CITY MANAGER REPORT

June 13, 2025

Top Story

It was a packed agenda at last night’s City Council meeting! A few highlights:


The Council reviewed a proposed mixed-use development at 26915 Pacific Highway S., which includes 290 market-rate residential units and 7,500 square feet of commercial space on 7.89 acres. (“Market rate” means the units are rented at prices determined by the local rental market, without income restrictions or public subsidies.) The Council voted 6-1 to approve a Development Agreement with Woodmont Beach LLC, allowing the project to proceed.


Several residents raised concerns about potential traffic impacts and effects on the local school. As the project advances, it will undergo a comprehensive, independent traffic impact analysis to ensure any effects on surrounding roads and the transportation system are properly addressed and mitigated.


The City Council approved Accessory Dwelling Unit standards. Here is what you need to know:

  • New state law (HB 1337) requires cities to make it easier to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) 
  • ADUs include backyard cottages, mother-in-law suites, garage conversions, and small separate homes on the same lot as an existing house.
  • The changes are designed to help homeowners add more housing options, support aging in place, build equity, and create more affordable housing.


Key things homeowners should know:

  • You can build up to two ADUs (attached or detached) on your property.
  • Detached ADUs are allowed (e.g., a backyard cottage or converted garage).
  • Your lot only needs to meet the minimum size for the main house—no extra lot size required.
  • ADUs can be up to 1,000 square feet.
  • No owner occupancy is required—you don’t have to live on-site to build or rent out an ADU.
  • You can convert existing structures (like a garage) into an ADU, even if they don’t meet today’s zoning rules.
  • You may be allowed to sell an ADU separately as a condo unit in the future.


Want to find out more? Contact dmplanning@desmoineswa.gov
Contact Us!

City Offices Closed in

Observance of Juneteenth

City Offices will be closed on Thursday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. Emergency Services and Marina fuel dock will remain open.

SR509 Expressway


Early this summer Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will open a 1-mile stretch of the new SR 509 Expressway between I-5 and 24th Avenue South in SeaTac. This new road will be tolled, and once construction is complete, it will connect to the existing SR 509 terminus at South 188th Street, offering the public a new option for traveling through South King County.


Resources to learn more

In preparation for the start of tolling, WDOT has provided a few resources below on how the road will work and what drivers need to do to get ready.

  • Good To Go – For general information about how tolling will work on the expressway
  • SR 509 Construction Page – For updates on construction
  • Incentive programs – Later this summer WSDOT will give away free Good To Go! sticker passes to help drivers prepare for tolling on SR 509. The sticker passes work to pay the lowest toll rate on all toll roads in Washington. When the program launches the promo code will be posted prominently on Good To Go. Com
  • You can learn more about tolling in general at My Good To Go and at WSDOT.wa.gov. 
Good To Go
SR 509 Construction Page
My Good To Go
WSDOT.wa.gov
Video Route

Activity Center Closed to the Public

June 19 and 20

On Friday, June 20, 2025, the staff at Community Enrichment Services will engage in an internal training session as we begin reimagining how to deliver services, activities, and programs to the community.

 

The Activity Center will be closed to the public on Thursday, June 19 (Juneteenth Holiday) and Friday, June 20. Members of the public are welcome to contact the Activity Center by phone on Friday (206-878-1642). Calls will be answered or returned as staff are available.





Be Sure to Update Your Vessel Registration & Decals

It is time to renew your WA vessel registrations. ALL vessels, even if US Coast Guard registered, are required to be registered through WA Department Of Licensing. Per RCW 88.02, please ensure your vessel is registered and decals are properly displayed no later than July 31, 2025. To Register or renew your vessel, please visit Washington State Department of Licensing.
Vehicles and Boat Registration

Community Enrichment Services Presents..... Out to Lunch!

As part of our upcoming summer activities for adults ages 50 and older, we’ve scheduled a series of no-host lunch and dinner outings at popular restaurants around the Sound.


Participants are invited to enjoy meals at both new spots and longtime favorites. All outings will be walk-in only and seating may vary, with some groups possibly being split up depending on availability. Please note that some restaurants may include an automatic gratuity charge.


