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CITY MANAGER REPORT
November 21, 2025
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Happy Thanksgiving
City offices will be closed November 27th and 28th in observance of Thanksgiving. Emergency services will be open.
Because I will be with my family eating too much pumpkin pie and putting up a Christmas tree, there will be no City Manager Report next week. Happy Thanksgiving!
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Update on City’s Efforts Regarding Airport Concerns
We know that many residents have concerns stemming from our proximity to the airport. The City Council takes seriously the impacts Sea-Tac Airport has on our community.
The Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) is the Port of Seattle's plan for how the airport will expand to handle more passengers and flights. It includes adding gates, a second terminal and increasing aircraft operations. These changes will increase the airport's impact on our community.
The City of Des Moines is doing several things to address the concerns about this proposed expansion:
- The Council established the Airport Committee, which consists of Des Moines residents. This is an advisory body to the City Council, providing input and recommendations on key airport-related topics.
- In early 2026, we anticipate the state will release a draft Environmental Impact Statement, required by the Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). This document outlines how the airport's proposed expansion would impact the surrounding area and the measures the Port must take to mitigate this. Again, we are working with the cities of Burien and SeaTac to ensure our interests are represented.
Previously, the City held a public meeting on December 3, 2024 in response to the release of the NEPA Environmental Assessment.. You can find that recording and additional information on the City's website, at the link below.
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Notice of Temporary Road Closure
STARTING TONIGHT!
A temporary overnight road closure is scheduled from 9:00 PM on Friday, November 21 to 5:00 AM on Saturday, November 22 at the Kent Des Moines Road and Pacific Highway intersection. eastbound and westbound through-traffic on Kent Des Moines Road will be closed, and the northbound and southbound left-turn pockets on Pacific Highway will also be unavailable.
Detours will be clearly marked.
This closure is necessary to complete traffic signal work related to the Sound Transit Traffic Mitigation Project.
For questions or concerns, please contact Sound Transit's 24-hour construction hotline at 888-298-2395 or email, link below.
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Installation of New Parking Signs
In response to concerns from area businesses about customer parking, the City recently installed new parking signage on Marine View Drive. While the intent was positive, we recognize that it was a mistake not to share both the “what” and the “why” with you in advance. We have since gone back to the drawing board, developed a revised plan, and now want to share that information with you before implementation.
Beginning December 1, you will see new parking signage indicating the following:
- To help maximize parking availability for local businesses and their customers, the City will establish a consistent timed parking zone along Marine View Drive. A 2-hour parking limit will be in effect from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- A 2-hour parking limit is already in place in front of Porto Vino Ristorante Italiano, and will not change.
The goal is to increase turnover and make it easier for customers to find parking.
For your convenience, a map showing the exact sign locations is below.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
If you have any questions or require further clarification, please contact Allyssa Beaver at abeaver@desmoineswa.gov or at (206) 870-6725.
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Animal Control Update
Staff is preparing to share the proposed terms of a contract with Burien CARES at the December 4 City Council meeting for discussion and feedback.
After exploring multiple service-delivery approaches to animal control, this option is the most cost-effective and viable path to bring this service back quickly for our community.
On October 9, 2025, the City Council approved a new Public Safety Sales Tax, and a portion of that revenue has been planned to support the return of animal control services in Des Moines. If Council supports moving ahead, and the new tax and related implementation steps proceed as scheduled, animal control services could return as early as April. We know this is an important and closely followed issue for our community, and we will continue to share updates as progress is made.
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Please Join Us!
The City will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the Des Moines Steps on Tuesday, December 16 at noon. This project will create a welcoming, pedestrian-friendly connection from Marine View Drive down to the Marina, improving access, safety, and walkability in the heart of our waterfront. Community members are invited to join us as we celebrate the start of this exciting new addition to our city.
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Mark your Calendars – Squid-A-Rama!
The MaST Center’s annual Squid-A-Rama will once again deliver a hands-on, family-friendly dive into the wonders of Puget Sound. This popular event invites community members of all ages to get an up-close look at one of our region’s most fascinating creatures while learning about marine science, local ecosystems, and the importance of ocean stewardship.
Space is limited, register today!
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Club KHAOS – Break Camp
Club KHAOS Break Camp gives kids a fun, safe place to spend school breaks! Through games, arts and crafts, sports, and hands-on activities, participants stay active, creative, and engaged while parents enjoy peace of mind.
The program focuses on teamwork, social skills, and plenty of laughter.
Program runs from 8:00am-6:00pm at the Des Moines Field House
- November 24-26
- December 22-January 2
- February 13
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Upcoming Classes and Programs Offered through our Community Enrichment Services Department
December Gift Making Workshop
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Session 1 – December 2 and 9
- Session 2 – December 3 and 10
Day Trips:
- Victorian Christmas Festival – December 4
Out to Lunch:
- The Bistro at Windmill Garden – December 2
Socializing and Game Play:
- American Mahjong – Experienced - Wednesdays
- Scrabble, Chess and Cribbage - Thursdays
- Mexican Train Dominoes - Fridays
- Rummikub – Wednesdays
- Hand and Foot Card Game – Mondays
- Adult Coloring and Painting Club – Tuesdays
For program detail and a complete listing of classes and programs please visit our Community Enrichment Services Department, see link below.
