CITY MANAGER REPORT

June 20, 2025

Top Story-Corrected Information

Last week’s City Manager Report on Middle Housing and Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinances had a few inaccuracies between State law and the ordinance Council passed. Below is the corrected information.


At the June 12, 2025, City Council meeting, the Council approved Middle Housing and Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinances in compliance with the Middle Housing and Accessory Dwelling Unit legislation, HB 1110 and HB 1337, enacted by the Washington State Legislature. The purpose of middle housing and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) is to increase housing capacity and allow various middle housing types in residential zoning districts where they were not previously allowed.


Des Moines now accommodates the following types of middle housing: duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, stacked flats, and cottage housing. The City allows up to 4 units per lot or 24 units per acre (whichever is greater) as calculated on a site-by-site basis. Both primary and accessory dwelling units count toward that 4-unit maximum, and a maximum of 3 ADUs are permitted per lot.


Our Council has offered more flexibility to those interested in building ADUs in Des Moines. 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:


  • ADUs are subject to the development standards of the underlying zone in which the property is located, including requirements for required height, lot coverage, setbacks, etc.
  • You can build up to three ADUs (attached or detached) on your property.
  • ADUs can be between 350 to 1,200 square feet. (Note that cottage housing ranges between 500 to 1,600 square feet)
  • A legally permitted garage may be converted into an ADU, even if it does not meet today’s setback and lot coverage zoning requirements.
  • ADUs may be sold separately as condo units.
  • Owner occupancy is not required—you don’t have to live on-site to build or rent out an ADU.
  • No parking is required for an ADU.


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

The Field House Park Slide Is Open! 

The playground project is officially complete—and now fully open! The slide area, which had been fenced off for safety upgrades, now features exciting new climbing rope and rock elements to help kids safely make their way back to the top. With the final touches in place and the fence removed, the entire playground is ready for adventure!


We’re planning a ribbon cutting to celebrate—after all, I’ve had too many young residents eagerly asking about this not to mark the occasion! Stay tuned for details on a fun grand opening… or should I say, a grand sliding!

SR99 Repaving Project Update


Beginning June 2025, Washington State Department Of Transportation (WSDOT) contractor crews will repave a two-mile stretch of SR 99 between S. 200th St. in SeaTac and SR 516 in Des Moines. Work will occur overnight and take approximately two months to complete. From June 20–27, expect overnight lane closures between S. 208th St. and SR 516, with a full closure of S. 220th St. at southbound SR 99 from the evening of June 20 to the evening of June 21 for sidewalk work. At least one lane will remain open nightly. Drivers should anticipate construction noise, temporary detours, lane closures, and limited driveway access during work hours (8 p.m. to 5 a.m.).


More information can be found on WSDOT's website.

WSDOT.wa.gov

AI Tools Workshop -

Community Class Announcement

The City of Normandy Park, in partnership with the City of Des Moines, is offering a free hands-on community class: Getting Started with AI Tools: Google Gemini & ChatGPT for Everyday Life.


This beginner-friendly workshop will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM in the Normandy Park Council Chambers at 801 SW 174th Street, Normandy Park, with a hybrid option available via Zoom (Meeting ID: 868 8384 6197).


Participants will learn how to use AI tools for everyday tasks such as:


  • Creating low-maintenance garden and landscaping plans
  • Finding recipes based on personal preferences and ingredients
  • Exploring wellness tips, exercises, and healthy habits
  • Getting help with creative writing, from poems to personal emails


All Normandy Park and Des Moines community members are welcome to attend.

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!

City Council Meeting Recap


There was no meeting last night. The next meeting will be June 26, 2025 and here’s what’s on the agenda!


City Council Regular Meeting:

  • Police Sergeant Promotion Ceremony
  • 2024 4th Quarter Financial Report
  • 2025 1st Quarter Financial Report
  • Annual Generator Maintenance Agreement
  • Updating Public Works Contracting Policies
  • State Parks Grant Agreement for Funding of Annual Operating and Maintenance of the New Pump-Out Equipment
  • Commute Trip Reduction
  • Citizens Advisory Board Appointments
  • Transportation Improvement Plan (2026-2045) Public Hearing
  • Update on the City Strategic Planning and Facilitation Services
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??


Parks, Recreation & Senior Services has a new name….and a new look! 


We’re excited to begin reimagining how we serve the community… building on the great work already in place while exploring new ways to connect, engage, and enrich the lives of those who live, work, and play in Des Moines. Stay tuned as we relaunch programs, refresh offerings, and continue shaping a vibrant future together.


Learn more about staff and read their welcome letter!


If you have questions or ideas, feel free to contact us - we’d love to hear from you!
Welcome Letter
Email Us Today!

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!
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 Kudos


“Hello!


I want to personally thank each and every police officer and the people that work for the Des Moines, WA police department. I appreciate your efforts, dedication, hard work, sacrifice and presence to keep our city safe, especially when you're understaffed already and our city rejected Prop 1 and did not vote in favor of hiring additional staff which is unfortunate and hard to wrap my head around. This, of course, makes your job a lot harder to manage getting to all the areas you would like to patrol. I live in the Redondo area, voted in favor of Prop 1 and want you to know I see you and I notice that things are changing for the better and still there are areas of concern. Along with your tireless efforts and the city’s attempts to create positive changes, I hope together we continue to strive to make Des Moines an area that is more safe, respected and a clean place to live, where people care about our community, each other and our surroundings.



Thank you!"



Respectfully,

Kathy Unser

Des Moines resident, frequent Redondo walker and (unfortunately) garbage collector!   
If you want to share a staff kudos with me, email me today!

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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 23-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!



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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