City Manager Report - October 31, 2025

CITY MANAGER REPORT

October 31, 2025

Let’s Talk Trash, Des Moines!

Helpful tips from Recology to keep our city clean and green!

Are you ever unsure about what goes where, or how to roll out your bins the right way? We’ve got you covered! Here are a few simple tips and reminders straight from Recology to help make waste collection smooth and sustainable for everyone.

Stop & Think

Sorting properly keeps recyclable and compostable materials out of the landfill!

Green Compost Cart: Food scraps and food-soiled paper
Blue Recycling Bin: Clean cardboard, paper, glass, metal, and plastic containers
Gray Trash Bin: Everything else that can’t be composted or recycled

Need help figuring it out?

Check out the Sorting Guide and WhatBin Tool on Recology’s website!

Break It Down

Save space and recycle right!

Keep recyclables loose (no plastic bags, please — paper bags are fine!)
Break down boxes to no larger than 2’ x 2’ x 2’
Overflow? Place extra cardboard in a box next to your blue cart (same size limit applies)

Bag It & Bin It

Help keep our streets and waterways clean

Trash should be bagged and secured before going into your gray cart
Make sure the lid closes completely to prevent windblown litter

Curbside Bulky Pickups

Have a big item? No problem!

Schedule your bulky item pickup through Recology
Place items neatly next to your carts on collection day
Donate reusable items when possible to local nonprofits

Special Item Recycling

Some things just don’t belong in your bins — like batteries, light bulbs, and textiles

Des Moines residents can bring select items to the Highline Recology Store or schedule curbside pickup for eligible materials

Roll It Out Right

Set your carts out before 7 AM on collection day (or the night before)

Place carts 2 feet apart from each other and from mailboxes, fences, or cars
Make sure carts face the street with the lid opening toward the road
Keep lids closed — and thank you for keeping our community tidy!

Need Help or Have Questions?

Recology Customer Service is happy to assist you!

206-762-4900

Monday–Friday: 7 AM–7 PM | Saturday–Sunday: 8 AM–7 PM

Recology Des Moines

FAQ's

Email Us Today!

News & Events

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 and the City's website for the survey link and additional opportunities to get involved, including pop-up input sessions hosted by the Citizens Advisory Board (CAB) members and a town hall meeting on Tuesday, December 9 at Des Moines Elementary School, 6 PM to 8 PM.

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

The area along the Sound where Des Moines now lies once had steamboats, lumber mills and a “Mosquito Fleet” of water-craft rather than big highways.

The community’s name comes from its founders who platted the townsite in 1889 under the name “Des Moines” (after Des Moines, Iowa).

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

The Police Department recently held an Advance Community Academy with one topic highlighting the Legal Department, which was facilitated by our Prosecuting Attorney, Tara Vaughn. Participants gave the session excellent ratings and shared great feedback, noting that they found the information interesting and appreciated learning about the types of charges, prosecution, and the important work our legal staff do behind the scenes.

“They really got something out of your presentation. They have brought you up each week 😊”

Tonya Seaberry

Community Services Officer

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 Soccer Referee - Fall Season
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 are scheduled for the November 6, 2025 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

11.06.2025 Packet Information

Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items

Redondo Pier Groundbreaking Ceremony

November 3

Redondo Beach

Elections

November 4

City Council Committee of the Whole and Study Session

November 6

City Hall

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!

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

Talk Time: English Conversation Class

November 4

Des Moines Library

Dance for Happiness

November 4

Woodmont Library

Weekly Wine Tastings

November 6

Marina Mercantile

Marina Mamas Walking Group

November 7

Quarterdeck

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