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CITY MANAGER REPORT
September 5, 2025
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Update on Marina Steps
The Marina Steps project, which will link downtown Des Moines to the Marina, received approval to proceed to bid at the City Council’s September 4 meeting. The Council voted 4–3 in favor of moving forward with a more affordable version of the project that includes a simplified design along with the play structure and splash pad features.
The Marina Steps is part of a broader redevelopment effort to create a pedestrian-friendly connection to Puget Sound for residents and visitors. Project funding is covered 80 percent by $8 million in city-issued bonds, with the remaining 20 percent from state and grant funding, city tax revenue, and other sources.
The next step is for the project to go out to bid, with staff planning to bring bids back to the Council for consideration later this fall. If a bid is accepted, construction could begin as early as the end of the year.
This project has been under discussion for many years, and it is clear there are mixed views in both the community and on the Council about moving forward. Many concerns I’ve heard focus on cost and timing, while I have met other community members who express enthusiasm for this kind of investment in the heart of Des Moines and the addition of a family-friendly amenity in such a central location.
As City staff, our role is to carry out the direction given by the majority of the Council. Following last night’s decision, our focus will be on delivering this project responsibly by ensuring quality construction, clear communication with the public throughout the process, and ultimately creating a space that adds long-term value and enjoyment to our community.
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City Considers New Rules for Short-Term Rentals & Amenity Rentals
The City is considering how to respond to the growing trend of short-term rentals of homes and outdoor spaces (“amenity rentals”) in residential neighborhoods. At last night’s Council Study Session, the Council provided input on both of these topics.
Short-term Rentals
Short-term home rentals, such as Airbnb and VRBO, offer homeowners income, but can disrupt neighborhoods through noise, parking, and safety issues. Currently, short-term rentals are not regulated except through basic residential codes on noise and property maintenance.
The Council reviewed a draft Ordinance that outlines new regulations that will require rental owners to get a $250 permit and comply with rules on occupancy and parking limits, waste removal, noise and conduct standards, and other basic good-neighbor practices. The Council provided feedback on the draft, and voted unanimously to move it forward to second reading at a future meeting.
Amenity Rentals
Some homeowners lease outdoor spaces such as pools, sports courts, yards, and decks—a practice commonly referred to as “amenity rentals.” While this can provide an additional source of income for homeowners and give community members access to recreational amenities, it can also raise concerns for neighbors related to noise, traffic, and overall neighborhood impacts.
Amenity rentals are a relatively new trend, and there is little precedent for how cities should—or whether they should—regulate them. After a lengthy discussion at last night’s Council meeting, a majority of Councilmembers expressed interest in exploring regulations that would address the most immediate concerns while also ensuring any requirements remain reasonable for property owners offering these amenities.
City staff will now begin developing potential regulatory options for Council consideration and expect to bring these forward later this year.
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Waterland Woof
Join us for Waterland Woof on September 6—a fun community event with an important purpose! This gathering is designed to raise awareness about the Poverty Bay Pollution Identification & Correction (PIC) program, which works to protect local waters from fecal pollution. Residents will have the chance to learn more, share ideas, and discover everyday clean water actions that make a difference.
In addition, the event will highlight the City’s new Des Moines DocuPet licensing program, while also providing resources on pet and people safety, animal control, microchip scanning, and lost/found pet protocols.
It’s a great opportunity to connect with neighbors, support a cleaner environment, and celebrate our four-legged friends!
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Mount Rainier Pool Celebrates 50 Years
Join the Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District in celebrating Mount Rainier Pool’s 50th Anniversary on Sunday, September 21! The celebration kicks off with a rededication ceremony at noon, featuring dignitary speakers, a ribbon cutting, plaque unveiling, and a community photo. Afterward, enjoy a free public swim from 1–3 p.m. and take home a commemorative 50th birthday rubber duck (while supplies last). It’s a family-friendly event you won’t want to miss!
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September 11 Remembrance Ceremony
On Thursday, September 11, 2025, South King Fire & Rescue will host a 9/11 Memorial Ceremony from 1:00–2:00 p.m. at Station 64 in Federal Way. The event will feature a commemorative wall and artifacts from all three crash sites, including a steel beam from the World Trade Center, a stone from Shanksville, and a limestone block from the Pentagon. While we encourage community members to attend this remembrance event, the City of Des Moines also pauses to honor and remember the lives lost, and reaffirms that we will never forget.
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Fall is Coming
Prepare for Rain
It's that time of year again! When it comes to storm water, here are some things we can all do to protect our homes, property and the local environment.
As we head into fall, residents are reminded to take a few simple steps to help protect our stormwater systems and prevent flooding: clean gutters, clear leaves and debris from storm drains and basins, and sweep (rather than wash) driveways and sidewalks to keep pollutants from entering Puget Sound. Please also remember to dispose of pet waste properly to help protect water quality in our community. For more information on stormwater system maintenance, contact staff.
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Creative Arts Workshops
New at the Des Moines Activity Center....Creative Workshops for Adults! Besides being fun, arts and crafts can improve your mood, self-confidence, and reduce stress. These fun workshops are for all levels of crafting skill. All supplies are included.
