CITY MANAGER REPORT

July 2, 2026

REMINDER: Fireworks are Illegal in Des Moines

As you prepare to celebrate the 4th of July, please remember that fireworks are prohibited in the City of Des Moines under DMMC 9.42. This includes the sale, possession, and discharge of all fireworks—even the small ones.

Fireworks pose serious fire and safety risks, create distress for pets and neighbors, and can lead to fines or criminal charges. Thank you for doing your part to help keep our community safe.

Looking for a fun way to celebrate instead? Join us for Stars, Stripes & Sunshine at the Des Moines Marina on Saturday, July 4, from 10:00AM to 3:00PM Enjoy a day of live entertainment, family activities, local vendors, food, and waterfront fun as we celebrate Independence Day together!

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 celebrating the Fourth of July, enjoying live music by the water, or making memories at Waterland Festival, there's something for everyone this month.

Celebrate Independence Day at Stars, Stripes & Sunshine – July 4

Saturday, join us at the Des Moines Marina from 10:00AM to 3:00PM for Stars, Stripes & Sunshine! Enjoy family-friendly activities, live entertainment, delicious food, and a festive waterfront atmosphere as we celebrate Independence Day together.

Don't forget to stop by the City's booth during the Farmer's Market. Administrative Services staff is hosting the booth this week. Reusable tote bags, and other fun swag items available while supplies last!

Stars, Stripes & Sunshine Schedule of Events for Saturday, July 4th:

Waterland Children's Festival – July 17

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

Don't miss one of Des Moines' favorite traditions! The Waterland Parade returns on Saturday evening, followed immediately by the first-ever Downtown Block Party. Stay after the parade to enjoy live music, a beer garden, kids' activities, performers, and plenty of community fun. Bring your chairs—and plan to stay late!

Summer Concert Series Begins July 15!

Nothing says summer like live music by the water! Join us Wednesday evenings from 7:00–8:30PM at the 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.

There's even more happening this summer! From Wheels & Keels Car & Boat Show, Free Summer Meals for Kids and community events to project updates, recreation programs, and important City news, be sure to check out the calendar in this report each week. It's your one-stop source for everything happening in Des Moines this summer. We hope to see you out enjoying our parks, waterfront, neighborhoods, and community events all season long!

City Offices Closed

City Offices will be closed Friday, July 3^rd in observance of Fourth of July. Emergency Services and Marina Fuel Dock will remain open.

Now Accepting Applications

Lodging Tax Advisory Committee

The City of Des Moines is seeking applicants to serve on the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC). The committee provides recommendations to the City Council on the use of lodging tax revenues to support tourism promotion and tourism-related activities that benefit our community.

The committee includes representatives from local lodging businesses, organizations involved in tourism-related activities, and one City Council member. If you are interested in helping shape how lodging tax funds are invested to promote tourism in Des Moines, we encourage you to apply.

Salary Commission

The Salary Commission is an independent body responsible for reviewing and setting the salaries of the Mayor and City Councilmembers. This process helps ensure that compensation is determined in a fair, transparent, and objective manner, consistent with state law.

We are looking for community members who are interested in civic engagement and bringing a thoughtful, balanced perspective to this important responsibility. Serving on the Commission is a unique opportunity to contribute to the City’s governance and help promote accountability and public trust.

If you’ve been looking for a way to get more involved, these are great opportunities to have a voice and make a difference in your community.

Applications and additional details are available on the City’s website.

Visit our Website

Moving 24th Avenue South Improvements Forward

The City of Des Moines is taking the next step toward improving 24th Avenue South by requesting qualifications from engineering firms to provide design and right-of-way services for the 24th Avenue South Improvements Project – Segment 1.

This project will enhance the section of 24th Avenue South between South 223rd Street and South 216th Street by adding curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and bike lanes on both sides of the roadway. These improvements will connect with existing infrastructure to the north and south, creating a safer and more complete corridor for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.

The selected consultant will develop the final design, coordinate right-of-way acquisition, work with utilities and regulatory agencies, support public outreach, and prepare the project for construction bidding. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2028.

Engineering firms interested in providing these professional services must submit their qualifications by 4:00PM on July 20, 2026. This is another important milestone as the City continues investing in transportation improvements that enhance safety, accessibility, and connectivity throughout the community.

