City Manager Report - May 22, 2026

CITY MANAGER REPORT

May 22, 2026

City Offices will be closed Monday, May 25th in observance of Memorial Day. Emergency Services will remain open.

Charting Our Course: Financial Stability

Over the past several weeks, the City has been sharing the focus areas that make up Charting Our Course — Des Moines’ new strategic plan shaped by community input.

This week’s focus area is Financial Stability.

Community members told us they want a city that plans carefully, spends responsibly, and can continue delivering the services residents rely on long into the future.

While local government does not operate exactly like a business, responsible stewardship of public dollars must be a guiding principle in everything the City does. Maintaining core services, responding to emergencies, investing in infrastructure, and improving quality of life all depend on a strong financial foundation.

As part of this focus area, the City will work to:

Maintain healthy financial reserves
Spend taxpayer dollars wisely and strategically
Plan thoughtfully for future economic and service demands
Pursue grants and outside funding opportunities to support city services
Strengthen long-term financial sustainability despite challenges such as property tax caps, economic uncertainty, and limited commercial land available for development

Financial stability is foundational to the City’s ability to deliver services, respond to challenges, and achieve the community’s long-term vision for Des Moines.

Twin Bridges Reopen Ahead of Schedule!

The S 240th Street Twin Bridges and 16th Avenue South project reached an important milestone this week, with the bridges expected to reopen ahead of schedule!

Through a partnership between the City of Des Moines and the Midway Sewer District, the project was also expanded to pave the full length of 16th Avenue South rather than just half of the roadway.

By combining efforts and utilizing Arterial Paving Funds, both agencies achieved significant cost savings while delivering a better overall improvement for the community.

Drivers should continue to expect daytime single-lane closures over the next few weeks as the contractor completes final restoration and miscellaneous finish work.

Redondo Pier Update

Just hours after the Redondo Pier was softly opened to the public, a heartwarming moment captured exactly what this project means to our community — a young child casting a fishing line from the new pier.

It was an immediate reminder of how excited the community has been to welcome this beloved waterfront destination back. After years of anticipation, it’s clear people simply couldn’t wait to fish, gather, and make memories at Redondo once again.

The City looks forward to officially celebrating the reopening during the Grand Opening Ceremony on June 13, when the community will come together to mark this exciting new chapter for the Redondo waterfront.

Field House Updates

FIELD HOUSE

The Field House is looking brighter and more welcoming than ever! New lights are being installed and should be ready next week, and the walls have a fresh coat of paint in a rich, chocolatey tone. A new wall on the stage adds extra classroom space for our camps, and soon one of the wall panels will be opened up to connect to the front office area, providing convenient storage for tables and chairs.

PICNIC SHELTER

Work is also continuing on the Field House picnic shelter. Roofing work is expected to begin sometime next week and should take approximately three days to complete. Once the roofing is finished, painters will begin their work, which is anticipated to take a little over two weeks, weather permitting.

Contractors have confirmed the project remains on track for completion prior to the June 19 deadline.

For safety purposes, the picnic shelter area is planned to be cordoned off from May 26 through June 19. If work is completed ahead of schedule, the area will reopen earlier.

These updates are helping the Field House and surrounding facilities become more functional, refreshed, and inviting for everyone in the community.

We can’t wait for everyone to enjoy the improvements!

SR509/Des Moines Creek Trail Expansion

As a reminder for trail users, the Des Moines Creek Trail at S. 200th Street in SeaTac remains temporarily closed as part of the ongoing SR 509 Expansion Project. The closure began on April 27 and is anticipated to last approximately six weeks.

Trail users are encouraged to plan ahead and seek alternate routes while construction is underway. The City will continue to share updates if additional information becomes available.

We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as this important regional transportation improvement project moves forward.

Recology

With spring in full swing, many residents are tackling yard clean-up and outdoor projects. As you trim, prune, and refresh your landscaping, remember there are convenient options available for disposing of yard waste properly.

Recology offers curbside yard waste collection for Des Moines residents. Every-other-week collection using a 96-gallon yard waste cart is available for $13.87 per month. Additional yard waste can also be collected during yard waste pickup weeks for $3.60 per paper yard waste bag or bundled yard debris (up to 2’ x 4’). For service details and collection information, visit Recology King County Des Moines.

