CITY MANAGER REPORT

June 5, 2026

Charting Our Course: Engaged and Thriving Community

One of the strongest themes we heard during the Charting Our Course strategic planning process was the importance of community connection.

Residents shared how much they value Des Moines’ sense of community, welcoming atmosphere, parks, trails, and opportunities to connect with one another.

This week’s focus area is: Engaged and Thriving Community.

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

Make it easier for residents to find information and stay connected
Improve communication and accessibility through modern, user-friendly tools
Maintain safe and welcoming parks, trails, and green spaces
Provide programs and activities that evolve with community interests
Create opportunities for residents to volunteer and contribute to the community

A strong community is built through connection, communication, and opportunities for people to be involved. This work helps ensure Des Moines remains a place where people feel informed, welcomed, and connected.

Opening Day of the Farmers Market! Stop by the City Booth Hosted by City Council

One of my favorite signs that summer has officially arrived in Des Moines is the return of our Farmers Market—and Opening Day is finally here!

This Saturday, the market kicks off another exciting season filled with fresh produce, local vendors, delicious treats, live entertainment, and opportunities to connect with your community. While you're enjoying everything the market has to offer, be sure to stop by the City's booth and say hello.

Members of the City Council will be hosting the booth this week and would love the opportunity to meet you, answer questions, hear your ideas, and talk about the things that matter most to our community. Whether you have a question about a City project, want to share feedback, or simply introduce yourself, we hope you'll stop by for a visit.

This year's market looks a little different due to construction associated with the Marina Steps Project, but you'll still find the same welcoming atmosphere and community spirit that make the Des Moines Farmers Market such a special tradition.

I hope you'll join us as we celebrate Opening Day and the start of another wonderful market season.

Two Ribbon Cuttings, One Exciting Week!

It's a big week for Des Moines, and we hope you'll join us as we celebrate two important community projects that enhance access to our waterfront and support our vibrant marina.

On Thursday, June 11 (4:00PM), we will celebrate the completion of the L-M-N Dock Replacement Project at the Des Moines Marina. This project represents a significant investment in our marina infrastructure and will serve boaters and visitors for many years to come.

Then, on Saturday, June 13 (11:00AM), we'll gather once again for the highly anticipated Redondo Fishing Pier Grand Opening. After years of planning, design, and construction, we're excited to welcome the community back to a brand-new fishing pier and improved waterfront amenities at Redondo.

These projects reflect our ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving the public spaces that make Des Moines such a special place to live, work, and play.

Whether you're a longtime resident, a marina user, an avid angler, or simply someone who enjoys our beautiful waterfront, we invite you to come celebrate with us. We look forward to marking these milestones together and sharing in the excitement of these community investments.

We hope to see you there!

Summer Fun is Just Getting Started!

As we celebrate the arrival of summer, our Community Enrichment Services team has been hard at work planning a season full of fun, family-friendly events for residents and visitors of all ages.

Mark your calendars for June 19, when we'll kick things off with a FREE Soccer Skills Clinic for youth, followed by a community World Cup Watch Party as Team USA takes the field.

Whether you're practicing your soccer skills or cheering on your favorite team, it's sure to be an exciting day!

The fun continues on July 4 at the Des Moines Marina with Stars, Stripes & Sunshine. Bring your family, friends, and community spirit as we celebrate Independence Day together.

Music lovers won't want to miss the return of our popular Summer Concert Series, beginning July 15 at the Beach Park. Grab a lawn chair, bring a picnic, and enjoy great entertainment in a beautiful outdoor setting.

And that's just the beginning! Throughout the summer, you'll find activities, events, programs, and opportunities to connect with your neighbors and enjoy everything that makes Des Moines such a special place to call home.

Be sure to visit the City's website, check out the events calendar in this report and follow us on social media for event details, schedules, and updates. We can't wait to see you out and about this summer!

Get Your FREE Watch Party Tickets Here!

