CITY MANAGER REPORT

January 23, 2026

Facility Rentals!


The City of Des Moines offers a variety of facility rental options to accommodate community events, meetings, celebrations, and recreational activities. Available spaces include park shelters, community rooms, and other City facilities designed to serve gatherings of all sizes. Rentals provide residents and organizations with affordable, accessible venues in convenient locations throughout the city, supporting community connection and year-round use of public spaces. Information on availability, amenities, and reservations is available on the City’s website.


Police Promotions


At last night’s Council meeting two of our newest Police Sergeants were officially sworn in and pinned by their families during the City Council meeting.


Congratulations Sergeant LaMarsh and Sergeant Morris on this important career milestone! Thank you for your continued service and dedication to keeping our community safe.


Transportation Update


The Kent Des Moines light rail station opened in December 2025 as part of Sound Transit’s Federal Way Link Extension, providing new regional transit options for South King County. The City continues to coordinate with Sound Transit to ensure safe, convenient access for residents and commuters. 

Remembering Former Councilmember

Terry Brazil


The City of Des Moines is saddened to learn of the passing of former Councilmember Terry Brazil. Terry served the community on the Des Moines City Council from January 1994 through December 2001, contributing his time and leadership during an important period of the City’s growth. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working with him in service to Des Moines.

City Hall Closed During Staff Meeting


Just a quick heads-up! Our City offices will be closed on Monday, January 26th, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM for an all-staff training session.


We’re excited to take this time to work together and improve the services we provide to you.


Don’t worry - Court will still be open for regular business, and emergency responders will be available as always.

Rotary Presents Big Check to 
City of Des Moines


Also at last night’s City Council meeting, the Des Moines/Normandy Park Rotary Club presented a $15,000 check from the New Year’s Eve Burning Boat event. This total includes a $5,000 contribution from the Des Moines Legacy Foundation.

 

The funds will be used to provide recreational scholarships for local youth. The City extends its appreciation to both organizations for their generosity and partnership. Please contact Community Enrichment staff to learn more about our scholarship program and to learn about eligibility requirements. 


The Des Moines Marina was built on a former tidal flat and officially opened in 1970 after years of community planning and advocacy. To create the marina, engineers filled in part of the shoreline and constructed breakwaters to protect moorage. Today, it’s not only a hub for boating and events—it's one of the few city-owned marinas on Puget Sound and plays a key role in Des Moines’ identity as “The Waterland 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


Resident Commendation for Des Moines Police Officers



The City recently received a heartfelt message from a North Hill resident recognizing the compassion and professionalism of Des Moines Police officers during a tragic emergency on December 27. At approximately 3:19 a.m., officers were the first to arrive after a 911 call reporting a cardiac arrest and immediately began lifesaving chest compressions until EMTs arrived and transported the patient to the hospital.


After the scene stabilized, one officer went above and beyond by returning to clean the kitchen area and take out the trash, despite being told it wasn’t necessary. The resident shared how meaningful the officers’ care and kindness were during an incredibly difficult moment and wanted to ensure they received recognition.


Although the patient later passed away, the family expressed gratitude for the dignity and compassion shown. The officers on scene were Bonjukian, Reyes, and Muriuki.

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
  • IT Business Operations Coordinator
  • Planning Commission-Volunteer Appointment
  • Police Officer-Academy Graduate, Entry & Lateral
  • Senior Mechanic
  • Volunteer Opportunities with Community Enrichment Services


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 following items were discussed at last night's Council meeting:

 

January 23, 2026 City Council Regular Meeting:

 

  • Police Promotions
  • Lot Splitting and Unit Split Subdivision Ordinance, Second Reading
  • Surface Water Management Grant, Department of Ecology Capacity
  • Surface Water Management Grant, Wooton Park
  • Surface Water Management, KCFCD Estuary
  • Model Business License Ordinance Update, Second Reading
  • 6th and 287th Storm Project Amendment
  • North Hill Elementary Walkway Improvements Project, Right of Way Acquisition
  • Utility Franchise Ad Hoc Committee Creation
  • Presentation of Airport Committee 2026 Workplan

Youth Soccer League Registration Opens

January 2-March 1


Valentine’s Day Fairy Gram

Order from January 12-February 12


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?


Des Moines Creek Park Run

January 24

Beach Park


Discovery Day

January 24

MaST Center 


Light House Northwest Fundraiser

January 24

Waterland Arcade


Waterland Yoga

January 25

Des Moines Theater


English Language Learners (ELL) Classes

January 26

Des Moines Library


Tuesday Night Karaoke w/KJ Lo & Lil T

January 27

Waterland Arcade


Trivia Night at the Quarterdeck

January 27

Quarterdeck


Blues Jam at Creole Soul

January 29

Creole Soul


Marina Mamas Walking Group

January 30

Des Moines Marina


Live Music at the Quarterdeck-Kevin Jones

January 30

Quarterdeck


Des Moines Creek Park Run

January 31

Beach Park


Discovery Day

January 31

MaST Center 


Galentine's & Valentine's Afternoon Tea

February 1-28
Marina Mercantile


Waterland Yoga

February 1

Des Moines Theater


Tuesday Night Karaoke w/KJ Lo & Lil T

February 3

Waterland Arcade


What's Up Des Moines

February 4

22211 Marine View Drive South


Blues Jam at Creole Soul

February 5

Creole Soul


Marina Mamas Walking Group

February 6

Des Moines Marina


Des Moines Creek Park Run

February 7

Beach Park


Discovery Day

February 7

MaST Center 


Waterland Yoga

February 8

Des Moines Theater


Strategic Plan Refinement Family & Student Engagement Session

February 9

Highline College


Tuesday Night Karaoke w/KJ Lo & Lil T

February 10

Waterland Arcade


Trivia Night at the Quarterdeck

February 10

Quarterdeck


Blues Jam at Creole Soul

February 12

Creole Soul


Marina Mamas Walking Group

February 13

Des Moines Marina


Des Moines Creek Park Run

February 14

Beach Park


Discovery Day

February 14

MaST Center 


Waterland Yoga

February 15

Des Moines Theater


Tuesday Night Karaoke w/KJ Lo & Lil T

February 17

Waterland Arcade


Bingo Jam at the Quarterdeck

February 17

Quarterdeck


Cribbage Night at the Quarterdeck

February 18

Quarterdeck


Blues Jam at Creole Soul

February 19

Creole Soul


Marina Mamas Walking Group

February 20

Des Moines Marina


Live Music at the Quarterdeck - Soulcem Acoustic Duo

February 20

Quarterdeck


Jason Spins 80s Night

February 20

Waterland Arcade


Des Moines Creek Park Run

February 21

Beach Park


Discovery Day

February 21

MaST Center 


Comedy Day at the Quarterdeck

February 21

Quarterdeck


Waterland Yoga

February 22

Des Moines Theater


Tuesday Night Karaoke w/KJ Lo & Lil T

February 24

Waterland Arcade


Trivia Night at the Quarterdeck

February 24

Quarterdeck


Blues Jam at Creole Soul

February 26

Creole Soul


Marina Mamas Walking Group

February 27

Des Moines Marina


Waterland Sockhop: For Crying Out Loud

February 27

Waterland Arcade


Des Moines Creek Park Run

February 28

Beach Park 


Discovery Day

February 28

MaST Center