Planned stops include Ranch House BBQ (June 24), Woven Seafood and Chophouse (July 14), Alderbrook Resort, with a stop for ice cream at the Union Country Store (July 29), Stanley & Seafort’s (August 12) for a dinner outing, and The Fish Peddler (August 26).
Register Today Here!

Waterland Children's Festival

Hey Parents! Looking for FREE summer fun? Join us for the Waterland Children’s Festival — an afternoon full of excitement, games, and activities for kids of all ages!

 

This fun-filled event is proudly co-sponsored by the City of Des Moines and the Des Moines Legacy Foundation. Come out and celebrate community, sunshine, and childhood fun!

 

  • Crafts
  • Live entertainment
  • Games & activities
  • Treats and more!

 

Event Details:

Location: Des Moines Field House Park

Date: Friday, July 18

Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

 

Totally FREE!  Bring the whole family — we can’t wait to see you there!

The Des Moines Historical Society presents

The Insider’s Guide to NOW and THEN

Join the Des Moines Historical Society for a lively and engaging illustrated presentation on the creation and evolution of one of the Northwest’s most beloved history features: the “Now & Then” column from Pacific NW, the Sunday magazine of the Seattle Times.


This free event will be presented by Jean Sherrard and Clay Eals, the current authors of the “Now & Then” column. They will share how they research, write, and photograph stories that connect Seattle’s past with the present through side-by-side images and captivating storytelling.


Originally launched in 1982 by the legendary Paul Dorpat, the column has showcased over 1,800 pieces spanning more than three decades. Since 2019, Eals and Sherrard have continued Dorpat’s legacy, blending historical images with contemporary views, both in print and through expanded content at PaulDorpat.com, which includes additional photos, videos, and archival clips.


Their talk will explore:

  • How they source historic “Then” photographs and plan “Now” re-creations
  • The research process behind crafting compelling narratives
  • Examples of columns focused on Des Moines and the South Puget Sound region
  • Their mission to make history both accessible and meaningful, balancing scholarly rigor with storytelling flair


About the Presenters:

  • Clay Eals is a West Seattle-based journalist, historian, book author, and heritage advocate.
  • Jean Sherrard is a writer, photographer, educator, book author, and actor based near Green Lake.



Event Details: Location: Oddfellows Hall, 728 S 225th Street

Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Time: 7:00PM



Come explore the stories behind the photos and discover how our region’s rich past continues to shape its present.

City Council Meeting Recap


The following meetings were held on June 12, 2025


Environment Committee:

  • Operations and Maintenance Overview
  • Water Resource Inventory Area 9 (WRIA 9) Interlocal Agreement Update
  • Capital Improvement Project Updates

 

City Council Regular Meeting:

  • Des Moines Farmer’s Market 20 Year Proclamation
  • Washington State Department of Transportation SR509 Completion Project Update
  • Discussion of 2025 City Legislative Priorities
  • Water Resource Inventory Area 9 (WRIA 9) Interlocal Agreement Renewal
  • 2026 South King Housing and Homelessness Work Plan
  • Amendment to Interagency Agreement Between Washington State Department of Transportation and the City of Des Moines
  • Contract for Construction Support Services with Moffatt & Nichol
  • Woodmont Beach Apartments LLC Development Agreement
  • Accessory Dwelling Units
  • Middle Housing
  • Airport Advisory Committee Establishment and Appointments 


Next Council Meeting is June 26, 2025
Click here to watch the meeting video or for more information
Click here for a listing of all future Committee and Council meeting items

Did You Know??

The City’s Community Development Department is in charge of long-term planning for Des Moines. This includes working on the City’s Comprehensive Plan and other important plans or projects the City Council asks for.


This team helps write and carry out laws and policies, and they study issues that affect our community. They also handle population estimates, census data, and create maps to help with city planning. Their job is to help the City understand future needs and develop smart policies to meet community goals.


The division also keeps up with state planning laws, like the Growth Management Act (GMA), the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), and the Shoreline Management Act.


In short, Community Development helps shape the future of Des Moines by doing the research, planning, and coordination needed to support thoughtful growth and development. Visit our website to learn more! 
Community Development

Job Opportunities

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

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!

