City Manager Report -January 30, 2026

CITY MANAGER REPORT

January 30, 2026

Capital Projects Update: What’s Happening Around Des Moines

The City of Des Moines has several major capital projects underway or moving forward. Below is a snapshot of current work, what residents can expect next, and how these investments are improving our community.

Redondo Pier

Project Scope:

Reconstruction of the Redondo Fishing Pier, including new structural elements, plaza features and parking lot resurfacing.

What’s Happening Now:

All in-water construction is complete, including new steel pile installation and removal of the existing timber bulkhead. Work will now focus on the pier structure, plaza features, and parking lot improvements.

Expected Completion:

The City anticipates the pier will reopen to the public before summer 2026.

Marina Steps

Project Scope:

Creation of a new pedestrian connection between downtown and the waterfront, featuring terraced steps, an ADA accessible switchback path, a playground, and a spray park.

What’s Happening Now:

Construction is scheduled to begin in February, with completion anticipated by the end of 2026.

More Information:

Visit the Marina Steps website for project updates, timelines, and design details.

Marina Steps Website

Barnes Creek Trail

Project Scope:

Construction of new sidewalks and a multi-use trail, along with underground utilities, lighting, and roadway repaving along South 240th Street between 16th Ave S and 20th Ave S.

What’s Happening Now:

Construction is currently underway. South 240th Street will be closed to through traffic and limited to local access only from February 9 through the end of July.

What You Need to Know:

Detour routes are in place. Residents are encouraged to review posted signage and project updates for travel planning. We appreciate your patience during this project! Visit the Barnes Creek trail website for details and updates.

Barnes Creek Trail Website

Marina Dock Replacement:

Project Scope:

Replacement and modernization of three marina docks, including upgrades to utilities and fire-suppression systems.

What’s Happening Now:

All three docks have been installed. Water and fire lines are complete on Docks N and M, with Dock L nearing completion.

This project is nearing completion!

Time Lapse Footage

16th Avenue South Force Main Project (Midway Sewer District)

Project Scope:

Critical sewer infrastructure upgrades between Kent–Des Moines Road and South 252nd Street, including work at the North Twin Bridge.

What’s Happening Now:

Construction is underway. A full closure of 16th Ave S between South 250th Street and South 252nd Street is planned from early April through mid-May.

What You Need to Know:

Detours will be provided for through traffic. Local access and emergency services will be maintained as feasible during construction.

Construction is rarely anyone’s favorite, but it is often a sign of progress. These projects represent meaningful investments in our parks, infrastructure, and waterfront, and we appreciate the community’s patience as this important work continues.

12th Man Flag Raising Ceremony-Join Us!

The City will celebrate the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl appearance with a 12th Man Flag Raising Ceremony on Friday, February 6 at Des Moines City Hall, 21630 11^th Avenue S. The community is invited to join the festivities beginning at 12:00 p.m., with the official flag raising at 12:30 p.m. Come show your blue and green pride as we rally together to support the Seahawks on their way to the Super Bowl on February 8.

State Grant Supports Salmon Recovery Planning

The Washington State Department of Commerce has awarded $3 million in grants to 12 local and tribal governments to strengthen long-range salmon recovery efforts across the state. The funding helps jurisdictions integrate salmon habitat protection into comprehensive planning, development regulations, and land-use policies.

Awardees will update land management practices, improve water quality planning, and collaborate regionally to protect and restore salmon habitat. The City of Des Moines received $80,000 to support local planning and policy work that advances salmon recovery goals.

Staff will bring this item to City Council on March 5 for an update on the City’s tree program status and again on March 12 for Council consideration to approve the grant and associated consultant contract.

Did you know that the City of Des Moines was officially incorporated on June 17, 1959 as a third-class city with an estimated population of just 2,103 residents? Just weeks earlier, at a special election held on June 2, 1959, the community selected its first leaders to guide the new city.

Those elected to the inaugural City Council were Lawrence Ellington (Mayor), along with William Rudberg, Ethen Larimore, Haydn Roberts, Jack Cunningham, Robert Strickler, and Robert Kelly. These early officials helped lay the foundation for Des Moines’ municipal government, policies, and community identity.

The position of Mayor Pro Tem was later introduced in 1960, adding another layer of leadership as the young city continued to grow and organize.

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.

Click Here to Share Your Staff Kudos!

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:

Community Engagement Officer (Community Services Officer)
IT Business Operations Coordinator
Paralegal/Domestic Violence Victim Advocate
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

There was no meeting last night. Here is the agenda for next week’s meeting.

