City Manager Report - May 8, 2026

CITY MANAGER REPORT

May 8, 2026

Our Community’s Plan for the Future

Over the past few months, our community came together to share what they want for the future of Des Moines. You told us in surveys, focus groups, interviews, and a town hall meeting what you want our city to become.

All your input is coming together in our city’s new strategic plan. We call it Charting Our Course, because it serves as a map to guide City decisions, investments and services for the next five years.

This is not the City’s plan; it is the community’s plan, because it reflects the priorities you shared with us.

You shared what you love about Des Moines. Here’s what we heard most often:

A sense of community and connection.
Small-town feel and walkability.
Our natural environment: waterfront, parks and trails.
Our location on Puget Sound and our marina.

You also told us your concerns about challenges facing our city:

Vacant downtown properties and lack of a thriving business district.
City budget cuts and reduction in services and police.
Preserving our natural resources and public green spaces.
Airport impacts on health quality of life.

We saw a thread of common themes in your hopes for our city’s future:

A thriving downtown and marina, with a strong local business community.
Protection of our natural environment.
Sustainable city revenue, providing resources to protect quality of life.
More police officers to enhance public safety.
An active, engaged community with strong relationships with the City.

Based on this community input, the City Council and staff developed vision and mission statements.

Vision

The premier waterfront community on the Puget Sound.

Mission

Des Moines is committed to maintaining a safe, sustainable environment while ensuring a high quality of life for all to live, work, and play.

The City Council and staff identified six areas the city must focus on to address our challenges and achieve our vision. Over the next six weeks, we will tell you about each of these focus areas and the strategies that will chart our course to the future we have envisioned together with you.

Happy Birthday to the Des Moines Marina!

This Sunday, May 10, the Des Moines Marina celebrates 56 years as one of the community’s most treasured waterfront destinations! Since opening in 1970, the Marina has been a place where residents and visitors alike gather to fish, boat, stroll, dine, watch sunsets, and enjoy everything that makes Des Moines the “Waterland City.”

Over the decades, the Marina has continued to evolve while remaining at the heart of our community. From special events and summer concerts to waterfront walks and family traditions, generations have created memories along our shoreline.

Today, exciting improvements continue throughout the Marina district, including the Marina Steps project and ongoing dock replacements, helping ensure the Marina remains a vibrant destination for years to come.

As we celebrate 56 years, we also want to thank the many staff members, volunteers, boaters, businesses, and community supporters who have helped shape the Marina into what it is today.

Happy Birthday, Des Moines Marina — here’s to many more years on the waterfront!

A Sweet Surprise from the Redondo Community

During Public Service Recognition Week, City staff received an incredibly thoughtful surprise from the Redondo Community Association — homemade cookies! And not just a few cookies…there were trays and trays filled with all kinds of delicious treats for staff to enjoy throughout the week.

On behalf of the entire City team, I want to sincerely thank the Redondo Community Association for this generous gesture. Acts of kindness like this truly mean so much to our employees. Public service can be demanding work, and taking the time to recognize staff in such a personal and heartfelt way was deeply appreciated.

One of the things that makes Des Moines so special is the strong connection between our community and the people who serve it. This thoughtful act was a wonderful reminder of that partnership and support.

Thank you again to everyone involved in baking, organizing, and delivering the cookies — they absolutely made our week a little sweeter!

Fresh Paint for the Field House!

One of Des Moines’ most recognizable buildings is getting a little refresh this spring! The Des Moines Field House is currently receiving a fresh coat of paint to help preserve and maintain this beloved community building.

And before anyone asks — no, the color is not changing. The Field House will keep the same familiar look the community has known and loved for decades.

Built in 1939 as part of a Depression-era recovery program, the Field House remains the only full-log cabin community building in Washington State and has been a designated King County Historic Landmark since 1984. Over the years, it has served as a gathering place for countless community events, programs, celebrations, and memories.

Projects like this help protect the building’s historic character while ensuring it continues to be enjoyed for generations to come.

We’re excited to give this iconic piece of Des Moines history a little extra care while keeping its classic charm fully intact.

A Little Bit of History...

Did you know the North Hill neighborhood was not always part of the City of Des Moines?

For many years, the area now known as North Hill was part of unincorporated King County. As Des Moines continued to grow, conversations began about bringing the neighborhood into the City to provide more coordinated services, infrastructure improvements, and community planning.

In 1991, North Hill officially annexed into Des Moines, adding approximately 1,400 residents to the City at the time. The annexation expanded the City’s northern boundary and helped strengthen connections between neighborhoods that already shared schools, parks, businesses, and community identity.

Today, North Hill remains an important part of Des Moines, known for its strong neighborhood pride, community involvement, and convenient location overlooking Puget Sound and the surrounding region.

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
Limited Term – Code Enforcement Officer
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 Council meeting:

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

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

Pop-Up Karaoke

Activity Center

May 29

Storm Fest

June 2-4

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

Have An Upcoming Event You Want To Share?

Share Your Events With Us Here!

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

Board Gaming Night

North Hill Community Club

May 14

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

Chamber Business Community Happy Hour Connect

Porto Vino

May 26

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

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

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

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

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