CITY MANAGER REPORT

November 13, 2026

City Council Unanimously Adopts 2027-2028 Budget

On November 12, the City Council unanimously adopted the City’s 2027–2028 biennial budget. The budget totals $151.5 million across all funds over the two years. That includes $55.8 million in the General Fund, which pays for most day-to-day City services.

The budget is balanced in both years. It also adds to the City’s reserves in 2027 and 2028.

What’s in the budget

This budget puts money toward the priorities we heard from the community and the Council:

Public safety: Continued investment in police staffing.
Commercial permitting: A new position dedicated to making permitting easier for businesses.
Reserves: Stronger fund balance reserves to protect the City’s finances.
Marina: A full study to set the long-term direction for the Marina.
Parks and recreation: More investment in our parks and programs.
Communications: A dedicated Communications position to help keep residents informed.

A look back

I want to take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come. Two years ago, the City faced a deficit of several million dollars. We made hard choices. We discontinued valued services like animal control, laid off employees, and left some police positions unfunded.

Our finances are still challenging. Under the state’s tax system, our revenue doesn’t grow as fast as our costs. Health care, labor and public defense costs keep rising. But this budget shows real progress. We’re investing in the areas that matter most to our community.

We still have work ahead. I’m grateful to City staff for their hard work, to the Council for giving clear direction and making tough decisions, and to community members who shared their input and took the time to learn how local government finances work. Because of that work, we’re in a stronger financial position than we were two years ago.

Questions? Email Us Today!

Visit Our Budget Web Page

Marina Steps Update

The Marina Steps project continues to make great progress with the (mostly) dry weather over the last month!

This week crews reached a significant milestone in wrapping up the concrete pours for the steps and walkways up the hill. Significant progress has also been made recently with the installation of the play features which include a concrete slide.

Over the next couple of weeks, crews will continue work on the landscaping, railings, fencing, concrete flat work, splash pad, and other elements of the project.

Changes Coming to Des Moines Beach Park: Removal of Two Aging Buildings

Visitors to Des Moines Beach Park may soon notice some changes as the City prepares to remove two aging buildings that have reached the end of their useful lives.

The Founder's Lodge, built in 1967, and the Caretaker's Residence, built in the 1980s, have both experienced significant structural deterioration. As long as both remain standing, they pose a safety risk to park visitors and to anyone who enters them without authorization, as they continue to draw vandalism and unauthorized entry.

While these buildings are located among the park's treasured historic structures, neither is a designated historic building. The removal project will improve safety, eliminate ongoing maintenance concerns, and make way for the areas to be returned to natural park space.

Des Moines Beach Park will remain open during construction, although some areas may be temporarily restricted for safety.

We appreciate the community's patience as we continue caring for this special community treasure!

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Color and Creativity at Inkfish Gallery

Discover the colorful and diverse world of fiber art at Inkfish Gallery’s newest exhibit, opening Saturday, November 14! Bring a friend and explore the exhibit on Saturdays from noon–3 p.m. through December 12.

The gallery will also open Sunday, November 29, from noon–3 p.m. for Artists’ Day. Watch for upcoming details about artist talks, demonstrations and a Des Moines Fiber Arts Trail.

Inkfish Gallery is located at 22220 7th Avenue S in Des Moines.

Staying Ready: Snow, Flood, and Storm Response in Des Moines

As of November 1, Public Works is on winter-weather watch.

They stand ready to respond to:

Snow and ice events
King Tides
Localized flooding
Windstorms

Report emergencies:

Business hours: (206) 870-6525
After hours: (206) 878-2121

Snow Plowing and Sanding Information

The Winter City Currents is Here!

Looking for a little holiday fun or something new to try? The latest issue of City Currents is out, featuring winter recreation programs, community updates and activities for all ages.

