CITY MANAGER REPORT

July 31, 2026

Temporary Marina Area Road Closure Extended Through August 5

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


Through Wednesday, August 5, 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 supports 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.

Nite Wave Packs Beach Park

Beach Park was packed last Wednesday as Nite Wave brought an unforgettable night of 1980s hits to Des Moines! One of the largest crowds of the summer gathered to enjoy great music, beautiful waterfront views, and an evening of community fun.


Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make it such a fantastic event. With three concerts still to come, there's plenty of summer fun left!


Wednesday Evenings, 7:00PM-8:30PM:


  • Abbagraphs, one of the region's premier ABBA tribute bands
  • Stevie and the Blue Flames, Harmonica Blues
  • Power of Love, Huey Lewis Tribute Band

National Night Out

Join neighbors across Des Moines on Tuesday, August 4 for National Night Out, an annual event that brings communities together to promote neighborhood connections and public safety.



Neighborhoods throughout the city will host gatherings where residents can meet Des Moines Police officers, South King Fire personnel, City officials, and their neighbors. Whether it's a block party, barbecue, or ice cream social, National Night Out is a great opportunity to strengthen community relationships and celebrate what makes Des Moines a great place to live.

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!

Watch for the Fall Edition of City Currents

The latest edition of City Currents is on its way! The Fall issue is expected to begin arriving in mailboxes throughout Des Moines early next week.



Inside you'll find updates on upcoming events, and other information to help you stay connected with what's happening in Des Moines. Be sure to keep an eye on your mailbox!

Every Officer Has a Story

What did our Des Moines Police officers do before joining law enforcement? You might be surprised! Our team comes from a wide variety of backgrounds, with each experience helping shape the way they serve our community today.



There’s no single path to becoming a police officer. If you're looking for a meaningful career where you can make a difference every day, consider joining the Des Moines Police Department. Your next chapter could start here!
Watch our Story
Apply Here!

Low Tide Beach Explorations Are Back!

Join Friends of Saltwater State Park Naturalists this summer for hands-on, low-tide adventures at Saltwater State Park! Discover sea stars, crabs, anemones, and more with help from local naturalists.


These events are free, family-friendly, and open to all ages — just bring your curiosity and shoes that can get wet!


Location: Saltwater State Park

  • Monday, August 10, 9:00AM-11:00AM
  • Tuesday, August 11, 9:30AM-12:00PM
  • Wednesday, August 12, 10:00AM-12:30PM
  • Thursday, August 13, 11:00AM-1:00PM



Come explore the wild side of the beach and connect with the marine life that calls Puget Sound home!

Thinking About Opening a Business in Des Moines?

Starting a business begins with planning. Before signing a lease or investing in a space, prospective business owners should verify that their proposed use complies with City zoning, building, and fire safety requirements.


Obtaining a City business license is an important first step, and some businesses may also require building permits or approvals from other agencies. City staff are available to help guide entrepreneurs through the process and get them to "yes."



Visit the City's website to apply for a business license or contact the Building Division with questions before getting started.
Building Division
Business License

A Bit of History...

Longtime Des Moines residents may remember the days when the intersection of Marine View Drive and Kent-Des Moines Road had an unofficial nickname: "Lake Taco Time." Before stormwater improvements, heavy rain could flood the intersection so deeply that cars stalled and adventurous locals occasionally launched rafts or small boats into the water. Thankfully, drainage upgrades have made those memorable "lake days" mostly a thing of the past—but the nickname still brings a smile to many longtime residents.

“A huge Shout Out to our Public Works Team. Prior to the Waterland Parade and Block Party, Marine View Drive was swept clean, the shrubs pruned and raked, and the flowers watered. Great job, everyone!"

 

Victoria Andrews

Des Moines Resident 
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! 
Contact Us! 

Applying for a job with the City of Des Moines is simple!


  1. Browse current Job Openings
  2. Click on a job title to learn more
  3. 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:


  • Police Officer-Hiring Incentives Available!
  • 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
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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 a Council Leadership Workshop last night, held at the Des Moines Police Department.  Click the link for more information.

Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items
July 30, 2026 Meeting Information

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


City Council Budget Retreat

City Hall

September 12


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!


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


STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

August 3


Summer Movie Matinees

Woodmont Library

August 3


Tinker Tuesday

Woodmont Library

August 4


Daytime Playtime

Des Moines Library

August 4


Unplugged Summer

Woodmont Library

August 4


Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

August 4


Knit Lit Book Club

Woodmont Library

August 5


Family Story Time

Des Moines Library

August 6


Summer Hang Out for Kids and Teens

Woodmont Library

August 7


Gamily Game Time

Des Moines Library

August 7


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


Wild Adventures with Mikey the Rad Scientist

Des Moines Library

August 8


STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

August 10


Summer Movie Matinees

Woodmont Library

August 10


Friends of Saltwater State Park Naturalists Low Tide Beach Exploration

Saltwater State Park

August 10


Tinker Tuesday

Woodmont Library

August 11


Craft & Chat

Des Moines Library

August 11


Living Voices: Winning Her Wings

Woodmont Library

August 11


Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

August 11


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


Science & Stories: Geologic Time!

Des Moines Library

August 12


Family Story Time

Des Moines Library

August 13


Messy Babies! (Morning Session)

Woodmont Library

August 13


Messy Babies! (Afternoon Session)

Woodmont Library

August 13


Woodmont Friends of the Library General Meeting

Woodmont Library

August 13


Boom de-ah-da! Campfire Sing-Along with Nancy Stewart

Des Moines Library

August 13


Friends of Saltwater State Park Naturalists Low Tide Beach Exploration

Saltwater State Park

August 13


North Hill Game Night

North Hill Community Club

August 13


Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

August 14


Curious Creatures Craft

Des Moines Library

August 14


Watercolor Painting: DIY Postcards

Des Moines Library

August 15


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


Garden Club

Woodmont Library

August 16


STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

August 17


Tinker Tuesday

Woodmont Library

August 18


Daytime Playtime

Des Moines Library

August 18


Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

August 18


Des Moines Evening Book Club

Des Moines Library

August 19


Family Story Time

Des Moines Library

August 20


Night Market

Des Moines Theater

August 20


Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

August 21


A Book Club for the Ages

Woodmont Library

August 21


Community of Creators

Woodmont Library

August 22


The Freedom Paradox

Des Moines Library

August 22


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


STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

August 24


Summer Movie Matinees

Woodmont Library

August 24


Tinker Tuesday

Woodmont Library

August 25


Des Moines Writing Group

Des Moines Library

August 25


Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

August 25


Summer Game Break

Des Moines Library

August 26


Builder Babies

Woodmont Library

August 27


Summer Game Break

Des Moines Library

August 27


North Hill Game Night

North Hill Community Center

August 27


Lego Brick Building

Des Moines Library

August 28


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


Make Good Milk Soap with Green Apple Alpacas

Woodmont Library

August 30


STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

August 31


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


North Hill Game Night

North Hill Community Center

September 10


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


North Hill Game Night

North Hill Community Center

September 24


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

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

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