CITY MANAGER REPORT

July 11, 2025

Adding to our Natural Space and Tree Canopy!


Earlier this year, the City of Des Moines applied for a grant to acquire 16.44 acres of open space and forested land adjacent to Redondo Way South, bordering Wooton Park. By pursuing funding through the King County Conservation Futures Program, we are working to permanently preserve this area as natural greenspace.


We’re excited to share that our grant application has been recommended for full funding, and the King County Council is expected to vote on final approval soon. This is a major step forward in our efforts to expand Des Moines’ tree canopy and protect vital greenspace for generations to come.

Interact with Congressman Adam Smith (9th Congressional District)


Congressman Adam Smith is excited to introduce a new and innovative way for residents of Washington’s 9th Congressional District to share their input on key community issues—including public safety, mental health, and behavioral health.


In partnership with Civic Genius, a program of the National Civic League, Congressman Smith will host a town hall that emphasizes small-group discussions and direct engagement. The 9th District will be the first in the nation to pilot this inclusive format.


To ensure broad representation, participants will be selected through a lottery open to all district residents. The deadline to enter is July 18 at 5 p.m., and selected individuals will be notified on July 22. Even if you’re not selected, you’ll still have an opportunity to share your input online.


This town hall is designed to bring more voices to the table and give residents a direct line to their representative.
Visit the FAQ to learn more HERE
Register for the lottery HERE by July 18 @ 5pm!
Even if you are not selected in the lottery, you can give your input HERE

Classic Wooden

Boat Show 


The Des Moines Marina will once again host the Classic Wooden Boat Show during Waterland weekend, continuing a beloved tradition that began in 2006.

 

This popular event showcases beautifully restored wooden boats from the 1920’s through the 1960’s. Attendees can tour the vessels and talk with passionate owners about the history and craftsmanship of these floating treasures.

 

As part of the Pacific Northwest wooden boat show circuit—which includes events in Seattle, Olympia, Gig Harbor, and beyond—Des Moines offers a unique and charming setting that boaters look forward to each year.

 

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Harbormaster, Marina staff, and organizers Patti and Bill Linscott and Todd Powell this year's show is expected to feature 12 classic boats, promising another great experience for visitors and boaters alike.

 

Show Hours:

  • Saturday, July 19 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sunday, July 20 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

 

Where are the Flowers along Marine View Drive?


Now that summer is here and the flowers are blooming, we’ve received numerous inquiries from the community asking why there are no hanging flower baskets along Marine View Drive this year. Unfortunately these were eliminated as part of the budget cuts done in late 2024. Believe it or not, it cost the City almost $40,000 a year for those flower baskets! The main cost driver is the staff labor to water them multiple times a week.


We are grateful for the businesses along Marine View Drive who have stepped up to add their own flowers to beautify our downtown corridor! 

Skate Park Mural

Coming Soon!


Local artist Fred Andrews will be transforming the Des Moines Skate Park into a stunning mural inspired by Mount Rainier! Work begins July 17–19, and the skate park will be closed Thursday and Friday (July 18–19) for painting and sealing.


As part of the Children’s Waterland Festival on the 18th, kids are invited to join the fun with a special chalk art section in the park—so it’s more than a closure, it’s a creative celebration!


Stay tuned for photos of the progress and the final masterpiece! 

Upcoming Events! 


The City has a variety of exciting special events coming up soon, offering something for everyone in the community. From family-friendly activities to neighborhood gatherings and seasonal celebrations, these events are a great way to connect with others and enjoy all that Des Moines has to offer. Be sure to check the City’s website and social media for details and updates.  

Neighborhood Pop Up Alert!


Join City staff for a casual evening at Midway Park on August 18th. This is your chance to chat with City staff about what's on your mind—big or small—and enjoy a refreshing Otter Pop while you're at it!

 

Come say hello, ask questions, and enjoy a sweet treat—we’d love to see you there!

Let Us Do the Driving—You Do the Exploring!


The Activity Center is offering a series of exciting day trips for adults age 50+ to explore some of the Northwest’s most unique destinations—no driving required! Upcoming adventures include the Crystal Mountain Gondola and Summit House lunch (July 23), Black Diamond Museum and Bakery (July 31), Lincoln Park Troll Hunt (August 7), Tulalip Casino (August 14), Boeing Factory Tour (August 18), and the U.S. Naval Underwater Museum (August 29). Come along for fun, friendship, and discovery! 
Click HERE to Register

Participate in City Council Meetings via Zoom…

Coming Soon!


We’re excited to announce that the City is preparing to launch a new hybrid model for City Council meetings, giving community members the option to participate either in person or virtually. We’re currently in the final stages of testing and fine-tuning the system to ensure a smooth and reliable experience for everyone. Once the trial phase is complete and all components are working as intended, we’ll officially go live.


