CITY MANAGER REPORT

January 9, 2026

Congratulations Mayor Grace Matsui and Deputy Mayor Achziger


At last night's City Council meeting, Councilmembers Harry Steinmetz, Gene Achziger, Pierre Blosse, and Robyn Desimone were sworn in to serve new four-year terms on the Des Moines City Council.

 

The Council also selected Yoshiko Grace Matsui to serve as Mayor for the 2026–2027 term, and Gene Achziger to serve as Deputy Mayor for the same term.

 

Congratulations to all and thank you for your continued service to the Des Moines community!!

North Hill Elementary Walkway Improvements Project


The City of Des Moines is seeking qualified firms to provide construction management and inspection services for the North Hill Elementary Walkway Improvements Project. This project will deliver critical pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements along S 200th Street and near North Hill Elementary School, including new sidewalks, ADA upgrades, bike lanes, lighting, and traffic-calming features. The improvements are intended to enhance safety within the North Hill neighborhood and create a safer, more accessible walking route for students traveling to and from school. Read the full notice below.

Update on Former Masonic Home Property


A Land Use Petition Act (LUPA) Appeal of the Hearing Examiner decision was filed with the King County Superior Court under Case #: 26-2-00637-7 KNT. Until this matter is resolved, no demolition activities on the property will be permitted. Information on the status of the appeal can be found on the Superior Court’s website using Case #: 26-2-00637-7 KNT at the link below.

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.


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.

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.

Upcoming Classes and Programs Offered through our Community Enrichment Services Department


Day Trips:

  • 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!
  • 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.


Des Moines has a rich history of alumni making their mark far beyond our city.


Mount Rainier High School graduates include former State Senator Joe Fain; professional athletes Darwin Jones (Seattle Sounders FC) and Brandon Mann (MLB); and soccer star Cindy Gordon, who played for the U.S. Women’s National Team.


Highline College alumni include former Seattle Mayor Norm Rice, actor Alexis Denisof, NBA player Brian Scalabrine, and UFC champion Jens Pulver.

Project Updates


Barnes Creek Trail – South 240th Street Improvements Project


Major improvements are underway to enhance connectivity and safety along the Barnes Creek Trail and South 240th Street corridor. The Barnes Creek Trail – South 240th Street Improvements Project will complete the southern segment of the Barnes Creek Trail between 16th Avenue South and Highline College, while also delivering roadway and pedestrian upgrades along South 240th Street from 16th Avenue South to 20th Avenue South. Project elements include roadway widening, new curbs, gutters, sidewalks, trail facilities, upgraded street lighting and traffic signals, undergrounding of overhead utilities, and replacement of the Highline Water District water main. The project was awarded to Ceccanti and approved by Council on August 7, 2025, with construction scheduled from December 2025 through December 2026. The $8.2 million project is funded through a combination of Sound Transit System Access, King County Metro, and Washington State appropriations, with construction costs estimated at $5.88 million. Upon completion, these improvements will significantly enhance safety, mobility, and access for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers throughout the area.


Redondo Fishing Pier 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.


Marina Dock Replacement Project


The Marina Dock Replacement Project continues to make steady progress. Construction of the M and N docks is complete, with only minor punch list items remaining. Work has now shifted to L Dock, where demolition is underway and expected to be completed this week. Once demolition is finished, the new L Dock will be floated in shortly thereafter, keeping the project moving forward on schedule.


Links to the live stream and time lapse footage below.

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



“Greetings,

My family held a memorial event at the auditorium recently. We had the pleasure of working with Will. Will was attentive, kind, and accommodating. As it was an emotionally heavy event for our family, Will’s gracious approach was welcoming. Please take the time to honor and recognize Will for his dedication and kindness to my family.”

Respectfully,

Ana Johnson

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-Volunteer Appointment
  • 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 following items were discussed at last night's meeting.


City Council Regular Meeting:


  • Ceremonial Swearing-In of Newly Elected Councilmembers
  • Selection of Mayor-Yoshiko Grace Matsui
  • Selection of Deputy Mayor-Gene Achziger
  • 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

Youth Soccer League Registration Opens

January 2-March 1


Valentine’s Day Fairy Gram

Order from January 12-February 12


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?


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


Marina Mamas Walking Group

January 16

Des Moines Marina


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


Marina Mamas Walking Group

January 23

Des Moines Marina


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


Marina Mamas Walking Group

January 30

Des Moines Marina


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


Marina Mamas Walking Group

February 6

Des Moines Marina


Des Moines Creek Park Run

February 7

Beach Park


Waterland Yoga

February 8

Des Moines Theater


Marina Mamas Walking Group

February 13

Des Moines Marina


Des Moines Creek Park Run

February 14

Beach Park


Waterland Yoga

February 15

Des Moines Theater


Marina Mamas Walking Group

February 20

Des Moines Marina


Des Moines Creek Park Run

February 21

Beach Park


Waterland Yoga

February 22

Des Moines Theater


Marina Mamas Walking Group

February 27

Des Moines Marina


Des Moines Creek Park Run

February 28

Beach Park