FIELD HOUSE & PICNIC SHELTER PROJECTS COMPLETE

The Field House and Picnic Shelter improvement projects are now complete, and both facilities are looking fantastic just in time for summer programming and community gatherings.

Improvements at the Field House include:

New lighting
Interior walls have been refreshed with a warm new coat of paint
improvements were made to better support camps and recreation programs
A new wall on the stage has created additional classroom space
Modifications near the front office have improved storage and functionality for staff and program equipment

Improvements at the Picnic Shelter include:

A brand-new roof
Fresh paint

These improvements help preserve the structure while enhancing one of the community's favorite gathering spaces for picnics, celebrations, and special events.

Together, these projects have renewed two well-loved community facilities, making them more functional, welcoming, and ready to serve residents for years to come.

A big thank you to our contractors and City staff who helped bring these improvements to completion. We look forward to seeing the community enjoy the refreshed spaces throughout the summer and beyond!

A Little Bit of History...

Many residents may not realize that the Woodmont neighborhood was not always part of the City of Des Moines.

In 1995, Woodmont became part of Des Moines through what remains the largest annexation in the City's history. The annexation added approximately 1,400 residents and expanded the City's southern boundary to what many recognize today.

Before annexation, Woodmont was an unincorporated area of King County known for its quiet residential neighborhoods, wooded landscapes, and stunning Puget Sound views. As the community grew, residents sought a closer connection to local services and representation, leading to the successful annexation effort.

Today, Woodmont is an integral part of Des Moines, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, established neighborhoods, and community pride. The area is home to several parks and viewpoints, including the popular Woodmont Beach area, where visitors can enjoy shoreline access and breathtaking sunsets over Puget Sound.

More than 30 years later, the Woodmont annexation remains a significant milestone in shaping the modern boundaries and character of Des Moines.

“Thank you Travis at the Marina,

He rescued my phone from the rocks as I accidentally dropped it over the railing.

He turned my day completely around.”

Thank you,

Lynette Kay

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:

City Mechanic
Facilities Maintenance Specialist
Facility Attendant
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

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City Council Meeting Recap

The following items were discussed at last night's meeting:

City Council Committee of the Whole

Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) Update
First Quarter 2026 Police Operations Update

City Council Study Session

Infrastructure Project and Funding Discussion

The following items are scheduled for next week:

City Council Regular Meeting:

2027 South King Housing and Homelessness Partners (SKHHP) Work Plan and Budget Discussion and Adoption
Port of Seattle Presentation
2026 4th of July Event Update
Juneteenth Proclamation
LGBTQIA+ Pride Month Proclamation
Residential Conversions Ordinance, 2nd Reading
2026 Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Spending Recommendations
North Hill Elementary Walkway Improvements Project Condemnation, 2nd Reading
Review and Confirmation of the Strategic Priorities for Adoption

Link to June 4, 2026 City Council Packet

Link to Jun 11, 2026 City Council Packet

Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items

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

L-M-N Dock Ribbon Cutting

Marina

June 11

City Council Meeting

City Hall

June 11

Craft Cafe

Des Moines Activity Center

June 12

Redondo Pier Grand Opening

Redondo Pier

June 13

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

Stars, Stripes and Sunshine

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

Day Trip: Mini Golf-Kent

August 4

Planning Commission Meeting

City Hall

August 4

Day Trip: Thrifting Around Bremerton 2.0

August 5

Summer Concert: Abbagraphs

Beach Park

August 5

City Council Committee of the Whole & Study Session

City Hall

August 6

Airport Committee Meeting

City Hall

August 10

Day Trip: Red Wind Casino – Olympia

August 12

Summer Concert: Stevie and the Blue Flames

Beach Park

August 12

Dessert Social

Activity Center

August 13

City Council Meeting

City Hall

August 13

Out to Lunch: Browns Point Diner

August 14

Family Bingo Night: Back to School Bingo

Activity Center

August 14

Day Trip: Whidbey Island -Shopping and Scenery

August 18

Summer Concert: Huey Lewis Tribute Band

Beach Park

August 19

Pop-Up Karaoke

Activity Center

August 21

Day Trip: Archie McPhee’s with Lunch at Salmon House-Wallingford

August 25

Citizens Advisory Board Meeting

City Hall

August 26

Out to Lunch: Clove Indian Restaurant-Renton

August 27

City Council Meeting

City Hall

August 27

Have An Upcoming Event You Want To Share?