A few upcoming highlights include:

Holiday Karaoke Sing-Along — December 3: Join the festive fun at the Activity Center.
Winter Waterland Tree Lighting — December 4: Celebrate at the Marina with entertainment, a holiday market and Santa’s arrival by boat!
Breakfast with Santa — December 12: Enjoy breakfast, holiday crafts and photos with Santa.
Holiday Crafts & Cookie Decorating — December 22: Get creative with seasonal crafts and sweet treats.

You’ll also find fitness classes, youth programs, senior outings and updates from Mount Rainier Pool. Some activities require advance registration, so plan ahead!

Read the winter issue of City Currents here!

A Bit Of History...

Remember picking up groceries at Johnny’s IGA at South 227th Street and Marine View Drive? Before the corner became home to Red Robin, it was a familiar shopping stop for local families.

Johnny’s story began in 1945, when Johnny and Norma Somers opened Johnny’s Super Market at South 223rd Street and Marine View Drive. The business grew and moved to the 227th Street location in 1957.

For customers, its appeal went beyond the grocery shelves. Residents remember Johnny’s as a friendly place where employees knew shoppers by name—a small-town touch that made an everyday errand feel personal.

With Red Robin now closed, this familiar corner awaits its next chapter. While we wait to learn what will take its place, it’s fun to remember the businesses that have been part of our community’s story.

"I want to express my JOY at seeing the new 4-way stop signal installed at 240th & 20th on November 9th. I've lived on 20th for 36 years and take my life in my hands every time I exit my street. I know it's not active yet but can hardly wait for the project's completion."

-Karen Peterson

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.

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:

Facility Attendant
Front Desk Office Attendant I - EH
Police Officers - Hiring Incentive!
Volunteer Opportunities
Youth Basketball Referee - Winter Season
Youth Basketball Scorekeeper - Winter Season

Apply Here Today!

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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 discussd at last night’s meeting:

City Council Regular Meeting

Presentation from Small Business Development Center
Square Footage Tax Ordinance, 2^nd Reading
Interlocal Agreement with Normandy Park for Prosecution Services
City Custodial Services Contract Addendum
Contract Addendum Related to Department of Commerce Grant
Interlocal Agreement with King County Library District
Small Business Saturday Proclamation
Sponsorship Letter for South Correction Entity (SCORE) for Membership with Association of Washington Cities Employee Benefit Trust
Canopy Preservation Program Property Transfer and One-Time Rate Increase Ordinance, 1^st Reading
Approval off 2027 Vehicle Purchases Under the Equipment Replacement Fund
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Spending Recommendations
2027 Property Tax Levy, 2^nd Reading
2026 Budget Amendments, 2^nd Reading
2027/2028 Biennial Budget
Gambling Tax Ordinance
Awarding a Contract with Green Earthworks Construction, Inc. for Removal of Founder’s Lodge and Caretaker’s Residence at Des Moines Beach Park
Vacant Commercial Space Registration Program

Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items

November 12, 2026 City Council Packet

Day Trip: Gilman Village - Issaquah

November 17

Coffee with a Cop

Auntie Irene's

November 17

Dessert Social

Activity Center

November 19

Out to Lunch: McMenamins Pub at Elks Temple - Tacoma

November 19

Out to Lunch: Loco Chon - Newcastle

November 24

City Offices Closed in Observance of Thanksgiving

November 26 & November 27

Planning Commission Meeting

City Hall

December 1

City Council Committee of the Whole & Study Session

City Hall

December 3

Holiday Karaoke Sing-Along

Activity Center

December 3

Holiday Tree Lighting

Des Moines Marina

December 4

Gift Making Workshops with Amy

Field House

December 9

WRAP IT UP! Gift Wrapping Event

Activity Center

December 9

City Council Meeting

City Hall

December 10

Breakfast with Santa

Activity Center

December 12

Airport Committee Meeting

City Hall

December 14

Gift Making Workshop: Wood Slice Holiday Ornaments

Activity Center

December 15

Gift Making Workshops with Amy

Field House

December 16

Argosy Christmas Ships

Des Moines Marina

December 16

Holiday Break Crafts & Cookie Decorating

Activity Center

December 22

City Offices Closed in Observance of Christmas

December 24 & December 25

Out to Lunch: The Bair (Steilacoom)

