CITY MANAGER REPORT

September 11, 2026

Spend Saturday Morning with Your City Budget!

Saturday's forecast is looking a little damp. Why not spend the morning somewhere warm and dry...like at City Hall talking about your city's budget?

This Saturday, September 12, 9 a.m. to noon, City Council will hold a Budget Workshop in Council Chambers at City Hall. It's Council's first look at the actual numbers for the 2027–2028 budget, and you're welcome to join us.

The big news: a balanced budget that moves our priorities forward. Revenue isn't growing much, so every dollar had to work hard. The proposed budget makes progress on the priorities Council set this summer and on what we heard from you at the budget town hall:

Public safety. Adding two police officers and expanding support for domestic violence victims.
Making Des Moines easier to build in. A dedicated permitting position to help projects and new businesses move forward.
The Marina's future. A long-term master plan and design work on the south seawall.
Parks. Dedicated Parks and Recreation leadership, more maintenance help, and an updated parks master plan.
A stronger rainy day fund. Building reserves so the City is better equipped to handle surprises.

Council will also discuss potential new revenue options and tell staff which ones to look into further. No final decisions will be made Saturday.

Why is budgeting tricky? Costs are rising faster than tax revenue. Health insurance premiums alone are projected to go up 10–16% next year. And of every $100 you spend in Des Moines, the City gets about 85 cents in sales tax. (Surprised? Most people are.)

Can't make it? We get it. If you'd rather stay in your pajamas, you can review the draft presentation and other budget resources at desmoineswa.gov/budget. You can also follow our Budget 101 series on social media. It's bite-sized graphics that make local government finance almost exciting.

More chances to weigh in:

October 29: First public hearing
November 12: Second public hearing and adoption
Anytime: Send questions using the link below

Email Us Anytime!

Budget 101: Where Does Your Property Tax Dollar Go?

Property taxes are expensive — but did you know the City of Des Moines receives only a small portion of what you pay?

For every $1 in property taxes, only about 7¢ comes to the City of Des Moines. The rest goes to schools, King County, the Fire District, libraries, Sound Transit and other taxing districts.

Put another way: If your annual property tax bill is $7,500, only about $500 of that comes to the City.

That small slice helps fund the City services you see and use every day — including police, parks and recreation, streets, and other essential City operations.

Where does the other 93¢ go? Take a look at the graphic to see how your property tax dollar is divided.

More Budget101 is coming as we build the 2027–2028 budget. Follow along on our website at the link below!

Budget101 Website

Redondo Parking Lot Update

Good news — the grinding and asphalt overlay work at the Redondo Parking Lot is wrapping up!

The contractor completed this phase of the project on September 10, allowing the parking lot to reopen. Due to weather, the remaining work has been rescheduled:

Tuesday, September 15 – Sealcoating
Monday, September 21 – Final Striping

The Redondo Parking Lot will be closed on both September 15 and September 21 while this work is completed. As always, these dates are weather dependent and may need to shift.

A quick note about the parking gates: During the paving work, equipment that operates the parking lot entrance gates was damaged. Until repairs can be completed, the gate arms will remain open and the parking lot will be accessible 24/7.

Repairs to part of the gate system are already scheduled for next week, weather permitting, and staff is working to have the remaining equipment repaired or replaced as quickly as possible.

Thank you for your patience as we finish up these improvements and work through this unexpected issue!

South King County Transportation Forum Coming to Kent

Have questions about transportation in South King County? Here’s an opportunity to hear what’s changing, learn what’s ahead, and talk directly with regional transportation leaders.

The community conversation will feature regional leaders, including:

King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain
Kent Mayor Dana Ralph
King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison
Representatives from:

o Sound Transit

o Kent Public Works

Residents are encouraged to bring their questions and join the discussion about transportation issues affecting the greater South King County region.

Saturday, September 26 | 10:00–11:30 a.m.

Kent City Hall | 220 4th Avenue S., Kent

Advance RSVP is available by emailing at the link below.

RSVP Today!

September is National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month—a reminder for all of us to take simple steps to be ready for emergencies. Whether it’s building a basic emergency kit, making a family communication plan, or staying informed about local alerts, being prepared helps keep our community safe and resilient. For tips and checklists to help you get started, visit their website.

King County Emergency Preparedness

See a Problem? Let us Know!

Pothole? Street light out? Abandoned vehicle? Barking dog? Not sure who to call?

The City’s Report a Problem page makes it easier to get your concern to the right place. Instead of trying to figure out which department handles an issue, residents can visit one convenient page and choose from several online reporting options.

From the page, you can:

Report a code enforcement concern
Submit a Fix-It request for potholes, sidewalks, parks and other maintenance issues
Report an animal-related concern
File a non-emergency crime report
Submit a public records request
Report an abandoned vehicle
Report a street light outage
Submit a neighborhood traffic calming request

Using the appropriate online form helps send your concern directly to the staff or agency responsible for handling it — and helps us respond more efficiently.

Remember: These online forms are for non-emergency issues. For a police, fire or medical emergency, always call 911. For urgent municipal issues after hours, call 206-878-2121.

So, the next time you see something that needs our attention, let us know! Visit the Report a Problem page on the City’s website and we’ll help get it to the right place.

Report a Problem

Did You Know...

