CITY MANAGER REPORT

September 26, 2025

Downtown Parking Updates


At the request of local business owners, the City recently made updates to several downtown parking areas to improve access for customers:


  • Second Love Coffee Roasters: Four 30-minute parking spaces have been designated, with enforcement from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • PortoVino Ristorante Italiano: A 2-hour parking limit has been established.
  • All-Star Sports Bar & Dive Shop: Refreshed signs; maintaining the 2-hour parking limit.


These changes were intended to improve parking turnover and make it easier for visitors to access nearby businesses. We acknowledge that we should have shared these updates with the community before installation, and we apologize for that oversight. Currently, the signs are temporarily bagged while supplemental plaques are added beneath the 30-minute spaces to indicate enforcement hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.


We appreciate your understanding as we work to support both our residents and the local business community.

Concerned about Airport Noise? Attend an upcoming Part 150 Community Meeting!



The Port of Seattle is hosting several public workshops for the community to learn about the Part 150 Study for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). The multi-year study evaluates SEA’s aircraft noise compatibility with the surrounding communities and current and possible new efforts to reduce the effects of aircraft noise on these communities.


The workshops — three in-person and one virtual — will share information on the study’s timeline and current and projected aircraft noise levels in the surrounding communities—and Des Moines is one of those impacted communities. Attendees will have the opportunity to offer feedback on the draft Noise Exposure Map (NEM) report and suggest potential noise reduction measures for evaluation within the study. 


Food and childcare will be provided. 


Date: Tuesday, Sept. 30

Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
Location
Parkside Elementary School – 2104 S 247th St., Des Moines, WA, 98198


Date: Thursday, Oct. 2

Time: 6 - 8 p.m.

LocationSeahurst Elementary School -14603 14th Ave. SW, Burien, WA 98166


Date: Saturday, Oct. 4

Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

LocationGlacier Middle School - 2450 S 142nd St., SeaTac, WA 98168


Date: Wednesday, Oct. 15
Time:
 6:00 p.m. until all study-related questions are answered

Virtual Meeting: please use the Zoom link below to register

Daisy Sonju Community Garden Work Party


On Saturday, October 4, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. there will be a work party at the Daisy Sonju Community Garden (24728 16th Ave S, Des Moines). Drop in anytime—whether you can give 30 minutes or stay the whole morning, every bit helps!


Tasks include clearing weeds, cleaning up the paths and trails, and spreading bark mulch to begin the long-term process of restoring this special space. Some tools will be available, but please bring gloves and your own tools if you can. Kids are welcome, too!


This is the first step toward reintroducing the garden to the community and creating a welcoming place where people can learn, experience nature, and get their hands dirty. Stop by to lend a hand or simply to see what the garden is all about!

Weekend I-5 Closure Alert


Heads up, South King County drivers! The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will close all lanes of southbound I-5 this weekend:


  • Friday, Sept. 26 at 11:59 p.m. – Monday, Sept. 29 at 4 a.m.
  • Closed: Southbound I-5 between SR 516 (Exit 149) and S 272nd St (Exit 147)
  • Closed: Southbound SR 509 connection to southbound I-5
    

Travel tips:

  • Expect heavy traffic on detour routes.
  • Consider leaving earlier or later in the day, delaying non-essential trips, or taking transit/carpooling to help reduce congestion.
  • Detours: Local traffic can use SR 99 or Military Road South. Regional traffic can use southbound SR 167.


Plan ahead and give yourself extra travel time!

City Council Meetings on Zoom


The City of Des Moines is now offering residents the option to attend City Council meetings via Zoom. This provides a convenient way to participate in local government from home or anywhere with an internet connection. Meetings continue to be recorded and available on the City’s website afterward, ensuring transparency and allowing the community to stay informed and engaged with council decisions.


If you wish to attend the meeting via Zoom, it’s easy, just click the link on our website's homepage (or below, in this report).


If you wish to make public comment during the meeting, please email the City Clerk by noon the Wednesday before the meeting to register! 

Licensing Your Pet is Now Easier Than Ever!


Des Moines has partnered with DocuPet to provide residents with a simple online solution for pet registration. Through DocuPet, residents can access the complimentary HomeSafe® 24/7 Lost Pet Service, secure online profiles that make licensing a breeze, and hundreds of designer tag styles that double as a pet's official license.


All cats and dogs must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. Licenses are now valid for a full 365 days after purchase.


Reminder: Every dollar from pet license fees goes directly toward rebuilding our animal control services. Your pet’s license helps restore critical funding and support for these programs.

Des Moines City Council Candidate Forum @ Wesley in Des Moines


The League of Women Voters will host their bi-annual Des Moines City Council Candidate Forum on Monday, October 14, at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Main Chapel at Wesley Gardens. This event provides residents with an opportunity to hear directly from candidates and learn more about the issues that matter to our community.


All are welcome to attend.

Final Farmers Market Saturday of the Season


This Saturday marks the final Farmers Market of the 2025 season! Come down to the Marina for fresh produce, local crafts, and community connection. A special thank-you to City staff from various departments who have attended each week—sharing information, answering questions, and taking the time to engage with residents. Your efforts help make the market not just a place to shop, but a true community gathering.