December 30

Noon Year's Eve Dessert Social & Bingo

Activity Center

December 31

Out to Lunch: Burs (Lakewood)

January 6

Day Trip: Snoqualmie Casino

January 7

Day Trip: Point Defiance Zoo - Dambo Trolls

January 13

Out to Lunch: Dixie's Home Cooking (Sumner)

January 14

Harry Potter Family Night

Activity Center

January 15

Out to Lunch: Cook's Tavern (Tacoma)

January 19

Day Trip: Northwest Trek - Dambo Trolls

January 21

Day Trip: Thrifting Around Bremerton

January 26

Out to Lunch: Woven (Point Ruston)

January 29

Thrifted Fashion Award Show

Activity Center

February 2

Out to Lunch: The British Pantry (Redmond)

February 3

Day Trip: Nordic Museum, Troll and Ray's Cafe

February 4

Day Trip: Seattle Aquarium & Waterfront

February 9

Day Trip: Black Diamond: Museum, Antiques & Bakers

February 11

Out to Lunch: Tugboat Annies (Olympia)

February 16

Day Trip: Muckleshoot Casino

February 17

Parents Night Out- Pajama Party

Field House

February 19

Youth Basket Weaving Class

Activity Center

February 20

Day Trip: Silent Movie & Brunch at Uptown Grill* The Flying Ace & The Music of Fats Waller

February 21

Out to Lunch: Homestead Restaurant (Tacoma)

February 24

Adult Basket Weaving Class

Activity Center

April 10

Adult Basket Weaving Class

Activity Center

April 17

Have An Upcoming Event You Want To Share?

Share Your Events With Us Here!

The Fiber Arts Exhibit

Inkfish Gallery

November 14

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

November 14

English Language Learners (ELL) Classes

Des Moines Library

November 14

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

November 14

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

November 14

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

November 16

Tween Zone

Woodmont Library

November 17

Pokemon Club

Des Moines Library

November 17

Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

November 17

Teen Hangout

Des Moines Library

November 18

Reading Buddies

Des Moines Library

November 18

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

November 18

Des Moines Evening Book Group

Des Moines Library

November 18

Family Story Time

Des Moines Library

November 19

Tutors at Des Moines Library (Study Zone)

Des Moines Library

November 19

Baby & Toddler Dance Party

Des Moines Library

November 20

After School Hangout

Woodmont Library

November 20

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

November 20

FusionAxe

Creole Soul

November 20

Holiday Bazaar

St. Philomena Parish 9-3

November 21

The Fiber Arts Exhibit

Inkfish Gallery

November 21

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

November 21

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

November 21

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

November 21

Community of Creators

Woodmont Library

November 21

English Language Learners (ELL) Classes

Des Moines Library

November 21

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

November 23

Builder Babies

Woodmont Library

November 24

Des Moines Writing Group

Des Moines Library

November 24

Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

November 24

DINOvember Dino Dig Garden

Woodmont Library

November 25

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

November 25

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

November 27

The Fiber Arts Exhibit

Inkfish Gallery

November 28

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

November 28

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

November 28

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

November 28

English Language Learners (ELL) Classes

Des Moines Library

November 28

Artists Day

Inkfish Gallery

November 29

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

November 30

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

December 4

The Fiber Arts Exhibit

Inkfish Gallery

December 5

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

December 5

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

December 5

Uncle Ernie’s

Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant

December 5

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

December 11

The Fiber Arts Exhibit

Inkfish Gallery

December 12

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

December 12

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

December 12

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

December 18

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

December 19

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

December 19

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

December 25

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

December 26

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

December 26

Burning Boat

Des Moines Marina

December 31