This hybrid format reflects our ongoing commitment to making it easier and more accessible for you to engage with your local government.

Construction Update

Marina L, M & N Dock Replacement Project


Sorry, sailors! Our guest moorage is taking a seasonal siesta from August 1, 2025 to March 1, 2026. Please make sure to make other arrangements during that time! Only a few weeks left to come enjoy the Guest Moorage area!!! The fuel dock will remain open for fueling and pump out needs.

In the early 1900's, Redondo Beach in Des Moines wasn’t just a quiet waterfront—it was a popular getaway complete with its very own amusement park! Visitors from Seattle would hop on the streetcar and head south for a day of fun by the water.


The beach featured a dance pavilion, arcade, rides, and food stands, making it a lively summer destination. Families came to swim, boat, and stroll the boardwalk, while couples danced the night away in the seaside pavilion.


Though the amusement park faded away by the 1930's, Redondo's charm lives on. Today’s boardwalk, pier, and MaST Center offer a nod to its vibrant, joy-filled past.

Job Opportunities

Looking for a fulfilling career with competitive pay and excellent benefits? The City of Des Moines is hiring for several positions, including:


  • Civil Engineer I - Plan Reviewer, Surface Water Management
  • Mobile Recreation Attendant
  • Seasonal Maintenance Workers
  • Facility Attendants

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
Apply today here!
Contact Us!

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, Council Members, and more.

Staff Resident Kudos

This week, I want to give a big shoutout to some of our residents. Last Saturday, members of the Redondo Community Association generously volunteered their time and effort to clean up Wooton Park following the 4th of July and ahead of the Shark in the Park event on July 6.


Knowing that City staff wouldn’t be available for park cleanup on a Saturday, they took the initiative to ensure their neighborhood park looked its best for the event. They worked incredibly hard—and their efforts show. Wooton Park looks fantastic!


Thank you to our Redondo residents for your pride, dedication, and community spirit!
If you want to share a staff kudos with me, email me today!

City Council Meeting Recap


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


Committee of the Whole:

  • Surface Water Management Utility Tree Preservation Program


City Council Regular Meeting:

  • Investment Policy Update
  • Credit Card Policy Update
  • Therapeutic Court Grant Update
  • 10th & 270tjh Construction Contract Award
  • Redondo Fishing Pier Replacement Project - Public Works Construction Contract and Consultant Agreement Award
  • City Council Protocol Manual Update and Adoption
  • Anti-Cruising Ordinance
  • City Strategic Plan and Facilitation Services - Professional Services Agreement with Raftelis
  • Telecommunications Franchise Agreement with HyperFiber


The next Council meeting will be July 24, 2025
Click here to review packet
Click here for a listing of all future Committee and Council meeting items

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Camp KHAOS

June 23-August 29

Field House


Summer Concert Series - Watkins Glen

July 16

Beach Park


Summer Concert Series - Laborer and Universal Roots

July 23

Beach Park


City Council Regular Meeting

July 24

City Hall


Summer Concert Series - Joey Jewell and Chris Anderson

July 30

Beach Park


Citizens Advisory Board

July 30

Des Moines City Hall


National Night Out

August 5

TBD


Summer Concert Series - Queen Mother

August 6

Beach Park


City Council Regular Meeting

August 7

City Hall


Summer Concert Series - Nite Wave

August 13

Beach Park


City Staff Neighborhood Pop Up

August 18

Midway Park


Summer Concert Series - Pilot Seat

August 20

Beach Park


Senior BBQ

August 21

Beach Park


City Council Committee of the Whole and Study Session

September 4

City Hall


City Council Regular Meeting

September 11

City Hall


Citizens Advisory Board

September 24

Des Moines City Hall


City Council Regular Meeting

September 25

City Hall


City Council Committee of the Whole and Study Session

October 2

City Hall


City Council Regular Meeting

October 9

City Hall


City Council Regular Meeting

October 23

City Hall


Citizens Advisory Board

October 29

Des Moines City Hall


City Council Committee of the Whole and Study Session

November 6

City Hall


City Council Regular Meeting

November 13

City Hall


City Council Committee of the Whole and Study Session

December 4

City Hall


Holiday Boat Lights

December 6

Des Moines Marina


Citizens Advisory Board

December 10

Des Moines City Hall


City Council Regular Meeting

December 11

City Hall


Polar Bear Express Movie

December 13

Beach Park
Have an upcoming event you want to share? Email us today!