Share Your Events With Us Here!

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

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

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

June 8

Craft & Chat

Des Moines Library

June 9

Tutors

Des Moines Library

June 10

Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

June 10

Friends of the Library General Meeting

Woodmont Library

June 11

Reading Buddies

Des Moines Library

June 11

Creatures Craft

Des Moines Library

June 12

Teen Advisory Board

Woodmont Library

June 12

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

Window Painting

Des Moines Library

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

Sound It Out Sunday

Woodmont Library

June 14

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

June 15

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

Tinker Tuesday

Woodmont Library

June 16

Origami for Adults

Des Moines Library

June 16

Summer Break Karaoke

Des Moines Library

June 17

Garden Hotline Presents: Growing Houseplants Naturally

Woodmont Library

June 17

Evening Book Group

Ds Moines Library

June 17

Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

June 17

Friends of Saltwater State Park Naturalists Low Tide Beach Exploration

Saltwater State Park

June 18

Messy Babies (Morning Session)

Woodmont Library

June 18

Messy Babies (Afternoon Session)

Woodmont Library

June 18

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

June 19

World Cup Viewing Party

Des Moines Theater

June 19

MIBBB Fest 2026

Quarterdeck

June 20-21

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

Celebration! From Vine to Jar: A Deep Dive into Tomato Gardening & Preservation

Woodmont Library

June 21

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

June 22

Summer Meals

Woodmont Library

June 23

Tinker Tuesday

Woodmont Library

June 23

Writing Group

Des Moines Library

June 23

Unplugged Summer

Woodmont Library

June 23

Summer Meals

Woodmont Library

June 24

Summer Break Karaoke

Des Moines Library

June 24

Chess Basics for Beginners

Des Moines Theater

June 24

Family Story Time

Des Moines Library

June 25

Summer Meals

Woodmont Library

June 25

Lego Brick Building

Des Moines Library

June 26

Library Teen Advisory

Woodmont Library

June 26

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

From Fandom to Fans of Your Own: A Workshop with YA Author, Lily Meade

Woodmont Library

June 27

A Book Club for the Ages

Woodmont Library

June 27

North Hill BBQ

North Hill Community Center

June 28

Summer Meals

Woodmont Library

June 29

Summer Meals

Woodmont Library

June 30

Tinker Tuesday

Woodmont Library

June 30

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

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

August 1

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

August 1

4th Annual Beauty of our African Roots

Highline College

August 1

Redondo Boardwalk Beats

Redondo

August 1

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

August 1

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

August 7

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

August 8

Waterland Yoga

Soundview Park

August 8

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

August 8

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

August 8

Friends of Saltwater State Park Naturalists Low Tide Beach Exploration

Saltwater State Park

August 10

Friends of Saltwater State Park Naturalists Low Tide Beach Exploration

Saltwater State Park

August 11

Friends of Saltwater State Park Naturalists Low Tide Beach Exploration

Saltwater State Park

August 12

Friends of Saltwater State Park Naturalists Low Tide Beach Exploration

Saltwater State Park

August 13

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

August 14

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

August 15

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

August 15

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

August 15

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

August 21

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

August 22

Waterland Yoga

Soundview Park

August 22

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

August 22

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

August 22

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

August 28

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

August 29

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

August 29

Uncle Ernie’s

Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant

August 29

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

August 29