CITY MANAGER REPORT

October 17, 2025


Redondo Fishing Pier:

Construction is beginning!


We are excited to announce that construction of the Redondo Fishing Pier will soon begin! Construction is scheduled to start in the first week of November and finish in spring 2026. This project will replace the old, deteriorated Redondo Fishing Pier. The new pier will be built on steel pilings with a reamed deck featuring light-permeable grating—supporting safety and environmental goals. To improve public access and recreation, new stairs will connect the pier directly to the sandy beach.


Please join us for the groundbreaking (should I say pierbreaking?) on November 3!

Fall Festival Community Resource Fair


Join us this Saturday, October 18 from 10 AM–1 PM for the Fall Festival!


Come together with neighbors to celebrate community, connect with local resources, and enjoy fun for all ages.


Location: Parking Lot near Planet Fitness – 27005 Pacific Highway South


Cost: Free and open to everyone!


Zenith Properties, Former Masonic Home -

Hearing Dates Set and Zoom Info Available


The City has issued a conditional demolition permit decision to Zenith Properties LLC, owner of the former Masonic Home property. This decision was based on the findings of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) conducted by an independent environmental consulting firm, which determined there was no feasible path to preservation of the structure. The appeal period closed on August 18, 2025, and as part of the legal process, a hearing has been scheduled for October 21 and 22, 2025, beginning at 9:00 a.m.



The hearing will be held via Zoom (link here; Meeting ID: 881 2882 7248; Passcode: 367554) and in person at Des Moines City Hall, 21630 11th Avenue S, Suite D. It is important to note that the approval of a demolition permit is just one step in a lengthy, regulated process, and actual demolition is not expected for several months, pending the outcome of the appeals process.

Des Moines Strategic Plan:

Charting Our Course


I am inviting everyone in our community to be part of an important process the City is launching this month: the creation of a five-year strategic plan.


A strategic plan is like a map that captures our community’s shared vision and lays out the goals and priorities that will guide City decisions, investments, and services over the next five years.


We are calling the strategic planning process “Charting Our Course” because it will help us navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, on the way to the future we envision together.


Built by the Community, for the Community


The strategic plan is not the City’s plan; it is the community’s plan. The most important voices in this process are yours. What you care about, what you want to see, and what you think Des Moines should become.


We are starting with listening. In the coming weeks, you will have multiple opportunities to share your ideas, hopes, and priorities:


  • Community Focus Groups

We are holding several focus groups this month to hear voices from across our diverse community.

  • Citywide Survey

We will be asking everyone in the community to complete a survey in November. We will get the link out in this newsletter, on our website, on Facebook and through community organizations.

  • Pop-Up Input Sessions

Members of the Citizens Advisory Board will be hosting informal feedback sessions in community gathering places.

  • Town Hall Meeting – December 9

Come together with neighbors and city leaders to talk about the future of Des Moines. Everyone is welcome.


What Happens Next


After gathering community input, the City Council and staff—working with an independent planning consultant—will build a framework of goals and strategies that reflect your priorities.


I am very excited about the course we will chart for Des Moines together!

Minor Home Repair Services Available


The City of Des Moines is once again offering free minor home repair services for income-qualified resident homeowners. Funded through a Community Development Block Grant, the program helps improve health and safety with services such as repairing faulty plumbing or electrical, installing disability aids, fixing furnaces or gutters, and adding safety features like smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.


To qualify, residents must own and occupy their home within Des Moines city limits for at least one year, carry homeowner’s insurance, and meet HUD income guidelines.


To request an application, email THickey@desmoineswa.gov or call (206) 870-6535.

Wooton Park Open Space Expansion


We’re excited to share some great news for our community! Earlier this month, the City of Des Moines—through its Surface Water Utility—purchased more than 16 acres of beautiful, undeveloped forest adjacent to Wooton Park (see map, Parcels A & B).


This major open-space addition was made possible thanks to generous funding support from the King County Conservation Futures Program, which covered 75% of the purchase cost, with the remaining 25% provided by the City’s Surface Water Utility.


This new open space helps protect local tree canopy, improve water quality, and preserve wildlife habitat—all while creating future opportunities for neighborhood trails, recreation, and nature exploration. It’s another step toward building a greener, healthier, and more connected Des Moines for generations to come.

The North Hill Community Club, located at 20827 3rd Ave S, has been a cornerstone of the North Hill neighborhood for decades. Established in the early 1950s, it originally served the growing communities of North Hill and Normandy Vista. The club's two-story building has functioned as a polling location and features a large field to the south, used for various community activities. Over the years, numerous Eagle Scout projects have contributed to maintaining and enhancing the facility. Today, the club continues to offer its building for rent to individuals and nonprofit organizations, fostering community engagement and connection.

