City Manager Report - November 7, 2025

CITY MANAGER REPORT

November 7, 2025

City Offices Closed in Observance of Veterans Day

City Offices will be closed Tuesday, November 11, 2025 in observance of Veterans Day. Emergency Services and Marina fuel dock will remain open.

Charting Our Course:

Shaping Our City’s Future Together

I am excited to update you on the first phase our strategic planning process, “Charting Our Course.” We are starting with listening to our community.

Last week, the City hosted five focus groups to hear from residents across our diverse community. These conversations surfaced ideas, concerns, and aspirations that will shape our strategic plan.

Next, we’re inviting everyone to participate in a citywide survey, opening in early November. This survey is an opportunity for you to share what you value most and what you want for the future of our city.

The strategic plan is the map that will help the City navigate the near term future. It will capture our shared vision and lay out the goals and priorities that will guide City decisions, investments, and services.

The strategic plan is not the City’s plan—it’s the community’s plan. It reflects what you want for Des Moines.

Please watch this weekly report for additional opportunities to get involved, including pop-up a town hall meeting on Tuesday, December 9 at Des Moines Elementary School, 6 PM to 8 PM.

Complete the Survey Here

Clear the Right of Way Initiative

The Police Department has launched the Clear the Right of Way initiative—part of a broader effort to partner with the community in improving neighborhood appearance, safety, and accessibility. The program targets non-operational, unlicensed, and abandoned vehicles parked on city streets and within the public right of way.

Over time, the City has seen an increase in vehicles being stored or abandoned along public streets, which can reduce visibility, create safety hazards, restrict access for pedestrians and emergency responders, and negatively impact neighborhood aesthetics. This initiative aims to build community awareness and accountability while reducing the need for continuous reactive enforcement.

The program will roll out in two phases. Phase 1 (November 2025) focuses on community education and engagement through social media, printed materials, and neighborhood outreach by Community Service Officers. Phase 2 (beginning December) will emphasize enforcement, including written warnings, vehicle tagging, towing of violators after proper notice, and data tracking to monitor results. This proactive, partnership-based approach supports the City’s commitment to maintaining safe, accessible, and well-kept neighborhoods.

City Currents Coming Soon!

The Winter Edition of City Currents is on its way! Look for it in your mailbox this week.

Redondo Fishing Pier Groundbreaking Ceremony

This week, the City of Des Moines held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Redondo Fishing Pier, marking the official start of construction. The new pier will enhance recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, providing improved access for fishing and waterfront activities. The event celebrated this milestone with community members, City officials, and project partners including several of our State legislators, highlighting the City’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving public waterfront amenities.

Resources for Employees Affected by Government Shutdown

With the federal government now in shutdown, thousands of workers and families nationwide—including many in our community—are experiencing its effects. From missed paychecks to delayed benefits and uncertainty around essential services, the impacts are widespread. The City of Des Moines has compiled helpful resources and links to support those affected and to guide residents who wish to assist their neighbors during this challenging time. Read the full article here.

The roadway now called Des Moines Memorial Drive was once a major wartime-memorial project: beginning on Armistice Day (Nov 11) 1921, the Seattle Garden Club helped plant elm trees along the route to honor Washington state service-members of World War I.

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!

Live Stream Marina Dock Replacement Project

Watch Our Time Lapse Footage

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.

Click Here to Share Your Staff Kudos!

Staff Kudos

"Hi Katherine and Mike,

Thank you for the speed humps placed in Redondo over the last week. I've been out and about chatting with a lot of neighbors and there has been a tangible sense of relief and positive energy about this effort. While it may be too early to draw firm conclusions, I'm hearing a lot of positive views on the outcomes. I know this took a bit of effort to plan and execute. It is much appreciated and please know that Redondo neighbors are singing your praises!"

Best, Karen Schartman

Redondo Resident

Apply Here Today!

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!

Your City - Your News

Be in the know! Get the latest updates straight from the City Manager, Mayor and more - stay informed about what's happening in your community!

Subscribe Here!

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 discussed at last night's City Council Study Session.

Committee of the Whole:

Discussion of 2026-2031 Capital Improvements Plan

City Council Study Session:

Community Development Code Amendments Overview
Discussion of 2026 City Legislative Priorities
Commercial Parking Tax
Transportation Benefit District Funding Considerations
Executive Session: Performance of a Public Employee

Here is what is scheduled to be on the November 13, 2025 Agenda

11.13.2025 Packet Information

Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items

Strategic Plan Open

November 8 - December 12

Veterans Day Event

November 11

Steven J Underwood Memorial Park

City Offices Closed in Observance of Veterans Day

November 11

Airport Committee Meeting

November 10

City Hall

City Council Regular Meeting

November 13

City Hall

Monthly Dessert Social
November 20

Activity Center

City Offices Closed in Observance of Thanksgiving

November 27 & 28

City Council Committee of the Whole and Study Session

December 4

City Hall

Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration

December 6

Des Moines Marina

Airport Committee Meeting

December 8

City Hall

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

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?

Email Us Today!

Creative Movement

November 8

Des Moines Library

Farmer's Market Holiday Bazaar

November 8

Beach Park Event Center

Discovery Day

November 8

MaST Center

Des Moines Creek Park Run

November 8

Des Moines Beach Park

Craft and Chat

November 11

Des Moines Library

Reading Journal 101

November 12

Woodmont Library

Weekly Wine Tastings

November 13

Marina Mercantile

Marina Mamas Walking Group

November 14

Quarterdeck

Write-A-Thon

November 15

Woodmont Library

Discovery Day

November 15

MaST Center

Des Moines Creek Park Run

November 15

Des Moines Beach Park

Creek Restoration

November 16

Saltwater State Park

Community of Creators

November 18

Woodmont Library

King County Public Health Assistance

November 19

Des Moines Library

Weekly Wine Tastings

November 20

Marina Mercantile

Dance for Happiness

November 21

Woodmont Library

Marina Mamas Walking Group

November 21

Quarterdeck

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

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

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