CITY MANAGER REPORT

May 1, 2026

Marina Steps Update


Construction on the Marina Steps continues to move forward and is now shifting into the southern portion of the site. Crews are beginning work on the south Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) wall while also backfilling the area to reach the needed elevation. This phase also includes the start of installing the stormwater system.


As this work gets underway, you may notice an increase in construction activity and equipment in the southern area of the site. We appreciate your continued patience as this project progresses and will keep you updated as we hit the next milestones.

North Hill Elementary Safety Improvements Open House


The City of Des Moines invites you to attend an upcoming Open House to learn more about planned pedestrian and safety improvements near North Hill Elementary School. City staff will be on hand to share details about the project, answer questions, and hear your feedback.



The Open House will take place on May 12 from 5:00–7:00 PM at the North Hill School Library. We encourage neighbors, families, and school community members to stop by and be part of the conversation.

Upcoming Maintenance on Redondo Beach Dr S


Maintenance work is scheduled along southbound Redondo Beach Dr S beginning May 4 and is expected to take approximately 2–3 days to complete.


During this time:

  • Portions of the boardwalk will be temporarily closed
  • Traffic will be reduced to a single lane, with flaggers guiding vehicles through the work zone
  • At no point will the entire boardwalk be closed
  • The sidewalk on the opposite side of the street will remain open throughout the project


We appreciate your patience and cooperation as this work is completed.

City Currents Arriving Soon!


Keep an eye on your mailbox—City Currents is scheduled to arrive at homes beginning May 4th!


As a reminder, the City Council made the decision in 2025 to scale the publication down as part of a cost-savings effort. While this edition may be smaller than what you’ve seen in the past, it’s still packed with programs, and opportunities to stay connected with what’s happening in our community.



We’re excited to continue bringing you timely, useful information in a more efficient format—and we hope you enjoy this latest issue!

Chat with the Mayor


Have a question, idea, or just want to connect?


Join Mayor Yoshiko Grace Matsui for an informal “Chat with the Mayor” session this Saturday at Viva Mexico:

  • 26015 Pacific Highway South
  • 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.


These casual meetups provide a great opportunity to stop by, say hello, and share what’s on your mind in a relaxed setting—no agenda, just conversation.


Whether you have feedback, questions, or simply want to learn more about what’s happening in the City, all are welcome.

Des Moines Farmers Market Season Returns with a New Layout


The Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market returns this June for its 21st season, and we’re excited to welcome it back to the Marina.


Due to ongoing construction of the Marina Steps, the market will operate in a modified layout this year, using a portion of the north parking lot. Visitors can expect some changes to parking and traffic flow, with signage and volunteers onsite to help guide the way.



We appreciate the community’s patience as both the market and construction move forward side by side. The Farmers Market continues to be a valued part of our waterfront, bringing together local vendors, fresh food, and community connection each season.

Take Your Kids to Work Day


We were excited to welcome our next generation of public servants for this year’s Take Your Kids to Work Day. School-aged participants spent time learning about how City government operates and the many roles that keep our community running each day.


The day wrapped up with a BBQ at the Marina and fun activities hosted by Community Enrichment Services—an opportunity to connect, learn, and enjoy time together.

Thank you to all staff who helped make this a memorable experience for our young guests!

Sound Transit Town Hall


Sound Transit Town Hall – May 13

Want to stay informed about the future of transit in our region? Here’s an opportunity to hear directly from decision-makers and share your input.


What’s happening:

A community town hall on Sound Transit’s long-term plan and funding challenges.


When & where:

Wednesday, May 13 | 6:00–7:30 PM

Highline College


Why it matters:

Sound Transit is facing a significant funding gap—estimated at $35 billion—that could affect projects across South King County. Leaders are starting to evaluate options, and community input will help shape those decisions.


Who you’ll hear from:

  • Tukwila Mayor McLeod
  • Councilmember Fain (Sound Transit Board)


How to participate:

  • Attend the town hall to learn more and ask questions
  • Share your input on what matters most to you
  • Help spread the word by sharing with your networks


A registration link is available for those who plan to attend.
Register Here!