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


“Principal Kocher,



Thank you for inviting us to “Lunch with a Cop” today. It was great seeing you and spending time engaging with the students. We truly appreciate the welcoming environment at Woodmont Elementary and greatly value our ongoing partnership with you, your staff, and the students. We look forward to being back in November and Go Mariners! 


Be well,


Justin Cripe

Sergeant, Des Moines Police Department

 

“We love hosting you and your team! Stay safe and we will see ya next time!


Tridents up!”


Shawn Kocher

Principal, Woodmont School 
If you want to share a staff KUDOS with me, email me today! 
Apply Here Today! 
Contact Us! 

Job Opportunities


Looking for a fulfilling career with competitive pay and excellent benefits? The City of Des Moines is hiring for several positions, including:


  • Court Clerk
  • 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


Need help? Call Human Resources at 206-878-4595 or email HR@DesMoinesWA.Gov

Your City - Your News

Sign Up Today!


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!

City Council Meeting Recap


There was no meeting last night. The next meeting will be October 23, 2025 and here is what is scheduled to be on the agenda:


  • Fee Schedule Update
  • Agenda Franchise Agreement Telecom, 2nd Reading
  • 2026 Property Tax Levy, 1st Reading
  • Marina Steps Bid Award
  • B&O Tax Model Ordinance Update, 1st Reading
  • 2026 Police Department Vehicle Purchase
  • Memorandum of Understanding with King County Metro Transit Department
  • Professional Services Contract with Nelson/ Nygaard
  • Water/Sewer Franchise Agreements
10.23.2025 Packet Information
Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items

Fall Festival & Community Resource Fair

October 18

Redondo Square


Zenith Properties Hearing

October 21 & 22

Zoom and City Hall


City Council Regular Meeting

October 23

City Hall


Citizens Advisory Board

October 29

Des Moines City Hall


Monthly Dessert Social

October 30

Activity Center


Redondo Pier Groundbreaking Ceremony

November 3

Redondo Beach


Elections

November 4


City Council Committee of the Whole and Study Session

November 6

City Hall


Airport Committee Meeting

November 10

City Hall


City Council Regular Meeting

November 13

City Hall


Monthly Dessert Social 
November 20

Activity Center


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



Burning Boat Event

December 31

Des Moines Marina


Have An Upcoming Event You Want To Share?
Email Us Today!




Discovery Day

October 18     

MaST Center 


Lighthouse Celebrate Event and Auction

October 18

Des Moines Beach Park

 

Des Moines Creek Park Run

October 18         

Des Moines Beach Park


Creek Restoration

October 19

Saltwater State Park


Community of Creators

October 21

Woodmont Library


Medicare Open Enrollment Presentation

October 22

Woodmont Library


Labubu Boutique - Make Your Own Tiny Clothes & Costumes

October 22

Woodmont Library


Weekly Wine Tastings

October 23

Marina Mercantile


Living Voices: La Causa

October 24

Woodmont Library


Marina Mamas Walking Group

October 24

Quarterdeck


Discovery Day

October 25         

MaST Center


Des Moines Creek Park Run

October 25         

Des Moines Beach Park


Weekly Wine Tastings

October 30

Marina Mercantile


Marina Mamas Walking Group

October 31

Quarterdeck


Trick or Treat Path

October 31

Marine View Drive


Write-A-Thon

November 1

Woodmont Library


Discovery Day

November 1      

MaST Center


Des Moines Creek Park Run

November 1      

Des Moines Beach Park


Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4

November 1    


Forest Restoration

November 1

Saltwater State Park


Dance for Happiness

November 4

Woodmont Library


Weekly Wine Tastings

November 6

Marina Mercantile


Marina Mamas Walking Group

November 7

Quarterdeck

 

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


Weekly Wine Tastings

November 13

Marina Mercantile

 

Marina Mamas Walking Group

November 14

Quarterdeck


Discovery Day

November 15    

MaST Center


Des Moines Creek Park Run

November 15    

Des Moines Beach Park


Creek Restoration

November 16

Saltwater State Park


Weekly Wine Tastings

November 20

Marina Mercantile


Marina Mamas Walking Group

November 21

Quarterdeck

 

Discovery Day

November 22    

MaST Center


Des Moines Creek Park Run

November 22    

Des Moines Beach Park


Weekly Wine Tastings

November 27

Marina Mercantile


Marina Mamas Walking Group

November 28

Quarterdeck


Discovery Day

November 29    

MaST Center


Des Moines Creek Park Run

November 29    

 

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



City of Des Moines | 21630 11th Avenue S, Suite A | Des Moines, WA 98198 US

Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice

Constant Contact