CITY MANAGER REPORT

November 21, 2025

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! 

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.


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.

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.

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.

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.


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!

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


Upcoming Classes and Programs Offered through our Community Enrichment Services Department


December Gift Making Workshop

  • 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.

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.  


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.

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! 

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.

Staff Kudos


"Hi Sam,

I just wanted to reach out to you and say a HUGE thank you for all of the field upkeep and painting you did for us this fall soccer season! It was noticed and appreciated by many of our players and their families. Please pass my appreciation along to your team as well, I know the battle was real sometimes with the paint machine and we couldn't have done it without them.


Now you can take it easy until we start up again with Spring Soccer, tentatively in late March 🙂


THANK YOU!"


Savannah Mattson

Community Enrichment Services

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.

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?


 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