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Charting Our Course: Shaping Our City’s Future Together
Survey Available!
Our strategic plan will serve as a roadmap for the coming years, outlining shared goals and priorities that guide City decisions, investments, and services. This plan belongs to the community—it reflects your vision for Des Moines.
Please watch this weekly report and visit the City’s website for the survey link and information on additional engagement opportunities, including Citizens Advisory Board-hosted pop-up sessions and a Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, December 9 at Des Moines Elementary School from 6–8 PM. Childcare will be provided.
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The Des Moines Field House, built in 1939–1940 through the Works Progress Administration, is a unique full-log structure and the only one of its kind in Washington State. Constructed on land donated by the Des Moines–Zenith Improvement Club, it originally served as a community gathering space and even housed the public library for a time. The rustic-style building, along with the surrounding park, picnic areas, tennis courts, and historic wooden grandstand, has long been a hub for recreation and community events. Today, it stands as a King County Historic Landmark and a cherished symbol of Des Moines’ history and commitment to community.
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Marina Dock Replacement Project
Watch the progress unfold in real time through our live video feed or catch up anytime with our time-lapse footage showing the docks being removed and the new ones being floated in. Stay connected and see this exciting transformation of our waterfront as it happens!
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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:
- Police Officer
- Senior Mechanic
- Youth Basketball Referee
- Youth Basketball Scorekeeper
Applying for a job with the City of Des Moines is simple!
- Browse current Job Openings
- Click on a job title to learn more
- Apply!
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City Council Meeting Recap
There was no meeting last week. Our next Council meeting will be December 4th and here is what’s scheduled to be on the agenda.
City Council Committee of the Whole:
- Wesley Master Plan Introduction
- City Currents Update
City Council Regular Meeting:
-
2025 3rd Quarter Financial Report
- Abandonment Application, Second Reading
- Co-Living Housing Ordinance, Second Reading
- Legislative Agenda
- Des Moines Police Guild Contract
- Normandy Park Boundary Line Adjustment
- Planning Commission Ordinance
- Transportation Improvement Plan Update
- City Council Compensation
- Public Safety Fund, First Reading
- Discussion of Contract with Burien Cares
Council packet information for the December 4th meeting will be available November 26. 2025.
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Strategic Plan Survey Open
November 8 - December 12
City Offices Closed in Observance of Thanksgiving
November 27 & 28
City Council Committee of the Whole and Study Session
December 4
City Hall
Coffee with a Cop
December 6
Des Moines McDonald's
Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration
December 6
Des Moines Marina
Airport Committee Meeting
December 8
City Hall
Town Hall Meeting
December 9
Des Moines Elementary School
Live Music & Dancing with Randy Litch
December 10
Activity Center
Citizens Advisory Board
December 10
Des Moines City Hall
City Council Regular Meeting
December 11
City Hall
Breakfast with Santa
December 13
Activity Center
Marina Steps Ground Breaking
December 16
Des Moines Marina
City Offices Closed in Observance of Christmas
December 25
Burning Boat Event
December 31
Des Moines Marina
City Offices Closed in Observance of New Year's Day
January 1
Have An Upcoming Event You Want To Share?
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Discovery Day
November 22
MaST Center
Des Moines Creek Park Run
November 22
Des Moines Beach Park
Woodmont Library Garden Club
November 23
Woodmont Library
Dinosaur Pop-Up Cards for Tweens and Teens
November 26
Woodmont Library
Weekly Wine Tastings
November 27
Marina Mercantile
Marina Mamas Walking Group
November 28
Quarterdeck
Squid-A-Rama
November 29
MaST Center
Watercolor Party for Tweens and Teens
November 29
Woodmont Library
Discovery Day
November 29
MaST Center
Des Moines Creek Park Run
November 29
Legal Aid Pop-Up
December 1
Woodmont Library
90-Second Newberry Watch Party
December 2
Woodmont Library
Weekly Wine Tastings
December 4
Marina Mercantile
Marina Mamas Walking Group
December 5
Quarterdeck
Discovery Day
December 6
MaST Center
Des Moines Creek Park Run
December 6
Des Moines Beach Park
Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4
December 6
Holiday Boat Lights
December 6
Des Moines Marina
Forest Restoration
December 6
Saltwater State Park
Sound Transit Kent Des Moines Light Rail Station Open
December 6
Weekly Wine Tastings
December 11
Marina Mercantile
Marina Mamas Walking Group
December 12
Quarterdeck
Discovery Day
December 13
MaST Center
Des Moines Creek Park Run
December 13
Des Moines Beach Park
Weekly Wine Tastings
December 18
Marina Mercantile
Marina Mamas Walking Group
December 19
Quarterdeck
Discovery Day
December 20
MaST Center
Des Moines Creek Park Run
December 20
Des Moines Beach Park
Marina Mamas Walking Group
December 26
Quarterdeck
Discovery Day
December 27
MaST Center
Des Moines Creek Park Run
December 27
Des Moines Beach Park
Polar Bear Express Movie
December 13
Beach Park Event Center
Polar Bear Plunge
January 1
Beach Park Event Center
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