CITY MANAGER REPORT

October 23, 2026

Budget 101: City Services You Can Count On

The proposed 2027–2028 budget goes to City Council next Thursday, October 29. This is the budget’s first reading, and it’s a good chance to see how the City plans to spend your tax dollars. Attend in person at City Hall or watch online.

What your tax dollars support

City services help keep Des Moines safe, healthy, and connected. These include:

Police and public safety
Street maintenance
Parks and recreation
Our waterfront and Marina

How services are funded

Not every service is paid for the same way. Some are funded through the City’s General Fund. Others are supported by dedicated revenues and user fees.

Learn more with Budget 101

Our Budget 101 series explains how City services are funded and where your tax dollars go. Watch for new posts in the coming weeks.

Have questions?

Visit the City website or email us. We’re happy to help.

Email Us Today!

Learn More About the City's Budget HERE!

Trick or Treat Path Returns to Downtown Des Moines!

Get those costumes ready! It's time for some spooky fun in Downtown Des Moines!

Join us on Friday, October 30, from 4:30-6:30pm, for the annual Trick or Treat Path! Bring your little ghosts, goblins, princesses, and superheroes for a fun-filled evening of trick-or-treating at participating downtown businesses.

This family-friendly tradition is a wonderful way to celebrate Halloween, collect some sweet treats, and support our local businesses.

We can't wait to see all those creative costumes! Happy Halloween!

Did You Know?

On your household’s regular recycling day, Recology will pick up certain special items at no additional charge, including Styrofoam, small appliances, electronics, batteries, and other eligible items. These items do not belong inside your recycling container. Instead, simply place them on top of or next to your recycling container on your collection day. Learn what items are eligible and how to prepare them for collection by clicking the Recology Special Item Recycling Information link below.

Recology customers can also drop off Styrofoam and other items at the Recology Store located at 15858 First Avenue S, #A100, Burien, WA 98148.

Recology Des Moines

Recology Special Item Recycling Information

Discover the Birds of Highline Forest at the Des Moines Library

Calling all nature lovers and bird enthusiasts! Join Des Moines' own Eileen Lambert, founder of Des Moines Birders, on Wednesday, November 4, at the Des Moines Library for a special presentation as part of the Denizens of Highline Forest wildlife series.

Presented in collaboration with the King County Library System (KCLS), this free educational series highlights the fascinating wildlife that calls our local forests home.

Whether you're an experienced birder or simply curious about our feathered neighbors, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the birds that share our community and the natural habitats they depend on.

Learn more about the series and upcoming presentations: B-Town Blog – Free Wildlife Talks

B-Town Blog - Free Wildlife Talks

Fall Back! Don't Forget to Change Your Clocks-November 1st!

It's almost time to enjoy that extra hour of sleep!

Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 1, at 2:00 a.m. Remember to set your clocks back one hour before heading to bed Saturday night.

While most smartphones and electronic devices will update automatically, don't forget those clocks around the house!

It's also a great time to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Enjoy that extra hour of sleep, Des Moines!

A Bit Of History...

Did you know that one of the Pacific Northwest's most famous dance halls once stood right here in Des Moines?

Built in 1931 near Pacific Highway South and Kent-Des Moines Road, the Spanish Castle Ballroom was the place to be! With its castle-like architecture, glowing neon lights, and lively music, it attracted thousands of dancers from throughout the region.

During its heyday in the 1940s, the ballroom welcomed approximately 2,000 people on a Saturday night. Admission was just 50 cents!

But perhaps its biggest claim to fame? A young Jimi Hendrix frequented the Spanish Castle, occasionally joining musicians on stage. The legendary guitarist later immortalized the ballroom in his 1967 song, Spanish Castle Magic.

Although the building was demolished in 1968, its place in Des Moines history — and rock 'n' roll history — lives on!

“Thanks to the crew who so quickly cut back the roadside bushes on 272nd- responding to my online report within 24 hours!

I filled out the online form, and the very next day I saw that the bushes were already cut back. It was a relief to be able to see oncoming traffic clearly when turning off of our street. Thank you!”

Diane

Click Here to Share Your Staff Kudos!

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.

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!

Job Opportunities

Looking for a fulfilling career with competitive pay and excellent benefits? The City of Des Moines is hiring for several positions, including:

Director of Parks & Recreation
Facility Attendant
Front Desk Office Attendant
Payroll Specialist II
Police Officers - Hiring Incentive!
Records Specialist
Volunteer Opportunities
Youth Basketball Referee - Winter Season
Youth Basketball Scorekeeper - Winter Season

Apply Here Today!

Current And Past Issues Of The City Manager Report

Missed an issue or want to take another look? You can find this report and all past City Manager Reports anytime on the City’s website—your go-to spot for staying informed.

