CITY MANAGER REPORT

October 2, 2026

Aerospace R&D Facility Coming to Des Moines

Aerospace company Shield AI plans to open a research, development, and aircraft manufacturing facility in Des Moines in mid-2027. The facility will be in the Des Moines Creek 2 light industrial park on the north side of 216th Street. Shield AI develops autonomous aircraft, primarily for defense customers.

The announcement has generated significant community interest, along with questions about the company's operations and the City's role. To help answer them, the City has published a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document. It covers what the company will do at the site, the City's role when a new business opens, why Shield AI chose our area, and how Des Moines will benefit. We will update the FAQ as new information becomes available.

What happens at the site. The facility will house Research & Development (R&D) and aircraft manufacturing. Flight testing will take place out of state.

Jobs and revenue. Shield AI expects to bring hundreds of jobs to the site, with average salaries estimated at $150,000. The company estimates its investment in the facility at more than $300 million. The City will receive revenue through business and occupation tax, square footage tax, and sales tax on taxable purchases, plus construction sales tax during the build-out. That revenue helps support a sustainable City budget and the services residents rely on.

Why Des Moines. The company chose Des Moines for its proximity to Boeing and other aerospace manufacturers and the region's skilled aerospace workforce.

Read the Full Press Release Here

Des Moines' SR3 Featured on CNN

Des Moines’ own SeaLife Response, Rehabilitation and Research (SR3) recently received some national attention, with CNN featuring the organization and its work caring for marine wildlife in the Salish Sea.

The feature highlights young harbor seals that arrive injured, orphaned or abandoned and the care they receive at SR3 before returning to the wild.

And there’s more to come! CNN is expected to share additional stories highlighting other aspects of SR3’s work, including its killer whale research.

It’s exciting to see the important marine wildlife work happening right here in Des Moines shared with a worldwide audience!

Check Out SR3, on CNN, Here!

City Recruiting for New Parks & Recreation Director

The City of Des Moines is looking for a creative, energetic and collaborative leader to serve as its next Director of Parks & Recreation.

The Director will oversee the City’s parks, recreation programs, senior services, facilities, rentals and events while serving as a member of the City’s leadership team.

The position comes at an exciting time as the City prepares to develop a new Parks & Recreation Master Plan and take a fresh look at how our parks, facilities, programs and services can best serve the community.

The position is open until filled, with the first review of applications on October 26.

Know someone who would be a great fit? Help us spread the word!

Apply Here!

City Seeks Consultant for Parks & Recreation Master Plan Update

The City has issued a Request for Proposals seeking a qualified consultant to update the City’s Parks, Recreation and Senior Services Master Plan and develop a new Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

The planning process will evaluate the City’s parks, trails, recreation facilities, programs and community services and help identify priorities for future investment. Community engagement will be an important part of the process, giving residents and park and program users opportunities to help shape the future of parks and recreation in Des Moines.

Proposals are due November 13, with the planning process anticipated to begin in early 2027. The new Master Plan is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

Review Full RFP Here!

Construction Projects Update

Barnes Creek Trail

The contractor has made some very noticeable progress over the last few weeks! Most of the underground work is complete, new curb and gutter have been poured, and the first layer of asphalt is now in place—all important milestones to complete before fall weather arrives.

This week, crews also installed shiny new “Des Moines Blue” street and pedestrian light poles. Over the next couple of weeks, work will continue on the new sidewalk and trail, while Puget Sound Energy installs new underground services.

Although the roadway has received its initial layer of asphalt, it remains “Local Access Only” through the end of December 2026. Keeping the roadway restricted allows crews to work more efficiently and helps reduce project costs.

Thank you for your continued patience as we build a safer, more connected Des Moines!

Marina Steps

The Marina Steps project looks different almost every day as crews continue making great progress!

Many of the concrete walls are now complete, including some decorative features that we’re excited for the community to see. The first section of walkway was also poured this week, with additional pours continuing as the walkway makes its way down the hill.

Over the next couple of weeks, crews will begin installing play features, landscaping, stairs and other elements that will really start bringing the project together.

Free Shredding Event Coming October 6

Have old documents you need to safely dispose of? The City is hosting a free shredding event for Des Moines residents on Tuesday, October 6, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. in the Activity Center parking lot, 2045 S. 216th Street.

Residents may bring up to 10 boxes or bags of documents. Staples and file folders are okay, but please no cardboard, plastic, newspapers or X-rays.

Protect your personal information and clear out some clutter at the same time!

A Bit of History...

Longtime Des Moines residents may remember when Halloween meant a trip to the Haunted House at Des Moines Beach Park!

For nearly two decades, the annual haunted house transformed the former Senior Center at Beach Park (now currently the Auditorium, Dining Hall and Founder’s Lodge) into rooms filled with ghosts, monsters, elaborate sets and live actors. The event was produced by Scare Productions with the Des Moines Rotary Club and became a popular October tradition.

By 2003, admission was $8, and brave visitors could make their way through the Scare House until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights.

The tradition came to an end at the Beach Park in 2004, after the building was determined to need an upgraded sprinkler system before it could continue operating as a haunted house. After 17 years of scares, the attraction moved elsewhere.

Do you remember braving the Haunted House at Beach Park?

“Hi AJ-

Reaching out to let you know I thought I lost my credit card at the field house. Called the number online, and Kyle picked it up. He was helpful, kind, and humored me. He also offered to go to the baseball fields, took my number and said he’d call in about an hour whether he found it or not. He called right at an hour and found my card. He offered to hold it, and I came and picked it up. Hiring good people to do a job is challenging I’m sure... but for them to also be cool people that is rare! What a gem!! Needed to give him kudos!!! Thank you to you all!”