24th Avenue South Improvements Request for Qualifications

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

If you're planning to visit the Redondo area on Sunday, July 12, please be aware of temporary road closures for the annual Shark in the Park event.

From 8:00AM to 5:00PM, Redondo Beach Drive South will be closed between South 287th Street and the Redondo Boat Launch, and eastbound Redondo Way South will be closed between Sound View Drive South and the 28800 block. The Redondo Boat Launch will remain open, and signed detours will be in place to help direct traffic.

If you're attending Shark in the Park, we look forward to seeing you there! If you're traveling through the area, please allow a little extra time, follow posted detour signs, and use caution around pedestrians and event activities.

Shark In The Park Information

Notary Services Available

The City of Des Moines offers notary services to the public at City Hall. Residents who need documents notarized can visit the City Clerk’s Office during regular business hours—no appointment is necessary.

The cost is $15 per stamped page, consistent with Washington State notary fee guidelines. Common documents requiring notarization include affidavits, acknowledgments, and other official forms that require verification of a signature.

Please remember to bring a valid photo ID and do not sign the document in advance, as signatures must be witnessed by the notary at the time of service.

For more information, please contact the City Clerk’s Office.

City Clerk Website

Waste Not, Worry Not: Your Recology Collection Guide

Are you ever unsure about what goes where, or how to roll out your bins the right way? We’ve got you covered! Here are a few simple tips and reminders straight from Recology to help make waste collection smooth and sustainable for everyone.

Stop & Think

Sorting properly keeps recyclable and compostable materials out of the landfill!

Green Compost Cart: Food scraps and food-soiled paper
Blue Recycling Bin: Clean cardboard, paper, glass, metal, and plastic containers
Gray Trash Bin: Everything else that can’t be composted or recycled

Need help figuring it out?

Check out the Sorting Guide and WhatBin Tool on Recology’s website!

Break It Down

Save space and recycle right!

Keep recyclables loose (no plastic bags, please — paper bags are fine!)
Break down boxes to no larger than 2’ x 2’ x 2’
Overflow? Place extra cardboard in a box next to your blue cart (same size limit applies)

Bag It & Bin It

Help keep our streets and waterways clean

Trash should be bagged and secured before going into your gray cart
Make sure the lid closes completely to prevent windblown litter

Curbside Bulky Pickups

Have a big item? No problem!

Schedule your bulky item pickup through Recology
Place items neatly next to your carts on collection day
Donate reusable items when possible to local nonprofits

Special Item Recycling

Some things just don’t belong in your bins — like batteries, light bulbs, and textiles

Des Moines residents can bring select items to the Highline Recology Store or schedule curbside pickup for eligible materials

Roll It Out Right

Set your carts out before 7:00AM on collection day (or the night before)

Place carts 2 feet apart from each other and from mailboxes, fences, or cars
Make sure carts face the street with the lid opening toward the road
Keep lids closed — and thank you for keeping our community tidy!

Need Help or Have Questions?

Recology Customer Service is happy to assist you!

206-762-4900

Monday–Friday: 7:00AM–7:00PM | Saturday–Sunday: 8:00AM–7:00PM

Recology Des Moines

A Little Bit of History...

Long before it became the home of the City's Summer Concert Series, Des Moines Beach Park was a gathering place for community events, picnics, performances, and celebrations. The park's roots date back to the early 1900s, and today it continues that tradition by welcoming thousands of visitors each summer for free concerts, festivals, and family-friendly events along the waterfront. More than a century later, Beach Park remains one of Des Moines' most treasured places to gather.

“City Of Des Moines is flippin awesome! You guys rock! Thank you very much! Permit will be paid.”

Chris Aguon

Five Star Mechanical

Click Here to Share Your Staff Kudos!

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.

Apply Here Today!

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!

Job Opportunities

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

Court Administrator
Payroll Specialist II
Police Officer-Hiring Incentives Available!
Seasonal Maintenance Worker(s)
Volunteer Opportunities with Des Moines Community Enrichment Services

Current and Past Issues of the City Manager Report

Missed an issue or want to take another look? You can find this report and all past City Manager Reports anytime on the City’s website—your go-to spot for staying informed.