If you’ve ever walked or biked the Des Moines Creek Trail, you may have noticed something interesting — you can tell when you cross from Des Moines into SeaTac. Look down at the trail and you’ll spot the change!

The trail we enjoy today was decades in the making. In the 1970s, King County purchased approximately 100 acres along Des Moines Creek using Forward Thrust bond funds, with plans for a future park and trail through the creek corridor.

That vision eventually became the Des Moines Creek Trail, winding through the forest alongside the creek and connecting South 200th Street in SeaTac with Des Moines Beach Park and our waterfront. In October 2010, Des Moines celebrated completion of the final mile of the paved trail, creating a continuous route of more than two miles.

And the little trail through our woods is now part of something much bigger. The Des Moines Creek Trail connects to the developing Lake to Sound Trail — a regional trail system ultimately planned to stretch approximately 16 miles from Lake Washington in Renton all the way to Puget Sound right here in Des Moines.

So next time you’re walking the trail, keep an eye on the pavement. You might just catch the exact spot where one city ends and the other begins!

“Ms. Caffrey,

I am writing this letter to commend the exceptional service provided by Denise Hall, an employee at Des Moines City Hall.

Ms. Hall went above and beyond to help me renew a long-expired passport for an elderly, disabled relative who needed a document to establish her identity. She has been denied access to certain services, including replacing a lost Social Security card, because she did not have valid ID.

Ms. Hall's kind, patient demeanor, thoughtful instructions for filling out paperwork, and helpful recommendation to try an option we had not considered made a complicated process incredibly easier. We needed to make a second visit to complete the application, and Ms. Hall was in the office waiting for us. She made the extra effort to be on duty for our second appointment so we wouldn't have to explain our situation to a new clerk.

The City of Des Moines is fortunate to have an employee like Ms. Hall. She is extraordinary.”

Best regards,

Micki Flowers

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:

Police Officer-Hiring Incentives Available!
Records Specialist - Police Department
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

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Stay up-to-date with pool activities, events and closures!

City Council Meeting Recap

September 10, 2026:

City Council Regular Meeting

Discussion on the Implementation of the Strategic Plan

September 12, 2026:

City Council Budget Retreat

2027-2028 Budget

September 10, 2026 Meeting Information

September 12, 2026 Meeting Information

Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items

City Council Budget Retreat

City Hall

September 12

Out to Lunch: Mandolin Sushi & Japanese Steak House

September 15

Presentation: Smart Living for Your Next Chapter

Activity Center

September 15

Day Trip: Washington State Fair - Puyallup

September 16

Marina Tenant Meeting

Marina Pavilion

September 16

AARP Smart Driving

Activity Center

September 17-18

Waterland Yoga

Soundview Park

September 19

Pop Up Karaoke

Activity Center

September 20

Day Trip: Vashon Island: Oscar the Bird King Troll & Exploring Downtown

September 22

City Council Meeting

City Hall

September 24

Dessert Social

Activity Center

September 24

Out to Lunch: Stonehouse Cafe

September 30

Citizens Advisory Board Meeting

City Hall

September 30

City Council Committee of the Whole & Study Session

City Hall

October 1

Day Trip: Maeve Chocolate Factory Tour & Tasting

October 2

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

Desssert 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

Have An Upcoming Event You Want To Share?

Share Your Events With Us Here!

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

September 12

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

September 12

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

September 12

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

September 12

Canning and Preservation Demonstration

Woodmont Library

September 13

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

September 14

Tween Zone

Woodmont Library

September 15

Artsy Kids Club

Des Moines Library

September 15

Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

September 15

Teen Hangout

Des Moines Library

September 16

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

September 16

Tutors at Des Moines Library (Study Zone)

Des Moines Library

September 17

Baby & Toddler Dance Party

Des Moines Library

September 18

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

September 18

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

September 19

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

September 19

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

September 19

English Language Learners (ELL) Classes

Des Moines Library

September 19

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

September 19

Oktobertfest Cruise

Marina

September 20

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

September 21

Builder Babies

Woodmont Library

September 22

Des Moines Writing Group

Des Moines Library

September 22

Pokemon Club

Des Moines Library

September 22

Community of Creators

Woodmont Library

September 22

Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

September 22

Mens Arise

Lighthouse Northwest

September 22

Teen Hangout

Des Moines Library

September 23

Reading Buddies

Des Moines Library

September 23

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

September 23

Let's Glue Crazy! A Kids Craft Night

Woodmont Library

September 23

North Hill Game Night

North Hill Community Center

September 24

Family Story Time

Des Moines Library

September 24

Tutors at Des Moines Library (Study Zone)

Des Moines Library

September 24

Air Quality Monitoring Site Ribbon Cutting

Steven J Underwood Memorial Park

September 24

After School Hangout

Woodmont Library

September 25

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

September 25

Back-to-School Book Party: The Day the Crayons Quit

Des Moines Library

September 26

English Language Learners (ELL) Classes

Des Moines Library

September 26

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

September 26

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

September 26

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

September 26

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

September 26

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

September 28

Fall Plant Swap

Des Moines Library

September 28

Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

September 29

Teen Hangout

Des Moines Library

September 30

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

September 30

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

October 2

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

October 3

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

October 9

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

October 10

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

October 10

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

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

October 23

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

October 24

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

October 24

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

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

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