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 247 ^th St., Des Moines, WA, 98198

Date: Thursday, Oct. 2

Time: 6 - 8 p.m.

Location: Seahurst Elementary School -14603 14 ^th Ave. SW, Burien, WA 98166

Date: Saturday, Oct. 4

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

Location: Glacier 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

Zoom Link to Register

Learn more about the SEA's Part 150 Study

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!

More Details Here!

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!

ZOOM Link on Website

Email the City Clerk

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.

Apply for a Pet License Here!

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

If you want to share a staff KUDOS with me, email me today!

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:

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

9.25.2025 Packet Information

10.2.2025 Packet Information

Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items

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?

Email Us Today!

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