CITY MANAGER REPORT

September 4, 2026

City Offices Closed in

Observance of Labor Day

City Offices will be closed Monday, September 7, 2026 in Observance of Labor Day. Emergency Services and Marina fuel dock will remain open.  

Our New Website is Live!

You may have noticed things look a little different around here! The City recently launched its new website, designed to make information easier to find, improve accessibility, and provide a better experience for our community.


As with any big move, we know there may be a few boxes we haven’t unpacked yet. With hundreds of pages, documents, links, photos and other information moved to the new site, we’re asking for a little grace while we continue working through the details.


If you can’t find something you used to be able to find, come across a broken link, notice something that doesn’t look quite right, or think something may be missing — please let us know! Your feedback will help us identify and fix issues we may not have caught.


A few things to keep in mind:

  • Information may be organized differently or located in a new place.
  • Old bookmarks or saved links may no longer take you directly to the page you’re looking for.
  • If the website isn’t displaying correctly, try clearing your browser’s cache and refreshing the page.
  • When in doubt, try the new website’s search feature to help locate what you need.


We’ll continue making adjustments and improvements over the coming weeks. Thank you for your patience while we settle into our new online home — and please keep sending us feedback. If something isn’t working for you, we want to know!
Email Bonnie Wilkins

Christmas Ship Returns to Des Moines December 16

A favorite Pacific Northwest holiday tradition is returning to Des Moines! The Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship™ Festival will make its way to our waterfront on Wednesday, December 16, with sailings at 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.


Dating back to 1949, the Christmas Ship Festival brings holiday cheer to waterfront communities throughout Puget Sound. The Spirit of Seattle™ is decked out in hundreds of sparkling white lights, with an onboard choir filling the night with festive music for passengers and those gathered along the shoreline.


Redondo will be joining in the festivities with a community bonfire as the Christmas Ship makes its visit, creating a cozy spot to gather and enjoy the lights and music from shore.


And there may be even more holiday fun coming! Plans are also in the works for a special Christmas Ship celebration at the Des Moines Marina/Beach Park. Stay tuned as we share more details as they come together.



Whether you hop aboard for the cruise or celebrate from shore, mark your calendar for December 16 and enjoy a little holiday magic on the Des Moines waterfront!
Buy Tickets Here!

Different Buckets, Different Rules

Ever wonder why the City can fund one project while saying there's no money for another? Meet the buckets.


The City manages 37 different funds. 36 of them are restricted — by state law or the ballot measure that created them — meaning that money can only be spent on what it was collected for. A Marina fee can't pave a street. Public Safety Sales Tax dollars can't pay for a new park.


Only 1 fund — the General Fund — pays for day-to-day operations like police, parks and rec, and public works. It's also the most flexible bucket, which makes it the busiest one, and the one that has to cover the widest range of needs.


So next time you're wondering "why don't they just use that money for X" — now you know: it depends which bucket it’s in.


More Budget101 as we build the 2027–2028 budget. Follow along at the link below!

Budget Information

Parking Lot Improvements Coming to the Marina and Redondo

Two parking lot improvement projects are scheduled for next week at the Des Moines Marina and Redondo, with temporary closures and parking impacts at both locations.


Des Moines Marina – South Parking Lot Striping

Striping of the Marina’s south parking lot will begin Monday, September 7 at 3:00 p.m. and will be completed in two phases:



  • September 7–8: North half of the lot, from the Marina Office to approximately J-Dock
  • September 9–10: South half of the lot, from J-Dock to E-Dock


The work is expected to take approximately 3–4 days. Please keep vehicles out of the designated work areas while striping is underway.


Redondo – Parking Lot Resurfacing

The Redondo parking lot will be closed Wednesday, September 9 at 9:00 p.m. through Friday, September 11 at 6:00 p.m. for resurfacing.


Visitors to Redondo should plan ahead and use alternate parking where available.


Both projects are weather dependent, and schedules may change if conditions are unfavorable. Thank you for your patience while we complete these improvements!

Did You Know...

Most of us have driven Des Moines Memorial Drive countless times, but did you know the road itself was created as a memorial to those who lost their lives in World War I?


Following the war, the Seattle Garden Club proposed creating a “Living Road of Remembrance.” Rather than building a traditional monument, trees would be planted along the roadway as living tributes to Washington residents who died in the war.


The first memorial elm trees were planted on Armistice Day, November 11, 1921. Eventually, more than 1,400 American elm trees lined the route toward Des Moines. Flowers, including red poppies, forget-me-nots and trillium, were also planted along the roadway.


Over the years, many of the original trees were lost to disease, road improvements and other changes, but efforts to preserve the history of the memorial have continued. In 1984, the roadway was officially renamed Des Moines Memorial Drive, helping ensure its original purpose would not be forgotten.



So, the next time you travel Des Moines Memorial Drive, remember: you're not just driving down a road—you're traveling along a living memorial that began more than 100 years ago.

A resident of Wesley Homes came into City Hall recently to pass on her thanks to the City. She recently had a fall and has been very aware of each of her steps. She noticed that one of the sidewalks was raised a bit and she notified the City of the issue. She said she was very pleased to see that it was fixed and was surprised to see that it was done so fast. 
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
  • Volunteer Opportunities with Des Moines Community Enrichment Services 
Apply Here Today! 

Current and Past Issues of the City Manager Report


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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


September 3, 2026:


City Council Committee of the Whole:

  • Des Moines Creek Estuary - 30% Update

 

City Council Study Session:

  • Downtown Planning Scenarios & Zoning Workshop


September 10, 2026:


City Council Regular Meeting

  • Strategic Plan


September 12, 2026:


City Council Budget Retreat

  • 2027-2028 Budget
September 3, 2026 Meeting Information
September 10, 2026 Meeting Information
Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items

City Offices Closed in Observance of Labor Day

September 7


Day Trip: Tacoma Rainiers Baseball Game

September 8


Out to Lunch: WildFin - Point Ruston

September 10


City Council Meeting

City Hall

September 10


Day Trip: Crystal Mountain Gondola

September 11


City Council Budget Retreat

City Hall

September 12


Airport Committee Meeting

City Hall

September 14


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

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!
 
 
 
 
 
 


Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

September 5


Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Des Moines Marina

September 5


The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

September 5


Redondo Boardwalk Beats

Redondo

September 5


Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

September 5


Waterland Yoga

Soundview Park

September 5


Fantastic Fairy Houses

Woodmont Library

Septeber 6


Rise Support Group

Lighthouse Northwest

September 8


Craft & Chat

Des Moines Library

September 8


LEGO Club

Des Moines Library

September 8


Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

September 8


Teen Hangout

Des Moines Library

September 9


The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

September 9


Make a Library Card Lanyard

Woodmont Library

September 9


Messy Babies! (Morning Session)

Woodmont Library

September 10


Messy Babies! (Afternoon Session)

Woodmont Library

September 10


Tutors at Des Moines Library (Study Zone)

Des Moines Library

September 10


North Hill Game Night

North Hill Community Center

September 10


Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

September 11


9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

South King Fire Station 64

September 11


Preschool Play & Learn

Des Moines Library

September 11


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


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

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

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