CITY MANAGER REPORT

November 6, 2026

City Offices Closed in Observance of Veterans Day

City Offices will be closed Wednesday, November 11, 2026 in observance of Veterans Day. Emergency Services and Marina fuel dock will remain open.

We appreciate your service, Des Moines veterans.

Downtown Revitalization: Where We Are and What's Next

During the Strategic Plan process, the thing we heard most was that you want a more vibrant downtown. You want more places to eat and shop, no more vacant storefronts, and empty lots developed on. That’s a big reason Economic Vitality is our #1 goal.

What we’re working on

We’re working on multiple ways the City can help spark new investment downtown, here are just a few:

Easier permitting: Making it simpler and faster to get projects approved.
Fewer zoning barriers: Updating our Zoning Code so investing and building downtown is more appealing and less complicated.
New incentive tools: Exploring tools the City can adopt to encourage development.

This week’s workshop

On November 5, the City Council and Planning Commission met for the third of four joint workshops on downtown. These sessions help them learn more about our downtown and the conditions that affect development there, such as zoning rules, building costs and market demand. What they learn will help them decide the best path forward.

Change raises fair questions

After the meeting, I spoke with residents who were worried about how fast this might move and what it could mean for their property. Those are fair questions. They also reminded me to make sure everyone understands how this process works.

How the process works

Right now: We’re exploring what’s feasible and what’s desirable. What helps us meet our economic goals while staying true to the Des Moines character we love?
January: This phase of the work wraps up.
After that: The Planning Commission and Council will decide next steps. These could include changing and simplifying the City Zoning Code.
Before any code changes: Any proposed changes to the code will include a robust public engagement process, so you’ll have several chances to share your input and help shape the final decisions.

We’re committed to an open process, and we’ll keep you informed.

Get caught up

Watch past meetings on this topic:

September 3: https://desmoineswa.portal.civicclerk.com/event/5212/media
October 6: https://desmoineswa.portal.civicclerk.com/event/5191/media
November 5: https://desmoineswa.portal.civicclerk.com/event/5214/media

Kick Off the Holiday Season at the Des Moines Waterfront Holiday Bazaar!

The holidays are just around the corner, and what better way to get into the spirit than a little shopping by the waterfront!

Join the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market for its Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Des Moines Beach Park.

With more than 40 vendors offering unique gifts, handmade treasures, delicious treats, and seasonal favorites, it's the perfect opportunity to get a head start on your holiday shopping while supporting local businesses and artisans.

Admission is free! Grab your family and friends, enjoy some holiday cheer, and celebrate the season right here in Des Moines!

Need Something from the City? There's a Shortcut for That!

Ever visited the City's website and wondered, "Where do I go to…?" We've made finding the answer easier!

Our redesigned website features an “I Want To…” page, a convenient one-stop spot for some of the most frequently requested City services and information.

Whether you want to:

Report a pothole
Apply for a permit
Request public records
Pay a court fine
Get a pet license
Watch a City Council meeting
Explore employment opportunities
View the City's crime map
Sign up for the weekly City Manager Report

You'll find quick links to help you get where you need to go!

Less searching, more finding! Take a minute to explore the page. You might discover a City service you didn't even know was available online.

Visit our Website

Women in Leadership Take Center Stage at Chamber Luncheon

I had the pleasure of joining Mayor Yoshiko Grace Matsui and Judge Lisa Leone at Tuesday's Chamber luncheon for a conversation about women in leadership. We shared our experiences, perspectives, and lessons learned along the way, as well as the importance of mentorship and encouraging future generations of women leaders.

It was wonderful to see such a great turnout, including ten representatives from the City of Burien who joined us for the luncheon! Their participation was a great reminder of the strong regional partnerships and connections we share.

A special thank you to the Chamber for hosting this meaningful conversation and providing an opportunity to celebrate and support women in leadership throughout our communities!

Extra Compostables

If your household subscribes to compostables collection through Recology, you can put out extra yard waste every week at no additional cost. Once your 96-gallon compostables cart is full, you can set out up to three additional 32-gallon cans, yard waste bags, or bundles at the curb. Have even more yard waste? No problem!