We Want to Hear From You!


How do you get around Des Moines? What would make getting where you need to go easier?


We’re gathering feedback on transportation, and your input will help shape future options that better support our community and local businesses.


Take a few minutes to share your thoughts and make a difference!


Your voice matters—help us plan for a more connected Des Moines!
Take the Survey Here!

A Little Bit of History...


Des Moines has had its share of memorable weather, but one of the more unusual moments happened on December 12, 1969, when a waterspout came off Puget Sound and crossed through central Des Moines and near Mt. Rainier High School. Several buildings near Pacific Highway South and Kent-Des Moines Road were damaged, but thankfully, there were no fatalities.


It’s one of those lesser-known pieces of local history that reminds us just how dramatic life along the Sound can be—even when the weather is the story.  

Following last weekend’s beautiful weather—one of the first busy Saturdays of the season—the City received several messages from Redondo residents expressing appreciation for the efforts to keep the area safe and welcoming.

 

The Police Department extends a special thank you to Sgt. Morris and his team for going above and beyond during a busy weekend. Their efforts made a meaningful difference for the community.

 

  • "I want to thank you and your team on behalf of the Redondo Community for the increased presence in Redondo over the past weekend. I was out in the evening and saw officers actively engaged in enforcement, including issuing a ticket. I had the chance to thank them in person, and I want to reinforce that message - our community genuinely appreciates these efforts. They are visible, and they make a difference. We are very supportive of the vehicle impoundments. Word travels quickly, and we believe this will have a meaningful deterrent effect, particularly with the small number of repeat offenders we’ve discussed. Please extend our thanks to the officers. We know it’s not always easy work, and it matters to us that they are here."
  • "I just want to thank you for last weekend with the extra support here in Redondo. I can’t tell you what a difference it made. On Sunday, my car almost got hit by one of the regular speeders that ran the 3way stop. The extra patrol giving tickets, making arrests, and the parking tickets really helped." 
  • "My main reason to write you was to thank you for the support here in Redondo. As I said, it made a huge difference. It’s so nice we are being heard."  
  • "Chief Boe . . .we really appreciate extra patrol here in Redondo. It's very helpful. Weekend coming up with nice weather seems to attract more and more people down here and many with disregard for safety of others."  
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:


  • Limited Term – Code Enforcement Officer
  • Maintenance Worker I-II (Multiple Openings)
  • Police Officer-Hiring Incentives Available!
  • Seasonal Harbor Aide
  • Summer Day Camp Staff – Counselors, Lead Counselors and Directors
  • 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.


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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


The following items were discussed at last night’s Council meeting:


There was no meeting last night. The next meeting will be May 7th and here is what is scheduled to be on the agenda:

 

Committee of the Whole:

  • Consideration of Letter of Support for the Boeing Access Road Infill Station
  • Discussion on Tree Regulations

 

City Council Study Session:

  • Presentation of the City of Des Moines' Draft Strategic Plan - Charting Our Course

 
Link to May 7, 2026 City Council Packet
Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items