Be in the know! Sign up today!

Click Here for Past and Current Issues of the City Manager Report

Get The Latest Updates From Mount Rainier Pool Management

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

City Council Meeting Recap

There was no meeting last night. The next meeting is scheduled for July 9th and here is what is on the agenda:

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

Link to July 9, 2026 City Council Packet

Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items

City Offices Closed in Observance of Independence Day

July 3

Stars, Stripes and Sunshine

Marina

July 4

Planning Commission Meeting

City Hall

July 7

Out to Lunch: Roanoke Tavern-Mercer Island

July 8

Day Trip: Enchanted Farms Tour with Animal Encounters – Duvall

July 9

City Council Meeting

City Hall

July 9

Airport Committee Meeting

City Hall

July 13

Day Trip: Snoqualmie Falls with Brunch at Salish Lodge

July 15

Summer Concert: Spike and the Impalers

Beach Park

July 15

Out to Lunch: Lady of the Lake Public House Dinner Trip with Schmidt House Tour

July 17

Waterland Children's Festival-FREE

Field House

July 17

Dessert Social

Activity Center

July 21

Senior Bingo

Activity Center

July 21

Out to Lunch: Seventeen51-Lacey

July 22

Summer Concert: Kitty Mae

Beach Park

July 22

Day Trip: Seattle Underground Tour with Lunch at O’Donnells

July 24

Out to Lunch: Jack’s BBQ-SODO

July 28

Summer Concert: Nite Wave

Beach Park

July 29

Day Trip: Deception Pass Cruise – Sails from La Conner

July 30

Council Workshop

City Hall

July 30

Day Trip: Mini Golf-Kent

August 4

Planning Commission Meeting

City Hall

August 4

Day Trip: Thrifting Around Bremerton 2.0

August 5

Summer Concert: Abbagraphs

Beach Park

August 5

City Council Committee of the Whole & Study Session

City Hall

August 6

Airport Committee Meeting

City Hall

August 10

Day Trip: Red Wind Casino – Olympia

August 12

Summer Concert: Stevie and the Blue Flames

Beach Park

August 12

Dessert Social

Activity Center

August 13

City Council Meeting

City Hall

August 13

Out to Lunch: Browns Point Diner

August 14

Family Bingo Night: Back to School Bingo

Activity Center

August 14

Day Trip: Whidbey Island -Shopping and Scenery

August 18

Summer Concert: Huey Lewis Tribute Band

Beach Park

August 19

Pop-Up Karaoke

Activity Center

August 21

Day Trip: Archie McPhee’s with Lunch at Salmon House-Wallingford

August 25

Citizens Advisory Board Meeting

City Hall

August 26

Out to Lunch: Clove Indian Restaurant-Renton

August 27

City Council Meeting

City Hall

August 27

Have An Upcoming Event You Want To Share?

Share Your Events With Us Here!

Family Game Time

Des Moines Library

July 3

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

July 3

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

July 4

Redondo Boardwalk Beats

Redondo

July 4

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

July 4

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

July 4

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

July 6

Summer Meals

Woodmont Library

July 6

Summer Movie Matinees

Woodmont Library

July 6

Summer Meals

Woodmont Library

July 7

Tinker Tuesday

Woodmont Library

July 7

Daytime Playtime

Des Moines Library

July 7

Trivia Night for Tweens & Teens

Woodmont Library

July 7

Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

July 7

Summer Meals

Woodmont Library

July 8

Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

July 8

Family Story Time

Des Moines Library

July 9

Messy Babies (Morning Session)

Woodmont Library

July 9

Summer Meals

Woodmont Library

July 9

Messy Babies (Afternoon Session)

