CITY MANAGER REPORT

July 24, 2026

Temporary Road Closure Scheduled for Cliff Avenue South

Motorists should plan ahead for a temporary road closure as work continues on two important infrastructure projects in the Marina area.

Beginning Monday, July 27, through Friday, July 31, Cliff Avenue South and South 223rd Street, between 5th Avenue South and 6th Avenue South, will be closed daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The closure is necessary to support ongoing construction of the Marina Steps Project and Highline Water District's water line improvements.

Pedestrian access and local access to nearby properties will be maintained with the assistance of traffic control spotters. Motorists are encouraged to follow the signed detour route and allow extra travel time while work is underway.

We appreciate your patience as these improvements continue to enhance infrastructure and access within the Marina district.

Thank You for Another Wonderful Waterland Weekend

A huge thank you goes out to everyone who helped make this year's Waterland Weekend such a memorable celebration. From the volunteers and organizers to City staff, public safety personnel, vendors, sponsors, performers, and everyone who attended, your efforts helped create an incredible weekend for our community. It was wonderful to see residents and visitors enjoying the parade, the inaugural Downtown Block Party, the Children's Festival, Wheels & Keels, and all the activities that make Des Moines such a special place to live, work, and visit.

...And Don't Forget.......

Summer isn't over yet! Grab your lawn chair, pack a picnic, and head to Des Moines Beach Park on Wednesday evenings for a fantastic night of live music. Our Summer Concert Series continues on Wednesday the 29^th with Nite Wave, bringing 80’s new wave to the waterfront from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. It's the perfect way to relax, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and spend time with family, friends, and neighbors.

Court Decision on Zenith Property Stands

The King County Superior Court decision upholding the demolition permit for the Masonic Home in Des Moines will not be appealed. The deadline for filing an appeal was Wednesday, July 22, so the court decision stands.

Last month, the court ruled that the City properly followed the state process for evaluating the permit application. The court affirmed that future use of the property must be considered separately from the demolition permit decision.

The City process evaluated a range of alternatives for preservation and reuse. The analysis found that preservation of the building is not financially feasible, even with historic preservation tax credits and other incentives.

We know members in the community had hoped for a viable preservation option. We recognize the historical value of the structure in the community. However, the law limits what a city can require a private property owner to do. Since all legal requirements have been met, the permit will be issued.

We do not have information about the owner’s plans for the property. If the owner applies for permits to develop the property, we will thoroughly assess environmental and community impacts, following the state process. This will include community input.

While this is not the outcome many in our community hoped for, the City will work with the property owner and advocate for a way to commemorate this community landmark when the property is developed.

Mark Your Calendar: Budget Town Hall - August 18

Parades, concerts, sunshine, and... spreadsheets? Hear us out. On Tuesday, August 18 at 6 PM at the Activity Center (2045 S 216th St), we're capping off your summer of fun with the event you didn't know you needed: the City's Budget Town Hall.

Okay, we know what you're thinking — nothing says "peak summer" quite like municipal finance. But this is genuinely your chance to shape where the City invests over the next two years. Roads? Parks? Public safety? You tell us what matters most, and we'll bring the pens (and maybe some snacks).

We hope to see you there!

Take a Seat and Enjoy the View!

Visitors to the new Redondo Pier now have an even better place to relax and take in the waterfront. Public Works recently completed the installation of new benches along the pier, providing comfortable spots to enjoy the scenery, watch for marine life, or simply pause and enjoy the fresh air. Whether you're fishing, strolling, or soaking up the views of Puget Sound, the new seating is a welcome addition to one of Des Moines' favorite waterfront destinations.

Need to Report an Issue? We've Made It Easy!

Whether you've spotted a pothole, a streetlight that's out, an abandoned vehicle, or have a code enforcement concern, the City offers several easy online reporting tools to help connect you with the right department.

Residents can also submit animal complaints, report certain crimes online, request public records, or submit a neighborhood traffic calming request—all from the City's website.

Your reports help us identify issues, prioritize repairs, and keep Des Moines safe, clean, and well-maintained. Visit our Report a Concern page to find the right form and let us know how we can help.

Visit our Website

A Bit of History...

Did you know Cecil Powell Park was created from land donated to the City by the Powell family in 1991? While it may be one of Des Moines' smaller neighborhood parks, it has provided a welcoming place for families to gather, play, and enjoy the outdoors for more than three decades.

Today, the park has been transformed with a new playground, accessible seating and picnic areas, and a paved walking path, ensuring this neighborhood gem will continue serving the community for years to come.

“As one of the directors of Soundview Day Camp, wanted to thank Cortney for rushing over during the first wave of lightening to open your Auditorium so we can seek shelter. And THANK YOU for calling in your utility bucket truck, with Patrick, when the fire trucks couldn't make it Thursday or Friday.

I'm so tickled that the Mayor even came down to visit. The scouts were so excited to meet her, and share their camp experiences.

I have been flooded with emails from campers’ parents about how amazing and clean the location was, the positive experiences they've had, and how they hope to come back to the same location next year.“

Jayne Bosch

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.

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Payroll Specialist II
Police Officer-Hiring Incentives Available!
Volunteer Opportunities with Des Moines Community Enrichment Services

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City Council Meeting Recap

There was no Council meeting last night. The next Council meeting will be a Council Workshop on July 30^th and will be held in the Des Moines Police Department's large meeting room.

Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items

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

Police Department Large Meeting Room

July 30

Day Trip: Mini Golf-Kent

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

Budget Town Hall

Des Moines Activity Center

August 18

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

Poverty Bay Blues and Brews Festival

Beach Park

August 29

Planning Commission Meeting

City Hall

September 1

City Council Committee of the Whole & Study Session

City Hall

September 3

City Offices Closed in Observance of Labor Day

September 7

City Council Meeting

City Hall

September 10

Airport Committee Meeting

City Hall

September 14

Marina Tenant Meeting

Marina Pavilion

September 16

Waterland Yoga

Soundview Park

September 19

City Council Meeting

City Hall

September 24

Citizens Advisory Board Meeting

City Hall

September 30

Have An Upcoming Event You Want To Share?

Share Your Events With Us Here!

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

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

September 4

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

September 5

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

September 5

Redondo Boardwalk Beats

Redondo

September 5

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

September 5

Waterland Yoga

Soundview Park

September 5

Rise Support Group

Lighthouse Northwest

September 8

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

September 11

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

September 12

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

September 12

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

September 12

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

September 18

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

September 19

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

September 19

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

September 19

Mens Arise

Lighthouse Northwest

September 22

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

September 25

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

September 26

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

September 26

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

September 26