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 Kudos


“I want to thank off of the marina staff for excellent service while we stayed at Des Moines, Friday - Monday May 31 - June 2. Each member we encountered was helpful and informative. We had a medical emergency with my husband and had to return after hours on Monday evening to get to the ER. I left a message. The staff in the morning was great and helped us underway shortly after returning from the ER that morning.

 

We look forward to returning and please extend our gratitude to all the staff.”

 

Sincerely,

Lori and Fred
If you want to share a staff kudos with me, email me today!

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Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics

June 20


City Staff Neighborhood Pop Up

June 24

Wooton Park


Citizens Advisory Board

June 25

Des Moines City Hall


City Council Meeting

June 26

City Hall


Camp KHAOS

June 30-August 29

Field House


Fourth of July Drone Show

July 4

Des Moines Marina


City Staff Neighborhood Pop Up

July 7

Cecil Powell Park


City Council Regular Meeting

July 10

City Hall


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 Council 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 Council 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 Council of the Whole and Study Session

November 6

City Hall


City Council Regular Meeting

November 13

City Hall


City Council Council 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!



Des Moines Farmer’s Market

June 14

Des Moines Marina


Music in the Market

June 14

Des Moines Marina


Discovery Day

June 14

MaST Center


2025 Sneaker Ball

June 14

Des Moines Yacht Club


Des Moines Creek Park Run

June 14

Beach Park


Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4

June 14                


Marine Mammal Stewards

June 14

Redondo Beach


Live Music

June 15

Quarterdeck


Bingo Night

June 15

Quarterdeck


Tea & Silent Reading

June 18

Marina Mercantile


Paintnight

June 18

Tuscany


Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics

June 20


Yoga

June 21

Soundview Park


Des Moines Farmer’s Market

June 21

Des Moines Marina


Discovery Day

June 21

MaST Center


MIBBB (Men In Black Birthday Bash) 2025

June 21

Quarterdeck


Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4  

June 21                


Des Moines Creek Park Run

June 21

Beach Park


Waterland Pride Celebration

June 21

Backstage Alley


Trivia Night

June 24

Quarterdeck


The Insider's Guide to Now & Then

June 24

Oddfellows hall


Tea & Silent Reading

June 25

Marina Mercantile


Yoga

June 28

Soundview Park


Sewing Workshops

June 28

Highline College


Des Moines Farmer’s Market

June 28

Des Moines Marina


Discovery Day

June 28

MaST Center


Des Moines Creek Park Run

June 28

Beach Park


Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4  

June 28                


Tea & Silent Reading

July 2

Marina Mercantile


Boardwalk Beats: Live Music

July 4

Redondo Boardwalk


Des Moines Farmer’s Market

July 5

Des Moines Marina


Discovery Day

July 5

MaST Center


Des Moines Creek Park Run

July 5

Beach Park


Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4  

July 5                    


Shark in the Park

July 6

Redondo Waterfront & Wooton Park


Tea & Silent Reading

July 9

Marina Mercantile


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            


Car Show

July 13

Des Moines Marina


Uncle Ernie

July 13

Des Moines Marina


Tea & Silent Reading

July 16

Marina Mercantile


Children's Festival

July 18

Field House


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


Tea & Silent Reading

July 23

Marina Mercantile


Unlock the Power of AI

July 26

Normandy Park City Hall


Yoga

July 26

Soundview Park


Des Moines Farmer's Market

July 26

Des Moines Marina


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         


Tea & Silent Reading

July 30

Marina Mercantile


Boardwalk Beats: Live Music

August 1

Redondo Boardwalk


Des Moines Farmer’s Market

August 2

Des Moines Marina


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


Live and Local Sounds on the Sound

August 8

Quarterdeck


Yoga

August 9

Soundview Park


Des Moines Farmer's Market

August 9

Des Moines Marina


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


Des Moines Farmer's Market

August 16

Des Moines Marina


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          


Brews & Blues

August 23

Beach Park


Yoga

August 23

Soundview Park


Des Moines Farmer's Market

August 23

Des Moines Marina


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


Des Moines Farmer’s Market

August 30

Des Moines Marina


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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