 2026
Games: Saturdays, April 18 – June 13, 2026
Location: Des Moines, WA

Secure your spot today!

Don’t miss an exciting spring on the field!

Visit our Website

Des Moines Police Online Reporting

The Des Moines Police Department offers an online reporting system for non-emergency incidents. Submit a report quickly and print a free copy for your records.

Is online reporting right for you?

This is not an emergency
The incident occurred within Des Moines city limits
It did not occur on Interstate 5

After submitting:

You’ll see: “Your report has been submitted”
Receive a temporary report number
Print a copy for your records

Incidents you can report online include:

Vandalism, theft, and hit & run
Abandoned cars or parking issues
Animal complaints
Harassing phone calls or mail theft
Crime/drug tips and police service requests

Note: All reports are reviewed; you may be contacted if follow-up is needed. Use a modern browser like Edge, Chrome, or Firefox to view the crime map correctly.

File Your Report Here

Contact the Marina Office

Did you know that remnants of the original brick road connecting Des Moines to Seattle were uncovered right here in our community?

During road work at the intersection of 216th Street and Marine View Drive, crews discovered an intact section of the Des Moines–to–Seattle Brick Boulevard — a route laid down in 1916 that replaced footpaths and horse trails with one of the earliest paved roads in the area. Before automobiles became common, local travel relied on walking, horse‑drawn wagons, or the Mosquito Fleet steamboats on Puget Sound. The brick boulevard marked a major milestone in connecting our waterfront town with Seattle, helping shift transportation from the water to land.

This historic find ties us directly to Des Moines’ early transportation era and reminds us of how the city evolved from a rural settlement to the vibrant community we know 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.

Click Here to Share Your Staff Kudos!

Staff Kudos

“Laura (Techico),

Thank you very much for working with us throughout the course of the redevelopment. In my 25 years of working with Walsh, I have not worked in any jurisdiction, that operates as a partner to the whole project team like you all do in Des Moines. That approach makes everyone’s life easier when it comes time to communicate issues and work though any road blocks. We really appreciate that kind of approach and I wish others would do the same.”

Anthony Mizin

Walsh Construction

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:

Community Engagement Officer (Community Services Officer)
IT Business Operations Coordinator
Paralegal/Domestic Violence Victim Advocate
Police Officer-Academy Graduate, Entry & Lateral
Senior Mechanic
Volunteer Opportunities with Community Enrichment Services

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

Be in the know! Get the latest updates straight from the City Manager, and more - stay informed about what's happening in your community!

Subscribe Here!

Get The Latest Updates From Mount Rainier Pool Management

Stay up-to-date with pool activities, events and closures!

City Council Meeting Preview

Here is what's on the agenda for next week

February 12, 2026

City Council Regular Meeting:

Presentation from Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce
Update from Citizens Advisory Board on Strategic Plan Public Engagement
Update on the City's Automated License Plate Reader System
Public Hearing: Density Bonus for Religious Properties Ordinance, First Reading
Planning Commission Appointments
Establishment of a Salary Commission

The following items were discussed at last night's meeting

February 5, 2026

City Council Committee of the Whole:

Discussion on City Sponsored Events
Parks Projects & King County Parks Levy Update

City Council Study Session:

Parks Projects & King County Parks Levy Update (if needed)
Seahawks Blue Friday Proclamation
Long-Range Budget Forecast Analysis Presentation
Revenue Enhancement Options Update

Link to February 12, 2026 City Council Packet

Link to February 5, 2026 Council Packet

Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items

Youth Soccer League Registration Opens

January 2-March 1

Valentine’s Day Fairy Gram

Order from January 12-February 12

Airport Committee Meeting

City Hall

February 9

Family Canvas Creations: Prickly Heart

Activity Center

February 10

City Council Meeting

City Hall

February 12

Club KHAOS Break Camp

Field House

February 13

City Offices Closed in Observance of President’s Day

February 16

Club KHAOS Break Camp

Field House

February 16

Spa Crafts Workshop

Activity Center

February 20

Citizens Advisory Board Meeting

City Hall

February 25

Monthly Dessert Social

Activity Center

February 26

City Council Strategic Planning Workshop

Beach Park Dining Hall

February 26

City Council Strategic Planning Workshop

Beach Park Dining Hall

February 27

City Council Committee of the Whole & Study Session

City Hall

March 5

Airport Committee Meeting

City Hall

March 9

City Council Meeting

City Hall

March 12

Citizens Advisory Board Meeting

City Hall

March 25

City Council Meeting

City Hall

March 26

Spring Recycling Event

Des Moines Marina – South Parking Lot

March 28

Have An Upcoming Event You Want To Share?

Email Us Today!

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

February 7

Discovery Day

MaST Center

February 7

Waterland Yoga

Des Moines Theater

February 8

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

February 9

Strategic Plan Refinement Family & Student Engagement Session

Highline College

February 9

Free Tax Help by AARP Foundation

Woodmont Library

February 10

Craft & Chat

Des Moines Library

February 10

Tuesday Night Karaoke w/KJ Lo & Lil T

Waterland Arcade

February 10

Trivia Night at the Quarterdeck

Quarterdeck

February 10

DIY Teen Zines

Des Moines Library

February 11

Card Making & Letter Writing Workshop

Woodmont Library

February 11

Blues Jam at Creole Soul

Creole Soul

February 12

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

February 13

Tween Zone

Woodmont Library

February 13

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

February 14

Discovery Day

MaST Center

February 14

Waterland Yoga

Des Moines Theater

February 15

Woodmont Library Garden Club: Start Your Starts

Woodmont Library

February 15

Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker Dedication

Des Moines Flag Triangle

February 16

Free Tax Help by AARP Foundation

Woodmont Library

February 17

Tuesday Night Karaoke w/KJ Lo & Lil T

Waterland Arcade

February 17

Bingo Jam at the Quarterdeck

Quarterdeck

February 17

Block Print a Zine

Des Moines Library

February 18

Des Moines Evening Book Group

Des Moines Library

February 18

Cribbage Night at the Quarterdeck

Quarterdeck

February 18

Blues Jam at Creole Soul

Creole Soul

February 19

Handwriting Lab: Society of Scribes

Woodmont Library

February 19

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

February 20

Open Mic

Des Moines Library

February 20

Live Music at the Quarterdeck - Soulcem Acoustic Duo

Quarterdeck

February 20

Jason Spins 80s Night

Waterland Arcade

February 20

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

February 21

Discovery Day

MaST Center

February 21

Community of Creators

Woodmont Library

February 21

Comedy Day at the Quarterdeck

Quarterdeck

February 21

Waterland Yoga

Des Moines Theater

February 22

English Language Learners (ELL) Classes

Des Moines Library

February 23

Tuesday Night Karaoke w/KJ Lo & Lil T

Waterland Arcade

February 24

Trivia Night at the Quarterdeck

Quarterdeck

February 24

Free Tax Help by AARP Foundation

Woodmont Library

February 24

Des Moines Writing Group

Des Moines Library

February 24

Blues Jam at Creole Soul

Creole Soul

February 26

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

February 27

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

Waterland Yoga

Des Moines Theater

March 1

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

March 6

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

March 7

Waterland Yoga

Des Moines Theater

March 8

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

March 13

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

March 14

Waterland Yoga

Des Moines Theater

March 15

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

March 20

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

March 21

Uncle Ernie

Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant

March 21

Waterland Yoga

Des Moines Theater

March 22

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

March 27

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

March 28

Waterland Yoga

Des Moines Theater

March 29