Residents may also haul yard waste directly to the Bow Lake Transfer Station. Disposal fees begin at $20.70 for the first 320 pounds. King County’s CleanUp Lift discount is available for customers with a current ProviderOne, EBT, or ORCA LIFT card, providing $20 off each visit. More information is available through King County Bow Lake Transfer Station Information.

Proper disposal of yard waste helps keep our community clean, supports composting efforts, and protects our local environment.

Recology King County Des Moines

King County Bow Lake Transfer Station Information

A Little Bit of History...

The Woodmont/Redondo annexation in 1996 not only expanded Des Moines—it also paved the way for future community investments, including the Woodmont Library, which opened in 2000 to serve the growing area.

“Katherine, on behalf of our community and the hundreds of surrounding neighbors that daily use the Redondo Boardwalk, thank you and your staff for power washing the boardwalk recently.

It looks great and makes the community look and feel more welcoming for everyone. On our walk today, everyone was very appreciative.

This was a tough project especially considering traffic control and equipment required. This was no easy task.

Please pass along our sincere appreciation to the staff that accomplished this.”

Charles Coleman

Redondo 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!

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

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Job Opportunities

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

Facilities Maintenance Specialist
Limited Term – Code Enforcement Officer
Police Officer-Hiring Incentives Available!
Seasonal Harbor Aide
Summer Camp KHAOS Staff (Counselors, Lead Counselors and Directors)
Volunteer Opportunities with Des Moines Community Enrichment Services

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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:

City Council Regular Meeting

Presentation by Nelson\Nygaard on the Findings from the Ferry Pilot Evaluation and Alternatives
Website Update
Update on SB6002 Implementation
Recology Annual Update
Des Moines Farmer's Market 2026-2028 Agreement
Resolution Acknowledging Completion of the 2024 Periodic Update
North Hill Elementary Walkway Improvements Project Condemnation
Residential Conversions Ordinance - 1st Reading
Resolution No. 26-050, City of Des Moines Opportunity Zone Application

The next meeting will be a City Council of the Whole and Study Session on June 4, 2026, starting at 5:00PM.

Link to May 21, 2026 City Council Packet

Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items

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

Pop-Up Karaoke

Activity Center

May 29

Storm Fest

June 2-4

Planning Commission Meeting

City Hall

June 2

Day Trip: Museum of Flight-Tukwila

June 4

City Council Committee of the Whole & Study Session

City Hall

June 4

Craft Cafe

Des Moines Activity Center

June 5

Day Trip: Thriftapalooza at the Puyallup Fairgrounds

June 6

Airport Committee Meeting

City Hall

June 8

Out to Lunch: Beach Cafe-Kirkland Waterfront

June 9

Day Trip: Northwest Trek Zoo

June 10

Marina Tenant Meeting

Marina Pavilion

June 10

City Council Meeting

City Hall

June 11

Craft Cafe

Des Moines Activity Center

June 12

Out to Lunch: Buttered Biscuit-Sumner

June 16

Dessert Social

Activity Center

June 18

Day Trip: Mariners Baseball Game - T-Mobile Park

June 18

City Offices Closed in Observance of Juneteenth

June 19

FREE! World Cup Soccer Clinic

Field House

June 19

Camp KHAOS Starts

Field House

June 22

Day Trip: Muckleshoot Casino

June 24

Citizens Advisory Board Meeting

City Hall

June 24

Day Trip: Gig Harbor Gondola Boat Ride

June 25

City Council Meeting

City Hall

June 25

Craft Cafe

Des Moines Activity Center

June 26

Pop-Up Karaoke

Activity Center

June 26

Out to Lunch: Palisades-Seattle

June 30

Day Trip: Ferry to Bainbridge Island – Japanese American Exclusion Memorial & Winslow Street Shopping

July 1

City Offices Closed in Observance of Independence Day

July 3

4th of July Events

Marina

July 4

Planning Commission Meeting

City Hall

July 7

Out to Lunch: Roanoke Tavern-Mercer Island

July 8

Day Trip: Enchanted Farms Tour with Animal Encounters – Duvall

July 9

City Council Meeting

City Hall

July 9

Airport Committee Meeting

City Hall

July 13

Day Trip: Snoqualmie Falls with Brunch at Salish Lodge

July 15

Summer Concert:

Spike and the Impalers

Beach Park

July 15

Out to Lunch: Lady of the Lake Public House Dinner Trip with Schmidt House Tour

July 17

Dessert Social

Activity Center

July 21

Senior Bingo

Activity Center

July 21

Out to Lunch: Seventeen51-Lacey

July 22

Summer Concert:

Kitty Mae

Beach Park

July 22

Day Trip: Seattle Underground Tour with Lunch at O’Donnells

July 24

Out to Lunch: Jack’s BBQ-SODO

July 28

Summer Concert:

Nite Wave

Beach Park

July 29

Citizens Advisory Board Meeting

City Hall

July 29

Day Trip: Deception Pass Cruise – Sails from La Conner

July 30

Council Workshop

City Hall

July 30

Have An Upcoming Event You Want To Share?