National Coffee with a Cop Day


On Wednesday, October 1, the Des Moines Police Department will be joining departments across the country in celebrating National Coffee with a Cop Day.


This event is all about bringing officers and community members together in a casual, friendly setting—over a cup of coffee! It’s a great chance to ask questions, share concerns, or just get to know the officers who serve our community every day.


Details:

Highline College, Building 8

11:00 am


No speeches, no agenda—just good conversation and connection. We hope to see you there!

Community Shredding Event – October 15


Clear out your personal documents safely!


The City of Des Moines is hosting a free shredding event for all residents on Wednesday, October 15, at the Des Moines Activity Center.


Accepted items:

  • Paper, receipts & bills
  • File folders
  • Envelopes
  • Bank statements
  • Cancelled checks
  • (Staples are okay!)


Not accepted:

  • Cardboard
  • Newspaper
  • Boxes
  • X-rays
  • Plastic


This is a great opportunity to protect your personal information while decluttering.


 Stop by anytime during the event hours!

On a clear day, Mount Rainier looks close enough to touch from Des Moines—but it’s actually about 60 miles away! Early settlers used the mountain as a landmark when traveling the waters of Puget Sound, and it remains one of the most photographed backdrops in the city.

 

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


“Hi Katherine!


First, I LOVE this newsletter! You have brought such great energy to our city, and I really appreciate it!


Officer Batterman recently turned a potentially frustrating situation into a positive one. When Waterland Yoga’s signs were found to be out of compliance, he not only collected them carefully for easy pickup, but also went above and beyond by connecting with the City’s permitting staff to see if options might be available for future signage. His professionalism and extra effort, along with the helpfulness of Public Works and Police staff, transformed the experience into one of support and partnership.


Thanks for the opportunity to share,”


Georgie Smith

Waterland Yoga & Georgeanne Smith Yoga

Job Opportunities


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


  • Facility Attendants
  • Police Officer
  • Senior Mechanic
  • Youth Soccer Referee - Fall Season


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


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City Council Meeting Recap


The following items were discussed as last night’s meeting: 


City Council Regular Meeting


  • Domestic Violence Awareness Month
  • Police Updates:
  • 2024 Crimes in Washington Report
  • Animal Control Options
  • Summer and Fall Outreach Efforts
  • Comprehensive Plan – Second Reading and Adoption
  • Contract Renewal with Judge Lisa Leone
  • Public Works Maintenance Equipment Purchase
  • Property Acquisition: Wooton Park Open Space
  • Short Term Rentals – Second Reading
  • Revenue Enhancement Options
  • Planning Commission Discussion 


The next Council meeting will be October 2, 2025 and here is what is on the Agenda:


Committee of the Whole


  • Planning Commission Discussion, Continued
  • Executive Session - Performance of a Public Employee


City Council Study Session


  • 2026 Legislative Discussion
  • Community Enrichment Services Department Update and Strategic Director, Informational Only
  • Public Safety Sales Tax

National Coffee with a Cop Day

October 1

Highline College - Building 8


City Council Committee of the Whole and Study Session

October 2

City Hall


Halloween Costume Swap

October 3

Field House


Live Music & Dancing with Randy Litch

October 8

Activity Center


City Council Regular Meeting

October 9

City Hall


Airport Committee Meeting

October 13

City Hall


Medicare Market Update Seminar

October 13

Activity Center


Shredding Event

October 15

Activity Center


Fall Festival & Community Resource Fair

October 18

Redondo Square


Boo Bash Family Dance Party

October 18

Activity Center


City Council Regular Meeting

October 23

City Hall


Citizens Advisory Board

October 29

Des Moines City Hall


Monthly Desert Social

October 30

Activity Center


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 Desert 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?




Marine Mammal Stewards Program with SR3

September 27

Redondo Beach


Des Moines Farmer’s Market

September 27   

Des Moines Marina


Discovery Day

September 27   

MaST Center


Des Moines Creek Park Run

September 27   

Des Moines Beach Park


LITT Yoga Festival

September 27 & 28

Des Moines Beach Park


Marine Mammal Stewards Program with SR3

September 28

Redondo Beach


Weekly Wine Tastings

October 2

Marina Mercantile

 

Marina Mamas Walking Group

October 3

Quarterdeck


Discovery Day

October 4           

MaST Center


Sonju Community Garden Clean Up

October 4

Sonju Community Garden


Des Moines Creek Park Run

October 4           

Des Moines Beach Park


Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4

October 4


Forest Restoration

October 4

Saltwater State Park


Weekly Wine Tastings

October 9

Marina Mercantile



Marina Mamas Walking Group

October 10

Quarterdeck

               

Discovery Day

October 11         

MaST Center


Des Moines Creek Park Run

October 11         

Des Moines Beach Park 


Des Moines City Council Candidate Forum

October 14

Wesley Gardens


Weekly Wine Tastings

October 16

Marina Mercantile



Marina Mamas Walking Group

October 17

Quarterdeck


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


Weekly Wine Tastings

October 23

Marina Mercantile


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


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


Weekly Wine Tastings

November 6

Marina Mercantile


Marina Mamas Walking Group

November 7

Quarterdeck

 

Farmer's Market Holiday Market

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