Marine Mammal Steward Program with SR3

July 11

Des Moines Beach


Live Music

July 11

Quarterdeck


Live Music

July 12

Quarterdeck


Yoga

July 12

Soundview Park


Uncle Ernie

July 12

Arturos Mexican Restaurant


Des Moines Farmer's Market

July 12

Des Moines Marina


Discovery Day

July 12

MaST Center


Des Moines Creek Park Run

July 12

Beach Park


Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4 

July 12      


Live and Local Sounds on the Sound

July 12

Quarterdeck           


Marine Mammal Stewards Program

July 12

MaST Center


Tea & Silent Reading

July 16

Marina Mercantile


Weekly Wine Tasting

July 17

Marina Mercantile


Live Music

July 17

Quarterdeck


Children's Festival

July 18

Field House


Classic Wooden Boat Show

July 19

Des Moines Marina Guest Moorage


Marine Mammal Stewards Program

July 19

MaST Center


Classic Wooden Boat Show

July 20

Des Moines Marina Guest Moorage


Marine Mammal Steward Program with SR3

July 18

Des Moines Beach


Des Moines Farmer's Market

July 19

Des Moines Marina


Discovery Day

July 19

MaST Center


Des Moines Creek Park Run

July 19

Beach Park


Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4  

July 19                  


Waterland Parade

July 19


Pancake Canvas

July 19

LiUNA Local 242


Live Music

July 20

Quarterdeck


Tea & Silent Reading

July 23

Marina Mercantile


Weekly Wine Tasting

July 24

Marina Mercantile


Marine Mammal Steward Program with SR3

July 25

Des Moines Beach


Live Music

July 25

Quarterdeck


Unlock the Power of AI

July 26

Normandy Park City Hall


Ugly Shoe Party

July 26

Waterland Arcade


Yoga

July 26

Soundview Park


Des Moines Farmer's Market

July 26

Des Moines Marina


Marine Mammal Stewards Program

July 26

MaST Center


Discovery Day

July 26

MaST Center


Des Moines Creek Park Run

July 26

Beach Park


Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4  

July 26        


Live and Local Sounds on the Sound

July 26

Quarterdeck         


Live Music

July 27

Quarterdeck


Live Music

July 28

Quarterdeck


Live Music

July 29

Quarterdeck


Tea & Silent Reading

July 30

Marina Mercantile


Weekly Wine Tasting

July 31

Marina Mercantile


Wastemobile August 1

Midway Elementary School


Camp Craft Away: A Day Camp for Craft Loving Adults

August 1

Beach Park Event Center


Marine Mammal Steward Program with SR3

August 1

Des Moines Beach


Boardwalk Beats: Live Music

August 1

Redondo Boardwalk


Des Moines Farmer’s Market

August 2

Des Moines Marina


Marine Mammal Stewards Program

August 2

MaST Center


Discovery Day

August 2

MaST Center


Des Moines Creek Park Run

August 2

Beach Park


Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4  

August 2              


Tea & Silent Reading

August 6

Marina Mercantile


Weekly Wine Tasting

August 7

Marina Mercantile


Live and Local Sounds on the Sound

August 8

Quarterdeck


Marine Mammal Steward Program with SR3

August 8

Des Moines Beach


Yoga

August 9

Soundview Park


Des Moines Farmer's Market

August 9

Des Moines Marina


Marine Mammal Stewards Program

August 9

MaST Center


Discovery Day

August 9

MaST Center


Des Moines Creek Park Run

August 9

Beach Park


Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4  

August 9             


Cambodian Culture Event

August 9

Saltwater State Park


Tea & Silent Reading

August 13

Marina Mercantile


Weekly Wine Tasting

August 14

Marina Mercantile


Marine Mammal Steward Program with SR3

August 15

Des Moines Beach


Des Moines Farmer's Market

August 16

Des Moines Marina


Marine Mammal Stewards Program

August 16" MaST Center


Discovery Day

August 16

MaST Center


Des Moines Creek Park Run

August 16

Beach Park


Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4  

August 16          


Tea & Silent Reading

August 20 

Marina Mercantile    


Weekly Wine Tasting

August 21

Marina Mercantile      


Marine Mammal Steward Program with SR3

August 22

Des Moines Beach


Brews & Blues

August 23

Beach Park


Yoga

August 23

Soundview Park


Des Moines Farmer's Market

August 23

Des Moines Marina


Marine Mammal Stewards Program

August 23

MaST Center


Discovery Day

August 23

MaST Center


Des Moines Creek Park Run

August 23

Beach Park


Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4  

August 23          


Tea & Silent Reading

August 27

Marina Mercantile


Weekly Wine Tasting

August 28

Marine Mercantile


Marine Mammal Steward Program with SR3

August 29

Des Moines Beach


Des Moines Farmer’s Market

August 30

Des Moines Marina


Marine Mammal Stewards Program

August 30

MaST Center


Discovery Day

August 30

MaST Center


Des Moines Creek Park Run

August 30

Beach Park


Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4  

August 30           

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

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