Share Your Events With Us Here!

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

May 23

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

May 23

Discovery Day

MaST Center

May 23

English Language Learners (ELL) Classes

Des Moines Library

May 23

Crafting: Pop-Up Cards

Des Moines Library

May 23

Upcycle Your Tote Bag with Voggie Embroidery

Woodmont Library

May 24

Chamber Business Community Happy Hour Connect

Porto Vino

May 26

Des Moines Writing Group

Des Moines Library

May 26

Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

May 26

Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

May 27

Study Zone Tutors

Des Moines Library

May 27

Young Toddler Story Time

Des Moines Library

May 28

Builder Babies

Woodmont Library

May 28

Preschool Story Time

Des Moines Library

May 28

Reading Buddies Tutors

Des Moines Library

May 28

Blues Jam

Creole Soul

May 28

Builder Babies

Woodmont Library

May 28

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

May 29

Woodmont Library Teen Advisory Board

Woodmont Library

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

English Language Learners (ELL) Classes

Des Moines Library

May 30

Friends of Saltwater State Park Naturalists Low Tide Beach Exploration

Saltwater State Park

May 30

Community of Creators

Woodmont Library

May 30

One Book, One Coast: George Takei Watch Party

Woodmont Library

May 31

Friends of Saltwater State Park Naturalists Low Tide Beach Exploration

Saltwater State Park

May 31

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

Bayside Diamond Ball

Des Moines Yacht Club

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

Redondo Boardwalk Beats

Redondo

June 6

Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

June 10

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

June 12

Huntington Park Rummage Sale & Bake Sale

Huntington Park

June 12

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

June 13

Waterland Yoga

Soundview Park

June 13

Huntington Park Rummage Sale & Bake Sale

Huntington Park

June 13

Friends of Saltwater State Park Naturalists Low Tide Beach Exploration

Saltwater State 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

Friends of Saltwater State Park Naturalists Low Tide Beach Exploration

Saltwater State Park

June 14

Friends of Saltwater State Park Naturalists Low Tide Beach Exploration

Saltwater State Park

June 15

Friends of Saltwater State Park Naturalists Low Tide Beach Exploration

Saltwater State Park

June 16

Seattle Aquarium Beach Naturalist Program

Des Moines Beach Park

June 16

Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

June 17

Friends of Saltwater State Park Naturalists Low Tide Beach Exploration

Saltwater State Park

June 18

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

June 19

World Cup Viewing Party

Des Moines Theater

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

Waterland Yoga

Soundview Park

June 27

Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

June 27

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

June 27

North Hill BBQ

North Hill Community Center

June 28

Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

July 1

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

July 3

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

July 4

Redondo Boardwalk Beats

Redondo

July 4

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

July 4

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

July 4

Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

July 8

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

July 10

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

July 11

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

July 11

Friends of Saltwater State Park Naturalists Low Tide Beach Exploration

Saltwater State Park

July 11

Waterland Yoga

Soundview Park

July 11

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

July 11

Shark in the Park

Wooton Park

July 12

Seattle Aquarium Beach Naturalist Program

Des Moines Beach Park

July 12

Friends of Saltwater State Park Naturalists Low Tide Beach Exploration

Saltwater State Park

July 14

Friends of Saltwater State Park Naturalists Low Tide Beach Exploration

Saltwater State Park

July 15

Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

July 15

Seattle Aquarium Beach Naturalist Program

Des Moines Beach Park

July 15

Friends of Saltwater State Park Naturalists Low Tide Beach Exploration

Saltwater State Park

July 16

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

July 17

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

July 18

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

July 18

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

July 18

Waterland Parade & Block Party

Des Moines

July 18

Argosy Cruise

Des Moines Marina

July 19

Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

July 22

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

July 24

Waterland Yoga

Soundview Park

July 25

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

July 25

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

July 25

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

July 25

Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

July 29

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

July 31