Additional cans, bags, or bundles beyond the three are $3.60 each. So go ahead and tackle those overgrown shrubs, fallen leaves, and weekend yard projects—just remember to set out your extra yard waste on collection day!

Help Keep Local Kids Warm This Winter!

The City of Des Moines is proud to serve as a collection site for this year’s Coats for Kids Drive, helping provide warm winter coats to children in our community.

Now through November 13, community members are encouraged to drop off new or gently used winter coats at Des Moines City Hall. Coats in youth sizes (grades K–12) are especially needed, with hooded “ski” style coats preferred.

Each year, this wonderful community effort collects and distributes more than 800 coats to local children in need!

The drive is powered by the Rotary Club of Des Moines/Normandy Park, sponsored by UA Local 32, and held in partnership with the Highline Schools Foundation.

A Bit Of History...

Did you know that Des Moines Memorial Drive holds a little-known piece of women's history?

In 1921, the Seattle Garden Club began planting elm trees along the roadway to honor those who lost their lives during World War I. However, the original memorial overlooked the women who had also made the ultimate sacrifice.

In February 1922, Seattle's Ex-Service Women's Club organized a special ceremony, dedicating eight elm trees to women who died in wartime service. Small American flags were placed beside the trees in their honor.

Their legacy lives on through Des Moines Memorial Drive and the granite memorial wall dedicated in 1963, which includes the names of women who served.

As Veterans Day approaches, this special piece of local history reminds us that every sacrifice deserves to be remembered.

“Hi Katherine,

What a wonderful surprise!

I got home from my week in DC and voila! It is now safer to cross Marine View Dr!!!

So glad the flags are gone. It took 3-5 cars before they stopped. I hope this sends a message!”

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!

Browse current Job Openings
Click on a job title to learn more
Apply!

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!

Current And Past Issues Of The City Manager Report

Missed an issue or want to take another look? You can find this report and all past City Manager Reports anytime on the City’s website—your go-to spot for staying informed.

Be in the know! Sign up today!

Click Here for Past and Current Issues of the City Manager Report

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 Committee of the Whole:

One-Time Revenue Ordinance Discussion

City Council Study Session:

Downtown Planning Scenarios & Zoning Workshop

Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items

November 12, 2026 City Council Packet

Airport Committee Meeting

City Hall

November 9

Out to Lunch: West of Chicago Pizza - West Seattle

November 10

City Offices Closed in Observance of Veterans Day

November 11

City Council Meeting

City Hall

November 12

Day Trip: Lynnwood Holiday Boutique & Craft Show

November 13

Day Trip: Gilman Village - Issaquah

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 Tree Lighting

Des Moines Marina

December 4

City Council Meeting

City Hall

December 10

Airport Committee Meeting

City Hall

December 14

Argosy Christmas Ships

Des Moines Marina

December 16

City Offices Closed in Observance of Christmas

December 24 & December 25

Noon Year's Eve Dessert Social & Bingo

Activity Center

December 31

Have An Upcoming Event You Want To Share?

Share Your Events With Us Here!

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

November 7

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

November 7

Farmer's Market Holiday Market

Beach Park Event Center

November 7

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

November 7

English Language Learners (ELL) Class

Des Moines Library

November 7

Garden Club

Woodmont Library

November 8

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

November 9

Craft & Chat

Des Moines Library

November 10

Artsy Kids Club

Des Moines Library

November 10

Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

November 10

Veterans Day Event

Steven J Underwood Memorial Park

November 11

Messy Babies! (Morning Session)

Woodmont Library

November 12

Family Story Time

Des Moines Library

November 12

Messy Babies! (Afternoon Session)

Woodmont Library

November 12

Tutors at Des Moines Library (Study Zone)

Des Moines Library

November 12

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

November 13

Preschool Play & Learn

Des Moines Library

November 13

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

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

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

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

November 30

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

December 4

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

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