CITY MANAGER REPORT

June 6, 2025

Farmer's Market - This Saturday!

It’s that time of year again — the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market opens this Saturday, June 7th!

Come down to the marina and enjoy fresh local produce, handmade goods, and the unbeatable summer vibe right by the water. Whether you're stocking up on veggies, grabbing a bite from your favorite food truck, or just soaking in the sunshine, there’s something for everyone.

Plus — you’ll see City of Des Moines staff at the market each week! Stop by to say hi, ask questions, share your thoughts, or just chat with the folks who help keep our city running.

Big Win for Des Moines Police and Our Community!

As part of our commitment to providing compassionate and effective public safety services, the Des Moines Police Department is proud to share some great news. We’ve been awarded $283,480.67 through the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) Mental Health Field Response Grant. This grant will fund our mental health co-responder program—Getting People Services—from July 2025 through June 2027.

Without this funding, we likely would have been forced to discontinue the program due to budget constraints. Thanks to this award, we’re able to continue offering a crisis-informed response to those in need—connecting people with the right resources at the right time.

With more than $17 million in requests and just $7 million available, this grant award reflects the strength and impact of our program and the value it brings to the Des Moines community.

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!

Summer Concert Series

Paid Parking Returns to Redondo

FREE to Park until July 6, 2025

Paid parking has returned to the Redondo Parking Lot. As part of the transition, parking will be free through July 6, 2025. During this trial period, visitors will take a ticket upon entry and scan it at the exit—no charge will be applied.

For those with a valid Marina parking pass, your pass will also grants access to the Redondo Parking Lot. City staff are currently developing a fee schedule for those interested in expanded access to both parking areas moving forward.

To help ensure a positive visitor experience this summer, the City is hiring a dedicated seasonal staff member whose primary responsibility will be the Redondo area. This individual will assist with restroom and parking lot maintenance, manage trash removal, and provide on-site parking support from Friday through Monday.

For more information or to purchase a Marina parking pass, please contact the Marina Office at 206-824-5700.

SR99/SR 516 to S 200th St

Paving & ADA Compliance Project

Over the last few months, contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) have successfully upgraded more than 30 sidewalk ramps along State Route 99 from South 200th Street in SeaTac to SR 516 in the Des Moines/Kent area. These new ramps meet updated Americans with Disabilities Act standards. The contractor has a couple curb ramps left to complete, and we are expecting those will be finished within a couple weeks.

Starting as soon as Saturday, June 7, WSDOT’s contractor will begin repaving all lanes on SR 99 along the same two-mile section of state highway. Crews will grind away old asphalt and install a fresh, smooth top course of pavement that will improve the driving surface and extend the life of the roadway. The contractor plans to begin grinding/paving at the SR 99/SR 516 intersection and move north.

Here’s what you can expect:

Construction from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. nightly from Saturday night to Friday morning. Construction is not planned on Friday nights when traffic volumes are highest along this corridor.
Single- and double-lane closures on SR 99 overnight for grinding and paving.
Intermittent overnight directional highway closures along short sections of SR 99 and surrounding streets. Signed detours will guide people around the work zones.
Short periods when certain driveways along SR 99 will be inaccessible. This should be no longer than one hour during pavement grinding and no more than two hours during paving.
Nearly all businesses and residences along SR 99 have multiple access points, and the contractor will coordinate directly with properties with a single access.
Emergency crews will always have access to all properties on SR 99 during this overnight construction.
Lights, vibration and construction noise, primarily during the grinding phase of this repaving work.

For more information please visit the project website below.

For more information please visit the project website

Shark in the Park

Save the Date!

Highline College and the MaST Center Aquarium invite the community to a fun-filled educational event—Shark in the Park—at the Redondo Waterfront and Wooton Park in Des Moines.

Event Highlights:

Live science demonstrations
Hands-on ocean activities
Family games and crafts
Food trucks and local vendors
Shark-themed exhibits

The event will spotlight the mysterious and fascinating SixGill Shark, a deep-sea species frequently sighted in Puget Sound.

Thanks to ongoing research and monitoring efforts led by the MaST Center, Des Moines has been dubbed the SixGill Shark Capital of the World—a unique distinction that brings global interest to our waterfront.

Event Details:

Location: Redondo Waterfront & Wooton Park

Date: Sunday, July 6, 2025

Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Address: 28202 9th Ave S, Des Moines

City Council Meeting Recap

The Council held the following meetings on June 5, 2025

City Council Committee of the Whole:

Modera Woodmont Development Agreement
Draft 2026-2045 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP)
Sound Transit Federal Way Link Extension Update

City Council Study Session:

Updating Resolution No. 1118, The Process of Public Contracting
Comprehensive Plan Update
City Council Protocol Manual Review

At the June 12^th City Council meeting there will be a public hearing regarding a proposed development at 26915 Pacific Highway S. The proposed development application was submitted by Woodmont Beach Apartments LLC for a mixed-use project including 290 market rate residential units with 7,500 square feet of commercial space on 7.89 acres.

To learn more, the development agreement submitted to the City for the review and the current status of the application are available by clicking the link below:

Next Council Meeting is June 12, 2025

Proposed Development - 26915 Pacific Highway South

Click here to watch the meeting video or for more information

Click here for a listing of all future Committee and Council meeting items

Community Enrichment Programs

Summer programs are right around the corner! Check out everything our Community Enrichment Services (formerly Parks, Recreation & Senior Services) has coming up.

Call the Activity Center at 206-870-6527 or visit our website for details and registration information.

Job Opportunities

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

Civil Engineer I - Plan Reviewer, Surface Water Management
Seasonal Harbor Aide
Seasonal Maintenance Workers
Facility Attendants

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.

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

Staff Kudos

"Des Moines City:

Ever so grateful the City prioritized trying to save the mature trees that were being beaten down by the invasive ivy.

It looks like huge progress was made in these past few months down at the marina park hillside.

All of us shade lovers, park walkers, and tree huggers, thank you.

Even the resident birds have a better chance for homes if these trees keep growing and living.

We all appreciate the hard work: climbing up the hill in not so easy to access places makes you all my HERO’s/SHERO’s."

Jenn Kropack

6^th Ave Apartment Dweller & Marina Beach Park Walker

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Stormfest

June 10-12

Beach Park

City Council Meeting

June 12

City Hall

Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics

June 20

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 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

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

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

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

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

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!

Boardwalk Beats: Live Music

June 6

Redondo Boardwalk

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

June 7

Des Moines Marina

Discovery Day

June 7

MaST Center

Des Moines Creek Park Run

June 7

Beach Park

Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4

June 7

Why Do My Plants Keep Dying? Gardening 101

June 8

Woodmont Library

Trivia Night

June 10

Quarterdeck

Tea & Silent Reading

June 11

Marina Mercantile

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 12

Backstage Alley

Trivia Night

June 24

Quarterdeck

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

Car Show

July 13

Des Moines Marina

Uncle Ernie

July 13

Des Moines Marina

Tea & Silent Reading

July 16

Marina Mercantile

Summer Concert Series

July 16

Beach Park

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 20

Tea & Silent Reading

July 23

Marina Mercantile

Summer Concert Series

July 23

Beach Park

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

Tea & Silent Reading

July 30

Marina Mercantile

Summer Concert Series

July 30

Beach Park

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

Summer Concert Series

August 6

Beach Park

Tea & Silent Reading

August 6

Marina Mercantile

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

Summer Concert Series

August 13

Beach 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

Summer Concert Series

August 20

Beach Park

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