CITY MANAGER REPORT

July 10, 2026

REMINDER-Temporary Road Closures for Shark in the Park – Sunday, July 12

City Council Establishes Ad Hoc City Council Budget Engagement Committee

To encourage meaningful community input on the 2027–2028 Biennial Budget, City Council established an Ad Hoc Budget Engagement Committee at last night's meeting. The three-member committee — Mayor Grace Matsui, Councilmember Blosse, and Councilmember Desimone — will guide public engagement efforts throughout the budget process, ensuring residents have opportunities to share priorities and weigh in on how City resources are allocated. The committee will serve through budget adoption.



Save the date: Join us for the City's Budget Town Hall on August 18 at the Activity Center to share your input. Stay tuned for details!

Waterland Parade Returns July 18^th

NEW - Block Party Immediately After!

One of Des Moines' favorite summer traditions is back! Start the fun on Saturday, July 18, for the Waterland Parade beginning at 6:00 p.m. along Marine View Drive South. The parade route will travel from South 216th Street to South 225th Street, featuring the City’s own Harbor I Marina boat, community groups, local organizations, and plenty of hometown spirit.

After the parade, stick around for the Waterland Block Party from 7:00–10:00 p.m. on Marine View Drive, between South 223^rd Street and South 225^th Street. Enjoy an evening of music, food, and fun as downtown comes alive with neighbors and visitors celebrating together.

To safely accommodate these events, Marine View Drive South will be temporarily closed:

• 6:00–7:00 p.m.: Marine View Drive South between South 216th Street and South 226th Street for the parade.
• 7:00–10:00 p.m.: Marine View Drive South between South 223rd Street and South 225th Street for the Block Party.

Signed detours will be in place, and motorists are encouraged to allow extra travel time or plan alternate routes during the closures.

We hope you'll join us for an evening of community, celebration, and Waterland fun!

Airport Growth Discussions Continue - Community Open House July 14

As Sea-Tac International Airport continues to grow, Burien, Des Moines, and SeaTac are working together to advocate for a more collaborative approach to airport expansion planning — one that fully considers the health, environmental, transportation, and quality-of-life impacts on neighboring communities.

Join us at a Community Open House on Tuesday, July 14, 6:00–7:30 p.m. at Burien City Hall (400 SW 152nd Street, Burien) to learn about the airport's Sustainable Airport Master Plan Near-Term Projects and how to get involved. Spanish interpretation available.

Can't make it? Visit flow.page/samp-equity or scan the QR code to learn more.

July is Packed with Summer Fun in

Des Moines!

Summer is in full swing, and July is packed with opportunities to get out and enjoy everything Des Moines has to offer! Whether you're enjoying live music by the water, or making memories at Waterland Festival, there's something for everyone this month.

Summer Concert Series Begins July 15!

Nothing says summer like live music by the water! Join us Wednesday evenings from 7:00–8:30 p.m. at Des Moines Beach Park for our annual Summer Concert Series. This year's lineup features everything from classic rock and country to '80s favorites, ABBA hits, blues, and a Huey Lewis tribute band. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, enjoy delicious food trucks and the beer garden, and spend a relaxing evening with friends and neighbors while taking in beautiful Puget Sound views.

Waterland Children's Festival – July 17, Noon to 4

Bring the kids to Field House Park for an afternoon of FREE family fun! Enjoy inflatables, crafts, splash and play zones, fire trucks, construction activities, and much more. It's the perfect way to kick off Waterland Festival weekend.

Waterland Parade & First-Ever Block Party – July 18

More details above

Wheels & Keels Car & Wooden Boat Show - July 19

Rev up your weekend at the Wheels & Keels Car and Wooden Boat Show on Sunday, July 19, at the Marina! This family-friendly event brings together an impressive display of classic cars, hot rods, muscle cars, customs and specialty vehicles. Don't forget to check out the beautiful wooden boats on display from Friday, July 17-Sunday, July 19. Enjoy their timeless beauty and soak up the scenery! 

City Council Recognizes Parks & Recreation Month and Waterland Festival Day

At last night’s meeting, the Des Moines City Council proudly adopted two proclamations celebrating the community, traditions, and outdoor spaces that make summer in Des Moines so special.

The Council proclaimed July as Parks & Recreation Month, recognizing the important role parks, trails, beaches, recreation programs, and public spaces play in enhancing quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

The Council also proclaimed Saturday, July 18, 2026, as Des Moines Waterland Festival, Parade, and Block Party Day, recognizing one of the City's longest-standing and most cherished traditions. 

New Stormwater Design Standards Now in Effect

If you're planning a development project in Des Moines, there's an important update to be aware of. As of July 1, 2026, the City has officially adopted the 2026 King County Surface Water Design Manual (KCSWDM) as the current standard for stormwater design.

These updated standards help ensure new development continues to protect our streams, neighborhoods, and environment by using the latest stormwater management practices.

What Does This Mean for Existing Projects?

Projects that were permitted before July 1, 2026, may still be able to move forward under the standards that were in place when they were approved—but only if construction begins within the applicable vesting period.

If construction does not begin before the project's vesting deadline, the plans will need to be updated to meet the requirements of the 2026 KCSWDM (or any future version required by state regulations). Any revisions must be reviewed and approved by the City's Surface Water Division.

For vesting purposes, construction is considered to have started once site work has progressed to the point where rough grading is complete or utilities have been installed. Rough grading is considered complete when the site is within one foot of the final approved design elevations.

If you have an upcoming project or aren't sure how these changes may affect an existing permit, the City's Surface Water Division is happy to help answer questions and provide guidance before work begins.

South King Fire Training Exercise at the Des Moines Marina - July 22

If you're visiting or passing through the Des Moines Marina on Wednesday, July 22, you may notice an increased presence of fire engines, firefighters, and emergency equipment. Don't be alarmed—this is a planned training exercise conducted by South King Fire from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The training provides firefighters with valuable hands-on experience responding to marina and waterfront fire scenarios in a real-world environment. It also gives newer firefighters an opportunity to practice alongside experienced crews while strengthening coordination with neighboring fire agencies.

During the exercise, you may see fire apparatus, command vehicles, fire hoses, and firefighters conducting training activities throughout portions of the marina. Temporary restrictions may be in place in a small section of the marina while the training is underway. Every effort will be made to minimize disruptions to marina operations, nearby businesses, residents, and visitors.

South King Fire does not anticipate using large volumes of water; however, there is a slight possibility of temporary discoloration of water in the immediate area as a result of the exercise.

We appreciate South King Fire's commitment to training and preparedness, helping ensure they are ready to respond when our community needs them most. Thank you for your patience if you're in the area during the exercise, and remember—this is only a training exercise. No actual emergency is taking place.

City Council Meeting Recap

The following items were discussed at last night’s meeting:

City Council Regular Meeting:

• Parks & Recreation Month Proclamation
• Des Moines Waterland Festival, Parade, and Block Party Day Proclamation
• Update from South King Fire Chief, Ryan Woodey
• 2027/2028 Budget Calendar Overview
• Speed Camera Ordinance, 2^nd Reading
• Citizens Advisory Board Appointment
• 2026 Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Spending Recommendations
• NFC Northwest Telecommunications Franchise Agreement, 2^nd Reading
• 24^th Avenue Suspension PSE Settlement Agreements
• Establishment of Ad Hoc City Council Budget Engagement Committee
• Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) Update