CITY MANAGER REPORT

September 18, 2026

International Coastal Cleanup Comes to the Marina

This Saturday, September 19, the Des Moines Marina and Beach will be part of the annual International Coastal Cleanup, bringing volunteers and divers together to help remove debris from our shoreline and the waters below.


As part of the cleanup, the Marina Fishing Pier will be closed from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday while divers are working beneath and around the pier. Dive teams are scheduled to enter the water at approximately:

  • 8:45 a.m.
  • 10:45 a.m.
  • 12:45 p.m.


Curious about what’s hiding below the surface? Stop by the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market and see what the divers bring up! It’s always interesting—and sometimes surprising—to see what has found its way into our local waters.


The cleanup begins at 8:00 a.m. and includes both shoreline volunteers and certified divers. Advance registration was required, but registration is now closed.
Learn More About Seattle Dive Tours

Sunday Marina Fuel Dock Notice

On Sunday, September 20, the south side of the Marina Fuel Dock will be reserved for the entire day to accommodate the Chamber’s Argosy cruise.


Thank you to our Marina visitors and anglers for their patience, and especially to all of the volunteers and divers helping keep the Des Moines waterfront clean and beautiful!

New Air Quality Monitoring Site Coming to Des Moines

A new air quality monitoring site is being established in Des Moines to help provide a clearer picture of air quality in our community.


The site will support ongoing measurement of ultrafine particles and other air pollutants, giving researchers and community partners valuable local data to better understand air quality and the potential impacts of nearby transportation sources.


Funding for the project was provided through Washington’s Climate Commitment Act as part of a 33rd Legislative District local community project. The City of Des Moines is pleased to partner in establishing the monitoring site and supporting efforts that provide our community with better information about the air we breathe.


As monitoring gets underway, the data collected will contribute to a better understanding of local conditions and help inform future conversations about air quality in Des Moines.

Find Your Next Activity with Des Moines Parks & Recreation!

Looking for something fun, active or creative? Parks, Recreation & Senior Services has something for just about everyone! From fitness and recreation to arts, enrichment and activities for all ages, there are plenty of ways to get involved, try something new and connect with your community.


Take a look below for a snapshot of what’s available. For complete program details, schedules and registration, visit our online registration site or check out the latest City Currents magazine. New activities and opportunities are added regularly, so be sure to check back!

  • Seattle Taekwondo Academy Introductory Classes
  • Basket Weaving
  • Pickleball Clinics with Pickleball Rick
  • Drop In Basketball
  • Drop-In RC Plane “Air Time”
  • Art Club
  • Table Games Drop-In
  • Foot Care
  • Caregiver & Grief Support Group
  • Senior Day Trips
  • Senior Out To Lunch Trips
Parks & Recreation Website

Pack a Little Less Waste This School Year!

Now that students are back in the classroom, Recology has a few simple reminders for making school-day routines a little less wasteful.


Pack lunches with reusable water bottles, containers and utensils instead of single-use items, and label reusable items so they have a better chance of making their way home. When shopping for clothes and school supplies, buy only what’s needed and look for items made with recycled materials or less packaging.


And when it comes to lunch? Pack what your kids are likely to eat — it’s one of the easiest ways to help reduce food waste.


Small changes can add up to a big difference. Here’s to a successful — and less wasteful — school year!

Give Your Carts a Little Space!

A few extra feet can make a big difference on collection day! Recology asks customers to place garbage, recycling and food & yard waste carts at least two feet apart so collection trucks have enough room to safely grab and empty each cart.


Remember to have your carts curbside by 7 a.m. on collection day. Extra garbage bags may be placed next to your garbage cart for an additional fee.


A little space between carts helps make collection day smoother for everyone!

A Bit of History...

Long before Des Moines had a Marina or fishing pier, the shoreline and creeks were an important part of life along this stretch of Puget Sound.


Native peoples, including the Duwamish and Muckleshoot, traveled to the shoreline and streams to gather shellfish and catch spawning salmon. As Des Moines began to develop in the late 1800s, the waterfront remained at the heart of the community. A sawmill operated near the mouth of Des Moines Creek, and before roads connected the area to its neighbors, boats carried people and goods between Des Moines, Seattle, Tacoma and Vashon Island.


Over time, that connection to the water took new forms, including the opening of the Des Moines Marina in 1970 and the public fishing pier that followed.


Today, whether we're boating, fishing, walking the waterfront or simply enjoying the view, Puget Sound continues to be an important part of what makes Des Moines home.


And perhaps that's why taking care of our shoreline feels so very Des Moines.

“Hi, Mike,

 

Drivers just trying to get from point A to point B probably don't pay attention to our nice streets. But if you're a walker, you notice the mowing, side-arming, weed-whacking and the fresh white striping on 216th and 220th (my route today). Man, our city looks GOOD! Thanks to you and your whole team for all the thankless jobs they do to make us proud to live here.”

 

Victoria Andrews

Des Moines Resident
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!


  1. Browse current Job Openings
  2. Click on a job title to learn more
  3. Apply!
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:


  • Police Officer-Hiring Incentives Available!
  • Records Specialist - Police Department
  • Front Desk Office Attendant I - Extra Hire
  • Volunteer Opportunities with Des Moines Community Enrichment Services 
Apply Here Today! 

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Get The Latest Updates From Mount Rainier Pool Management


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

City Council Meeting Recap


There was no meeting last night. The next meeting will be Thursday, September 24th and here is what’s scheduled to be on the agenda:

 

  • Centennial of the Seashore Club Proclamation
  • Update on the Port of Seattle Economic Development Grant
  • 2026 Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Spending Recommendations
  • Marina Tenant Restroom
  • Midway Park ORLP Grant Authorization Resolution
  • 24th Avenue S Improvements Project – S 223rd Street to S 216th Street - Transportation Improvement Board Grant and Professional Services Consultant Agreement
  • Legislative Agenda
  • Development Agreement Ordinance – 2nd Reading
  • Discussion of MFTE Program
  • Discussion on Capital Improvements on 223rd
September 24, 2026 Meeting Information
Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items

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 Regular Meeting

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


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


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

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


Veterans Night: The Next Mission Mixer

St. Annes Hospital

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


Uncle Ernie

Arturos Mexican Restaurant

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


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

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

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