February 5, 2026

City Council Committee of the Whole:

Discussion on City Sponsored Events
Parks Projects & King County Parks Levy Update

City Council Study Session:

Parks Projects & King County Parks Levy Update (if needed)
Seahawks Blue Friday Proclamation
Long-Range Budget Forecast Analysis Presentation
Revenue Enhancement Options Update

Link to February 5, 2026 Council Packet

Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items

Youth Soccer League Registration Opens

January 2-March 1

Valentine’s Day Fairy Gram

Order from January 12-February 12

City Council Committee of the Whole & Study Session

City Hall

February 5

12th Man Flag Raising Ceremony

City Hall

February 6

Canvas Creations: Winter Barn

Activity Center

February 6

Airport Committee Meeting

City Hall

February 9

Family Canvas Creations: Prickly Heart

Activity Center

February 10

City Council Meeting

City Hall

February 12

Club KHAOS Break Camp

Field House

February 13

City Offices Closed in Observance of President’s Day

February 16

Club KHAOS Break Camp

Field House

February 16

Spa Crafts Workshop

Activity Center

February 20

Citizens Advisory Board Meeting

City Hall

February 25

Monthly Dessert Social

Activity Center

February 26

City Council Strategic Planning Workshop

Beach Park Dining Hall

February 26

City Council Strategic Planning Workshop

Beach Park Dining Hall

February 27

Have An Upcoming Event You Want To Share?

Email Us Today!

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

January 31

Discovery Day

MaST Center

January 31

Galentine's & Valentine's Afternoon Tea

Marina Mercantile

February 1-28

Waterland Yoga

Des Moines Theater

February 1

English Language Learners (ELL) Classes

Des Moines Library

February 2

Free Tax Help by AARP Foundation

Woodmont Library

February 3

Daytime Playtime

Des Moines Library

February 3

Tuesday Night Karaoke w/KJ Lo & Lil T

Waterland Arcade

February 3

Knit Lit Book Group

Woodmont Library

February 4

What's Up Des Moines

22211 Marine View Drive South

February 4

Blues Jam at Creole Soul

Creole Soul

February 5

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

February 6

Game Time

Des Moines Library

February 6

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

February 7

Discovery Day

MaST Center

February 7

Waterland Yoga

Des Moines Theater

February 8

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

February 9

Strategic Plan Refinement Family & Student Engagement Session

Highline College

February 9

Free Tax Help by AARP Foundation

Woodmont Library

February 10

Craft & Chat

Des Moines Library

February 10

Tuesday Night Karaoke w/KJ Lo & Lil T

Waterland Arcade

February 10

Trivia Night at the Quarterdeck

Quarterdeck

February 10

DIY Teen Zines

Des Moines Library

February 11

Card Making & Letter Writing Workshop

Woodmont Library

February 11

Blues Jam at Creole Soul

Creole Soul

February 12

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

February 13

Tween Zone

Woodmont Library

February 13

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

February 14

Discovery Day

MaST Center

February 14

Waterland Yoga

Des Moines Theater

February 15

Woodmont Library Garden Club: Start Your Starts

Woodmont Library

February 15

Free Tax Help by AARP Foundation

Woodmont Library

February 17

Tuesday Night Karaoke w/KJ Lo & Lil T

Waterland Arcade

February 17

Bingo Jam at the Quarterdeck

Quarterdeck

February 17

Block Print a Zine

Des Moines Library

February 18

Des Moines Evening Book Group

Des Moines Library

February 18

Cribbage Night at the Quarterdeck

Quarterdeck

February 18

Blues Jam at Creole Soul

Creole Soul

February 19

Handwriting Lab: Society of Scribes

Woodmont Library

February 19

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

February 20

Open Mic

Des Moines Library

February 20

Live Music at the Quarterdeck - Soulcem Acoustic Duo

Quarterdeck

February 20

Jason Spins 80s Night

Waterland Arcade

February 20

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

February 21

Discovery Day

MaST Center

February 21

Community of Creators

Woodmont Library

February 21

Comedy Day at the Quarterdeck

Quarterdeck

February 21

Waterland Yoga

Des Moines Theater

February 22

English Language Learners (ELL) Classes

Des Moines Library

February 23

Tuesday Night Karaoke w/KJ Lo & Lil T

Waterland Arcade

February 24

Trivia Night at the Quarterdeck

Quarterdeck

February 24

Free Tax Help by AARP Foundation

Woodmont Library

February 24

Des Moines Writing Group

Des Moines Library

February 24

Blues Jam at Creole Soul

Creole Soul

February 26

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

February 27

After School Hangout

Woodmont Library

February 27

Creation Station

Des Moines Library

February 27

Waterland Sockhop: For Crying Out Loud

Waterland Arcade

February 27

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

February 28

Watercolor: Create a Wax Resist Painting

Des Moines Library

February 28

Discovery Day

MaST Center

February 28