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CITY MANAGER REPORT
January 2, 2026
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Planning Commission Applications Now Open!
The City of Des Moines is looking for 6 residents and 1 small business representative to serve on the Planning Commission! This is a great way to get involved, share your perspective, and help shape the future of our community.
As an advisory body to the City Council, the Planning Commission reviews important topics like land use, zoning, development projects, and long-range planning—and provides recommendations that help guide City decisions.
If you’re passionate about Des Moines and want a seat at the table, we encourage you to apply!
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Update on the Former Masonic Home Property
I want to share a brief update regarding the former Masonic Home property. On December 11, the King County Hearing Examiner issued a decision upholding the City of Des Moines’ approval of the demolition permit and the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
In the written decision, the Hearing Examiner found that the City complied with state law and the State Environmental Policy Act, and properly evaluated a reasonable range of alternatives, including historic preservation and adaptive reuse. The decision affirmed the City’s conclusion that preservation of the main building was not financially feasible, even when considering historic tax credits and other incentives.
The demolition permit includes required mitigation measures, such as documentation of historic features and archaeological protections. Preservation groups who appealed the City’s decision have indicated they are considering whether to file a further appeal to King County Superior Court, which would need to be filed by January 1, 2026.
I recognize that this site holds deep meaning for many in our community, and I appreciate the care and engagement people have shown throughout this long and difficult process. The City will continue to follow the law and keep the community informed as we move forward.
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Congratulations Assistant Chief Stanton!
Please join us in congratulating Assistant Chief Cory Stanton on successfully completing the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
The 11-week National Academy is the nation’s premier law enforcement leadership program, combining University of Virginia master’s-level coursework in leadership, management, and communication with rigorous physical training. The program culminates with a 6.1-mile obstacle course on the Quantico Marine Base, designed and built by the U.S. Marines.
With this achievement, Assistant Chief Stanton joins fewer than one percent of law enforcement leaders nationwide who have completed the FBI National Academy.
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Easier Access to Council Agendas and Minutes
The City is in the process of redesigning its current website to improve accessibility, navigation, and the overall user experience.
As part of this update, a new online portal launching in 2026 will be the go-to place for all City Council and Committee meeting agendas and minutes.
This new portal will make it simple to find meeting information and stay up to date. A link to the portal is included below so you can easily access these materials.
Once the website update is complete, all Council-related information will be consolidated and accessible in a single location. In the interim, Council actions prior to 2026 remain available under the City Council tab on the City’s current website.
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Congratulations Officer English!
We are proud to share that Officer English has earned certification as a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE). After developing an interest in DUI enforcement through Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) training in 2024, Officer English was selected to attend DRE school in fall 2025. The intensive program included two weeks of classroom instruction and a week of field certification, requiring participants to complete a rigorous 12-step evaluation process to accurately identify drug impairment. The DRE program is internationally recognized for its high standards and accuracy, and this certification enhances the department’s ability to promote roadway safety as we welcome 2026.
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Thank you Des Moines/Normandy Park Rotary
Burning Boat a Huge Success!
Thank you to the Des Moines/Normandy Park Rotary Club and all partners who helped make the New Year’s Eve Burning Boat event at the Des Moines Marina a success. Hosted in partnership with the City of Des Moines, this family-friendly celebration was safely and smoothly executed through strong coordination and careful planning. The event provided a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to come together to celebrate the close of the year, while also raising funds to support City Community Enrichment Services youth scholarships. You can view coverage of the event from Q13 News by clicking link below!
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King County Recycling & Transfer Station Free Storm Debris Drop-Off
As our communities continue to navigate the challenges of recovery following recent historic flooding events, King County Solid Waste will expand free services to provide additional resources and options throughout the County.
- Bow Lake Recycling and Transfer Station
- FREE DROP-OFF DATES: Sat., Jan. 3 & 10, Sun., Jan. 4 & 11
- 18800 Orillia Rd. S, Tukwila
- Garbage disposal hours
- 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Recycling & yard waste area hours
- 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
For a full list of Recycling and Transfer Stations and accepted items, view King County’s Guide to Recycling and Transfer Facilities by clicking the link below.
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Des Moines Marina and Redondo Parking Passes Available
Frequent User Parking Passes for the Des Moines Marina and Redondo Beach are available for renewal.
Community members are encouraged to call or visit the Marina Office to renew their passes and be ready for a great year of waterfront access and activity in 2026.
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Upcoming Classes and Programs Offered through our Community Enrichment Services Department
Day Trips:
- Tulalip Casino with Lights & Ice Display at Dark, January 6
- Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park & Museum, January 14
- Thrifting Around the South Sound, January 29
Out to Lunch:
- Wild Wheat Bakery, January 21
- E9 Firehouse, January 27
Socializing and Game Play:
- American Mahjong – Experienced - Wednesdays
- Scrabble, Chess and Cribbage - Thursdays
- Mexican Train Dominoes - Fridays
- Rummikub – Wednesdays
- Hand and Foot Card Game – Mondays
- Adult Coloring and Painting Club – Tuesdays
What’s Happening
- Hot Lunch at the Activity Center - Monday-Thursday
- Tai Chi - Tuesdays & Thursdays
- AARP Smart Driver Course, January 29-30
- How to Create a Pollinator Garden, January 15
- Monthly Dessert Social, January 29
Youth, Teen & Family Events
- Spring Soccer Sign-ups, Happening NOW!