Be in the know! Sign up today!

Click Here for Past and Current Issues of the City Manager Report

Get The Latest Updates From Mount Rainier Pool Management

Stay up-to-date with pool activities, events and closures!

City Council Meeting Recap

There was no meeting last night. The next meeting will be a Regular Council Meeting on October 29, 2026. Here is what is scheduled to be on the agenda:

Service Electric Agreement
Tenant Restroom Demo & Agreement Update
Midway Park Youth and Amateur Sports Grant Agreement
6^th/287^th Stormwater Improvements Project – Parametrix Task Assignment
2027 Property Tax Levy, 1^st Reading
2026 Budget Amendments, 1^st Reading
2027/2028 Biennial Budget, 1^st Reading
Holiday Tree Purchase
Square Footage Tax Update Ordinance, 1st Reading
Comprehensive Safety Action Plan

Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items

October 29, 2026 City Council Packet

Fall Recycling Collection Event

Marina – South Lot

October 24

Basket Weaving Class

Activity Center

October 24

Day Trip: Snoqualmie Casino

October 27

Citizens Advisory Board Meeting

City Hall

October 28

Day Trip: Thrifted Fashion Runway Show @ Activity Center

October 28

Dessert Social

Activity Center

October 29

City Council Meeting

City Hall

October 29

Karaoke Parties

Activity Center

October 29

Halloween Dessert Social & Bingo Costume Contest with Prizes

Activity Center

October 29

Day Trip: UW Volleyball Game vs. Maryland

November 1

Planning Commission Meeting

City Hall

November 3

Out to Lunch: TavernHall - Bellevue Square

November 4

City Council Committee of the Whole & Study Session - Joint meeting with Planning Commission

City Hall

November 5

Day Trip: Chihuly Garden & Glass - Seattle Center

November 5

Airport Committee Meeting

City Hall

November 9

Out to Lunch: West of Chicago Pizza - West Seattle

November 10

City Offices Closed in Observance of Veterans Day

November 11

City Council Meeting

City Hall

November 12

Day Trip: Lynnwood Holiday Boutique & Craft Show

November 13

Day Trip: Gilman Village - Issaquah

November 17

Dessert Social

Activity Center

November 19

Out to Lunch: McMenamins Pub at Elks Temple - Tacoma

November 19

Out to Lunch: Loco Chon - Newcastle

November 24

City Offices Closed in Observance of Thanksgiving

November 26 & November 27

Planning Commission Meeting

City Hall

December 1

City Council Committee of the Whole & Study Session

City Hall

December 3

Holiday Tree Lighting

Des Moines Marina

December 4

City Council Meeting

City Hall

December 10

Airport Committee Meeting

City Hall

December 14

Argosy Christmas Ships

Des Moines Marina

December 16

City Offices Closed in Observance of Christmas

December 24 & December 25

Noon Year's Eve Dessert Social & Bingo

Activity Center

December 31

Have An Upcoming Event You Want To Share?

Share Your Events With Us Here!

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

October 24

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

October 24

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

October 24

English Language Learners (ELL) Classes

Des Moines Library

October 24

Watch Party for Minecraft Author Event: Danica Davidson

Woodmont Library

October 25

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

October 26

Builder Babies

Woodmont Library

October 27

Des Moines Writing Group

Des Moines Library

October 27

Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

October 27

Teen Hangout

Des Moines Library

October 28

Reading Buddies

Des Moines Library

October 28

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

October 28

Clay Creations! A Kids Craft Night

Woodmont Library

October 28

Family Story Time

Des Moines Library

October 29

Tutors at Des Moines Library (Study Zone)

Des Moines Library

October 29

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

October 30

Trick or Treat Path

Downtown Des Moines

October 30

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

October 31

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

October 31

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

October 31

How the World Celebrates Autumn

Woodmont Library

October 31

English Language Learners (ELL) Classes

Des Moines Library

October 31

Legacy Bayside Brunch

Anthony’s Home Port

November 1

Denizens of Highline Forest Wildlife Series

Des Moines Library
November 4

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

November 6

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

November 7

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

November 7

Farmer's Market Holiday Market

Beach Park Event Center

November 7

Veterans Day Event

Steven J Underwood Memorial Park

November 11

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

November 13

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

November 14

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

November 14

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

November 20

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

November 21

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

November 21

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

November 27

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

November 28

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

November 28

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

December 4

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

December 5

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

December 5

Uncle Ernie’s

Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant

December 5

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

December 11

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

December 12

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

December 12

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

December 18

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

December 19

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

December 19

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

December 25

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

December 26

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

December 26

Burning Boat

Des Moines Marina

December 31