Boho Macramé Wall Hanging
September 9
Canvas Creations: Floating Leaf Painting
September 26
Canvas Creations: Moonlit Cats
October 15
Succulent Pumpkin Centerpiece
November 4
Canvas Creations: Coffee at Sunset
November 20
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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.
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Share Your Ideas
on City Programs!
Survey Closing Soon
We want to hear from you! The City’s Community Enrichment Services Department (formerly Parks & Recreation) has launched a short Community Input Survey to gather your thoughts on programs, events, facilities, and priorities for the future.
Your feedback will help us:
- Understand how you and your family use our programs, events, and facilities.
- Learn which activities and services you value most—and where improvements are needed.
- Gather ideas for new or expanded offerings that could benefit the whole community.
This is your chance to help shape the future of City programs, services, and events. What we hear from you will guide decisions for the next several years—so your input really matters!
Hurry! Survey closes September 15th!
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Small Business Development Center
The Des Moines Small Business Development Center (SBDC), located at Highline College’s Campus View Building, is here to help local entrepreneurs and small businesses succeed. Through a partnership with Highline College, SKCEDI, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and Washington State University, the SBDC offers no-cost, confidential business advising, training, and research support. Whether you’re starting a new venture or growing an existing one, the SBDC can help with financing, marketing, financial planning, employee management, and more. To schedule an appointment, call (206) 592-4151.
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City Council Meetings to Go Live on Zoom
Starting September 11, 2025, City Council meetings will be available live on Zoom! This new option makes it easier than ever to stay connected, whether you’d like to watch from home or actively participate during public comment. Recordings will continue to be available afterward for those who can’t join live and can be accessed on the City’s website.
If you wish to attend the meeting via Zoom, it’s easy, just click the link on our website (or below). If you wish to make public comment during the meeting, please email the City Clerk by noon the Wednesday before the meeting to register!
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| | Des Moines is home to one of the few remaining saltwater state parks in Washington? Saltwater State Park, nestled between Des Moines and Federal Way, was dedicated in 1926 as a symbol of peace between Seattle and Tacoma. In fact, a “Peace Arch” once stood in the park to commemorate the agreement! Today, it remains a popular spot for tide pooling, scuba diving, picnics, and enjoying Puget Sound’s natural beauty—all just minutes from downtown. | | | | | |
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
- 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:
Committee of the Whole
- Sustainable Airport Master Plan Update
- Discussion on Committee of the Whole Pilot
Study Session
- Highline School District Presentation on Pacific Middle School
- Interlocal Agreement with Highline School District
- Short Term Rentals; Amenity Rentals Ordinance, First Reading
- Des Moines Marina Steps Funding and Bidding Update
| | Marina Dock Replacement Project Live Stream and Time Lapse Footage Links | | |
Airport Committee Meeting
September 8
City Hall
City Council Regular Meeting
September 11
City Hall
Fall Community Academy
September 16
Police Department
Fall Community Academy
September 24
Police Department
Citizens Advisory Board
September 24
Des Moines City Hall
City Council Regular Meeting
September 25
City Hall
Monthly Desert Social
September 25
Activity Center
Halloween Costume Swap
October 1
Des Moines Field House
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
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 Boat Lights
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
Burning Boat Event
December 31
Des Moines Marina
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Boardwalk Beats: Live Music
September 5
Redondo Boardwalk
Marina Mammal Steward Program with SR3
September 5
Redondo Beach
Yoga
September 6
Soundview Park
Waterland Woof
September 6
Beach Park
Des Moines Farmer’s Market
September 6
Des Moines Marina
Marine Mammal Stewards Program with SR3
September 6
Redondo Beach
Discovery Day
September 6
MaST Center
Des Moines Creek Park Run
September 6
Des Moines Beach Park
Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4
September 6
Live and Local Sounds on the Sound
September 6
Quarterdeck
Weekly Wine Tastings
September 11
Marina Mercantile
Marina Mama's Walking Group
September 12
Quarterdeck
Marine Mammal Stewards Program with SR3
September 13
Redondo Beach
Yoga
September 13
Soundview Park
Des Moines Farmer’s Market
September 13
Des Moines Marina
Marine Mammal Stewards Program with SR3
September 14
MaST Center
Discovery Day
September 13
MaST Center
Des Moines Creek Park Run
September 13
Des Moines Beach Park
Weekly Wine Tastings
September 18
Marina Mercantile
Marina Mama's Walking Group
September 19
Quarterdeck
Uncle Ernie
September 20
Arturos
Des Moines Farmer’s Market
September 20
Des Moines Marina
Marine Mammal Stewards Program with SR3
September 20
MaST Center
Discovery Day
September 20
MaST Center
Des Moines Creek Park Run
September 20
Des Moines Beach Park
Oktoberfest 2025
September 20
Quarterdeck
Oktoberfest 2025
September 21
Quarterdeck
Marine Mammal Stewards Program with SR3
September 21
Redondo Beach
Mount Rainier Pool Celebration
September 21
Mount Rainier Pool
Creek Restoration
September 21
Saltwater State Park
What’s Up Des Moines
September 23
Quarterdeck
Weekly Wine Tastings
September 25
Marina Mercantile
Marina Mama's Walking Group
September 26
Quarterdeck
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
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
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
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