- Pre School Art, starts January 7
- Elementary Art, starts January 6
- Canvas Creations: Snowy Heart, January 13
For program detail and a complete listing of classes and programs please visit our Community Enrichment Services Department at the link below.
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In the early 1900s, the Apker Estate in lower Zenith hosted elegant summer Sunday gatherings known as an “Affair d’Elegance,” where residents dressed up to enjoy music, conversation, and leisure—reflecting Des Moines’ early days as a resort-style waterfront community. For eighteen years, these events also served as a large fundraiser benefiting Children’s Hospital of Seattle, combining social enjoyment with charitable giving.
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Update on Redondo Pier Replacement Project
Construction of the Redondo Fishing Pier is progressing toward the finish line. Through the combined efforts of the City and the contractor, all in-water construction activities have been completed, including the installation of new steel piles and the removal of the existing timber bulkhead. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the project and ensures that the fishing pier will be constructed within the 2025–2026 fish window.
The contractor will continue to accelerate construction of the pier, the plaza’s ADA-compliant sidewalks and curb ramps, urban design amenities, and resurfacing of the Redondo Parking Lot, with a target project completion before the summer of 2026.
Vehicular and pedestrian access will continue to be maintained to the greatest extent feasible around the construction site. We appreciate the community’s patience and continued support as we work to complete the project on schedule.
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Job Opportunities
Looking for a fulfilling career with competitive pay and excellent benefits? The City of Des Moines is hiring for several positions, including:
- Community Engagement Officer
- Planning Commission
- Police Officer
- Senior Mechanic
- Youth Basketball Referee
- Youth Basketball Scorekeeper
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!
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City Council Meeting Preview
The next City Council meeting will be January 8, 2026 and here is what is scheduled to be on the Agenda:
- Ceremonial Swearing-In of Newly Elected Councilmembers
- Selection of Mayor
- Selection of Deputy Mayor
- South County Area Transportation Board Interlocal Agreement Advisory Committee
- Unit Lot Subdivision, Lot Splitting, and Substandard or Nonconforming Lot Regulations Update, First Reading
- 2026 City Council Calendar
- Planning Commission Appointment Process
- Business License Model Ordinance Update, First Reading
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Youth Soccer League Registration Opens
January 2-March 1
Valentine’s Day Fairy Gram
Order from January 12-February 12
City Council Meeting
January 8
City Hall
Airport Committee Meeting
January 12
City Hall
Canvas Creations: Snowy Heart
January 13
Activity Center
How to Create a Pollinator Garden
January 15
Activity Center
City Offices Closed in Observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday
January 19
Club KHAOS Break Camp
January 19
Field House
City Council Meeting
January 22
City Hall
Citizens Advisory Board
January 28
City Hall
Monthly Dessert Social
January 29
Activity Center
Teen Tabletop Game Day
January 30
Activity Center
City Council Committee of the Whole & Study Session
February 5
City Hall
Canvas Creations: Winter Barn
February 6
Activity Center
Airport Committee Meeting
February 9
City Hall
Family Canvas Creations: Prickly Heart
February 10
Activity Center
City Council Meeting
February 12
City Hall
Club KHAOS Break Camp
February 13
Field House
City Offices Closed in Observance of President’s Day
February 16
Club KHAOS Break Camp
February 16
Field House
Spa Crafts Workshop
February 20
Activity Center
Citizens Advisory Board Meeting
February 25
City Hall
Monthly Dessert Social
February 26
Activity Center
City Council Strategic Planning Workshop
February 26
Beach Park Dining Hall
City Council Strategic Planning Workshop
February 27
Beach Park Dining Hall
Have An Upcoming Event You Want To Share?
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Des Moines Creek Park Run
January 3
Beach Park
Discovery Day
January 3
MaST Center
Budgeting for the New Year
January 3
Des Moines Library
Strings & Things! Fiber Arts for Kids
January 9
Woodmont Library
Des Moines Creek Park Run
January 10
Beach Park
Discovery Day
January 10
MaST Center
Waterland Yoga
January 11
Des Moines Theater
English Language Learners (ELL) Classes
January 12
Des Moines Library
Open Mic
January 16
Des Moines Library
Des Moines Creek Park Run
January 17
Beach Park
Discovery Day
January 17
MaST Center
Waterland Yoga
January 18
Des Moines Theater
Woodmont Library Garden Club: Seed Swap
January 18
Woodmont Library
Des Moines Creek Park Run
January 24
Beach Park
Waterland Yoga
January 25
Des Moines Theater
English Language Learners (ELL) Classes
January 26
Des Moines Library
Des Moines Creek Park Run
January 31
Beach Park
Waterland Yoga
February 1
Des Moines Theater
What's Up Des Moines
February 4
22211 Marine View Drive South
Des Moines Creek Park Run
February 7
Beach Park
Waterland Yoga
February 8
Des Moines Theater
Des Moines Creek Park Run
February 14
Beach Park
Waterland Yoga
February 15
Des Moines Theater
Des Moines Creek Park Run
February 21
Beach Park
Waterland Yoga
February 22
Des Moines Theater
Des Moines Creek Park Run
February 28
Beach Park
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