Woodmont Library

July 9

United States Postal Service Hiring Event

Des Moines Library

July 10

Summer Hang out for Kids and Teens

Woodmont Library

July 10

Curious Creatures Craft

Des Moines Library

July 10

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

July 10

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

July 11

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

July 11

Friends of Saltwater State Park Naturalists Low Tide Beach Exploration

Saltwater State Park

July 11

Waterland Yoga

Soundview Park

July 11

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

July 11

Kawaii-Themed Printmaking Workshop

Woodmont Library

July 11

Shark in the Park

Wooton Park

July 12

Seattle Aquarium Beach Naturalist Program

Des Moines Beach Park

July 12

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

July 13

Summer Meals

Woodmont Library

July 13

Summer Movie Matinees

Woodmont Library

July 13

Summer Meals

Woodmont Library

July 14

Tinker Tuesday

Woodmont Library

July 14

Craft & Chat

Des Moines Library

July 14

Trivia Night for Tweens & Teens

Woodmont Library
July 14

Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

July 14

Friends of Saltwater State Park Naturalists Low Tide Beach Exploration

Saltwater State Park

July 14

Friends of Saltwater State Park Naturalists Low Tide Beach Exploration

Saltwater State Park

July 15

Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

July 15

Seattle Aquarium Beach Naturalist Program

Des Moines Beach Park

July 15

Summer Meals

Woodmont Library

July 15

Garden Hotline Presents: Start Your Fall & Winter Garden

Woodmont Library

July 15

Evening Book Group

Des Moines Library

July 15

Family Story Time

Des Moines Library

July 16

Summer Meals

Woodmont Library

July 16

Friends of Saltwater State Park Naturalists Low Tide Beach Exploration

Saltwater State Park

July 16

Thursday Night Farmer's Market

Des Moines Theater

July 16

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

July 17

Still Life Painting Workshop

Woodmont Library

July 17

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

July 18

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

July 18

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

July 18

Waterland Parade & Block Party

Des Moines

July 18

Southside Run Club Dog Dash

July 19

Beach Park

Argosy Cruise

Des Moines Marina

July 19

Seed Saving with Lisa Taylor

Woodmont Library

July 19

Wheels & Keels Car & Boat Show

Marina

July 19

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

July 20

Summer Meals

Woodmont Library

July 20

Summer Movie Matinees

Woodmont Library

July 20

Summer Meals

Woodmont Library

July 21

Tinker Tuesday

Woodmont Library

July 21

Daytime Playtime

Des Moines Library

July 21

Unplugged Summer

Woodmont Library

July 21

Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

July 21

Summer Meals

Woodmont Library

July 22

Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

July 22

Family Story Time

Des Moines Library

July 23

Builder Babies

Woodmont Library

July 23

Summer Meals

Woodmont Library

July 23

Lego Brick Building

Des Moines Library

July 24

A Book Club for the Ages

Woodmont Library

July 24

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

July 24

Waterland Yoga

Soundview Park

July 25

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

July 25

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

July 25

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

July 25

Community of Creators

Woodmont Library

July 25

Learn to Make Boba

Des Moines Library

July 26

Gardening with Edible & Medicinal Native Plants

Woodmont Library

July 26

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

July 27

Summer Meals

Woodmont Library

July 27

Summer Movie Matinees

Woodmont Library

July 27

Tinker Tuesday

Woodmont Library

July 28

Des Moines Writing Group

Des Moines Library

July 28

Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

July 28

Summer Meals

Woodmont Library

July 29

Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia

Des Moines Library

July 29

Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

July 29

Family Story Time

Des Moines Library

July 30

Summer Meals

Woodmont Library

July 30

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

July 31

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

August 1

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

August 1

4th Annual Beauty of our African Roots

Highline College

August 1

Redondo Boardwalk Beats

Redondo

August 1

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

August 1

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

August 7

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

August 8

Waterland Yoga

Soundview Park

August 8

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

August 8

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

August 8

Friends of Saltwater State Park Naturalists Low Tide Beach Exploration

Saltwater State Park

August 10

Friends of Saltwater State Park Naturalists Low Tide Beach Exploration

Saltwater State Park

August 11

Friends of Saltwater State Park Naturalists Low Tide Beach Exploration

Saltwater State Park

August 12

Friends of Saltwater State Park Naturalists Low Tide Beach Exploration

Saltwater State Park

August 13

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

August 14

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

August 15

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

August 15

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

August 15

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

August 21

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

August 22

Waterland Yoga

Soundview Park

August 22

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

August 22

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

August 22

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

August 28

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

August 29

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

August 29

Uncle Ernie’s

Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant

August 29

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

August 29