Out to Lunch Trips: Pink Chandelier: High Tea- Puyallup

May 5


Spring Planter Painting & Potting Workshop

Activity Center

May 5


Day Trip: Downtown Poulsbo

May 7


City Council Committee of the Whole & Study Session

City Hall

May 7


Craft Cafe

Des Moines Activity Center

May 8


Family Night Bingo - Mother's Day

Activity Center

May 8


Airport Committee Meeting

City Hall

May 11


City Council Meeting

City Hall

May 14


Craft Cafe

Des Moines Activity Center

May 15


Out to Lunch Trips: Jak's Grill - West Seattle

May 15


Day Trip: Amazon Spheres - Seattle

May 16


Day Trip: Issaquah Troll & Gilman Village

May 19


Day Trip: Village Theater - GREASE - Everett

May 21


Craft Cafe

Des Moines Activity Center
May 22


City Offices Closed in Observance of Memorial Day

May 25


Skyhawks Tennis Lessons Start

Field House

May 26


KHAOS Break Camp

Field House

May 26


Day Trip: Cougar Mountain Zoo - Issaquah

May 27


Citizens Advisory Board Meeting

City Hall

May 27


Monthly Dessert Social

Activity Center

May 28


Senior Bingo

Activity Center

May 28


City Council Meeting

City Hall

May 28


NEW! Pop-Up Karaoke Fridays

Activity Center

May 29


Craft Cafe

Des Moines Activity Center

May 29


Out to Lunch Trips: Bogey's Public House - Auburn Golf Course

May 29


Storm Fest

June 2-4


City Council Committee of the Whole & Study Session

City Hall

June 4


Craft Cafe

Des Moines Activity Center

June 5


Airport Committee Meeting

City Hall

June 8


City Council Meeting

City Hall

June 11


Craft Cafe

Des Moines Activity Center

June 12


City Offices Closed in Observance of Juneteenth

June 19


FREE! World Cup Soccer Clinic

Field House

June 19


World Cup Viewing Party

Des Moines Theater

June 19


Camp KHAOS Starts

Field House

June 22


Citizens Advisory Board Meeting

City Hall

June 24


City Council Meeting

City Hall

June 25


Craft Cafe

Des Moines Activity Center

June 26



Have An Upcoming Event You Want To Share?
Share Your Events With Us Here!


Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

May 2


SR3 Open House

Des Moines Marina

May 2


Saltwater State Park Habitat Restoration Project: Forest Restoration

Saltwater State Park

May 2


Discovery Day

MaST Center

May 2


Redondo Boardwalk Beats

Redondo

May 2


Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

May 2


SR3 Community Open House

Des Moines Marina

May 2


Des Moines Garden Club Monthly Meeting

Covenant Life Center, Kent

May 4


Mosquito Fleet

Des Moines Historical Society

May 6


Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

May 6


Blues Jam

Creole Soul

May 7


Marina Mamas Walking Group

May 8

Des Moines Marina


Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

May 9


Discovery Day

MaST Center

May 9


Letter Carrier Food Drive

May 9


South Sound Opening Day Boating Ceremony

Des Moines Yacht Club

May 9


Roper Romp Karaoke

Des Moines Theater

May 9


Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

May 9


Dollars for Scholars Scholarship Award Ceremony

Des Moines Yacht Club

May 13


Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

May 13


Sound Transit Town Hall

Highline College

May 13


Blues Jam

Creole Soul

May 14


Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

May 15


Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

May 16


Discovery Day

MaST Center

May 16


Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

May 16


Seattle Aquarium Beach Naturalist Program

Des Moines Beach Park

May 17


Saltwater State Park Habitat Restoration Project: Creek Restoration

Saltwater State Park

May 17


Seattle Aquarium Beach Naturalist Program

Des Moines Beach Park

May 19


Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

May 20


Blues Jam

Creole Soul

May 21


Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

May 22


Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

May 23


Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

May 23


Discovery Day

MaST Center

May 23


Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

May 27


Blues Jam

Creole Soul

May 28


Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

May 29


Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

May 30


Des Moines Creek Park Run After Party

Beach Park

May 30


Discovery Day

MaST Center

May 30


Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

May 30


Des Moines Garden Club Monthly Meeting

Covenant Life Center, Kent

June 1


Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

June 3


Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

June 6


Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

June 6


Seattle Children's Spring Bazaar

Grace Lutheran Church

June 6

 

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

June 5


Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

June 6


Farmer's Market Opening Day

Des Moines Marina

June 6


North Hill BBQ

North Hill Community Center

June 6


Redondo Boardwalk Beats

Redondo

June 6


Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

June 10


Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

June 12


Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

June 13


Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

June 13


Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

June 13


Seattle Aquarium Beach Naturalist Program

Des Moines Beach Park

June 13


Seattle Aquarium Beach Naturalist Program

Des Moines Beach Park

June 16


Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

June 17


Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

June 19


Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

June 20


Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

June 20


Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

June 20


Waterland Pridefest

Des Moines Theater

June 20


MIBBB Fest 2026

Quarterdeck

June 20-21


Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

June 24


Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

June 26


Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

June 27


Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

June 27


Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

June 27

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

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