Michelle Aurelio

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
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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:

Director of Parks & Recreation
Facility Attendant
Front Desk Office Attendant
Payroll Specialist II
Police Officer-Hiring Incentives Available!
Records Specialist
Volunteer Opportunities with Des Moines Community Enrichment Services

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 discussed at last night’s meeting:

City Council Regular Meeting:

Additional Sales Tax for Children and Family Services
Canopy Preservation Program Update
2027 and 2028 Human Services Funding Recommendations

October 1, 2026 Meeting Information

Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items

Shredding Event

Activity Center

October 6

Planning Commission Meeting

City Hall

October 6

Day Trip: Pierce College Science Dome (Planetarium) & Homestead Restaurant

October 7

Day Trip: Swans Trail Farms Harvest Festival & Cabbage Patch Restaurant - Snohomish

October 9

Halloween Costume Swap

Field House

October 10

Airport Committee Meeting

City Hall

October 12

Out to Lunch: Crab Pot - Bellevue

October 13

Day Trip: Fun at Top Golf - Renton

October 15

Halloween Spooktacular Family Night

Activity Center

October 16

Day Trip: Thrifting Around the South Sound

October 21

Out to Lunch: Waters Table -Renton

October 23

Fall Recycling Collection Event

Marina – South Lot

October 24

Basket Weaving Class

Activity Center

October 24

Day Trip: Snoqualmie Casino

October 27

Citizens Advisory Board Meeting

City Hall

October 28

Day Trip: Thrifted Fashion Runway Show @ Activity Center

October 28

Dessert Social

Activity Center

October 29

City Council Meeting

City Hall

October 29

Karaoke Parties

Activity Center

October 29

Halloween Dessert Social & Bingo Costume Contest with Prizes

Activity Center

October 29

Day Trip: UW Volleyball Game vs. Maryland

November 1

Out to Lunch: TavernHall - Bellevue Square

November 4

City Council Committee of the Whole & Study Session - Joint meeting with Planning Commission

City Hall

November 5

Day Trip: Chihuly Garden & Glass - Seattle Center

November 5

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

October 3

Uncle Ernie

Arturos Mexican Restaurant

October 3

Fall Plant Swap

Des Moines Library

October 3

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

October 3

English Language Learners (ELL) Classes

Des Moines Library

October 3

Finger Knit a Fall Garland

Woodmont Library

October 4

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

October 5

Tinker Tuesday - Snap Circuits

Woodmont Library

October 6

LEGO Club

Des Moines Library

October 6

Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

October 6

Teen Hangout

Des Moines Library

October 7

Reading Buddies

Des Moines Library

October 7

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

October 7

Knit Lit Book Club

Woodmont Library

October 7

Family Story Time

Des Moines Library

October 8

Woodmont Friends of the Library General Meeting

Woodmont Library

October 8

Tutors at Des Moines Library (Study Zone)

Des Moines Library

October 8

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

October 9

Baby & Toddler Dance Party

Des Moines Library

October 9

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

October 10

English Language Learners (ELL) Classes

Des Moines Library

October 10

Mini Ofrenda Pop-Up Card

Des Moines Library

October 10

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

October 10

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

October 10

Garden Club

Woodmont Library

October 11

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

October 12

Craft & Chat

Des Moines Library

October 13

Artsy Kids Club

Des Moines Library

October 13

Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

October 13

Teen Hangout

Des Moines Library

October 14

Reading Buddies

Des Moines Library

October 14

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

October 14

Perler Bead Party! A Kids Craft Night

Woodmont Library

October 14

Messy Babies! (Morning Session)

Woodmont Library

October 15

Family Story Time

Des Moines Library

October 15

Messy Babies! (Afternoon Session)

Woodmont Library

October 15

Tutors at Des Moines Library (Study Zone)

Des Moines Library

October 15

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

October 16

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

October 17

Celebrate Event

Highline College

October 17

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

October 17

Cardboard Engineers: Create a Critter

Des Moines Library

October 17

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

October 17

Community of Creators

Woodmont Library

October 17

English Language Learners (ELL) Classes

Des Moines Library

October 17

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

October 19

Tween Zone

Woodmont Library

October 20

Pokemon Club

Des Moines Library

October 20

Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

October 20

Teen Hangout

Des Moines Library

October 21

Reading Buddies

Des Moines Library

October 21

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

October 21

Des Moines Evening Book Group

Des Moines Library

October 21

Family Story Time

Des Moines Library

October 22

Tutors at Des Moines Library (Study Zone)

Des Moines Library

October 22

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

October 23

After School Hangout

Woodmont Library

October 23

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

October 24

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

October 24

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

October 24

English Language Learners (ELL) Classes

Des Moines Library

October 24

Watch Party for Minecraft Author Event: Danica Davidson

Woodmont Library

October 25

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

October 26

Builder Babies

Woodmont Library

October 27

Des Moines Writing Group

Des Moines Library

October 27

Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

October 27

Teen Hangout

Des Moines Library

October 28

Reading Buddies

Des Moines Library

October 28

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

October 28

Clay Creations! A Kids Craft Night

Woodmont Library

October 28

Family Story Time

Des Moines Library

October 29

Tutors at Des Moines Library (Study Zone)

Des Moines Library

October 29

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

October 30

Trick or Treat Path

Downtown Des Moines

October 30

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

October 31

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

October 31

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

October 31

How the World Celebrates Autumn

Woodmont Library

October 31

English Language Learners (ELL) Classes

Des Moines Library

October 31

Legacy Bayside Brunch

Anthony’s Home Port

November 1

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

November 6

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

Veterans Day Event

Steven J Underwood Memorial Park

November 11

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

November 13

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

November 14

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

November 14

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

November 20

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

November 21

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

November 21

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

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