CITY MANAGER REPORT

October 16, 2026

Downtown Safety Update

Two shootings in downtown Des Moines over the past month have shaken many residents, especially neighbors who live near Marine View Drive. We share that concern, and we take it seriously. Here is where things stand and what the City is doing.


The investigations


  • Two individuals have been arrested and booked for investigation of homicide and weapons charges in connection with the Sept. 20 shooting death of Abraham Logan.


  • Des Moines Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit detectives worked tirelessly to collect evidence, conduct interviews, and obtain search warrants, ultimately identifying both suspects. Detectives then partnered with the U.S. Marshals Service, Washington State Department of Corrections, and Valley SWAT to locate and arrest both individuals.


  • The second shooting was unrelated. Officers arrived within about a minute of the call, and the man who was shot survived. That investigation is also active.


What we’re doing now


  • Dedicated focus on late nights downtown. Patrol officers are concentrating on the downtown core between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.


  • Added weekend patrols. The City is funding overtime for high-visibility patrols on Friday and Saturday nights. With summer activity in Redondo winding down, more officers are also available downtown.



  • Liquor license enforcement. Police are partnering with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board on compliance checks and undercover operations to make sure businesses follow service rules, including overservice.


  • Working with late-night businesses. Police have contacted downtown establishments open during these hours to work together on behavior problems, including people gathering in cars after closing.


We want downtown to be a place people enjoy, day and night. These steps target the hours when problems have occurred, and we will keep watching whether they're working and adjust if they're not. If you see something that concerns you, call 911.

Budget 101: Understanding City Services And Your Tax Dollars

From public safety and streets to parks, recreation, and waterfront amenities, the City of Des Moines provides essential services that keep our community safe, connected, and thriving.


Like many cities, Des Moines is facing rising costs while revenue growth remains limited, making responsible budgeting more important than ever.


With the first reading of the City's proposed budget scheduled for Thursday, October 29, we're sharing our Budget 101 graphics to help residents better understand how their tax dollars support City services and the challenges of balancing community needs with available resources.



Click the button below to learn more about the City’s budget.  
Learn More About the City's Budget HERE!

Congressman Adam Smith Visits Des Moines Air Quality Monitoring Station

The City of Des Moines welcomed Congressman Adam Smith for a visit to our new air quality monitoring station. The visit provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of monitoring local air quality and gaining a better understanding of pollutants that may impact our community. The City has partnered with the University of Washington to study our air quality given our community’s proximity to SEA airport.


The station, funded through Washington State’s Climate Commitment Act, measures ultrafine particles and other air pollutants, providing valuable data to help inform future air quality and public health efforts.



We appreciate Congressman Smith taking the time to visit Des Moines and learn more about this important investment in our community’s environmental health.

Port Of Seattle Hosting Community Workshops On Airport Noise

The Port of Seattle is hosting three community workshops as part of its ongoing Part 150 Study, which evaluates aircraft noise impacts on communities surrounding Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and explores ways to reduce those impacts.


Residents are encouraged to attend one of the following workshops to learn more about the study, review proposed noise reduction measures, and share their feedback.


  • Saturday, October 17 | 10:00AM–Noon – Cedarhurst Elementary School, Burien
  • Monday, October 19 | 6:00–8:00PM – McMicken Heights Elementary School, SeaTac
  • Tuesday, October 20 | 6:00–8:00PM – Midway Elementary School, Des Moines


This is a great opportunity for residents to have their voices heard on aircraft noise in our community!


Learn more about the SEA Part 150 Study by clicking the link below.

Learn More About The SEA Part 150 Study HERE

Ballots Are On Their Way - And Our Drop Boxes Are Ready!

With the November General Election just around the corner, ballots are arriving in mailboxes! The City of Des Moines is ready with its new King County Elections ballot drop box, conveniently located in the City Hall courtyard.


Residents also have the option of returning their ballots at the drop box located at Highline College.


With two convenient locations in Des Moines, casting your ballot close to home is easier than ever!



Make your voice heard this November! Remember, ballots must be returned to an official drop box by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3.

Upcoming I-5 Lane and Ramp Closures – October 19–23

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) advises drivers to expect overnight lane and ramp closures on southbound I-5 in Kent as part of the SR 509 Completion Project.


From October 19–23, up to two southbound lanes between SR 516 and South 272nd Street will close nightly from 10:00PM to 6:00AM. Additional ramp closures are scheduled overnight October 22, with signed detours in place.



Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time.
Click Here for More Information on the SR509 Completion Project

A Bit Of History...

Long before Interstate 5 became the main route between Seattle and Tacoma, Highway 99 was bustling with travelers, roadside diners, and local landmarks. One of the most beloved was Rose's Hi-Way Inn, which opened in 1939 near South 272nd Street.


Founded by Rose Wilcox, the restaurant became famous for its fried chicken dinners, steaks, and old-fashioned hospitality. For generations, Rose's was a favorite gathering place for families and travelers alike. Remarkably, much of its original menu remained unchanged for more than 60 years!


Sadly, a devastating fire destroyed the restaurant on March 17, 2003, bringing an end to a cherished piece of local history.


Now, a new chapter is beginning at the former Rose's location. Mill Creek Residential has acquired the approximately eight-acre property at 26915 Pacific Highway South, with plans for a 290-unit apartment development. The project represents another step in the ongoing transformation of the Pacific Highway corridor.


While Rose's famous fried chicken is now just a memory, its place in Des Moines history lives on!

 

“Special thanks to the people responsible for adding a ballot box at the Des Moines City Hall location. Many of the residents here at Wesley do not drive so having the ability to walk our ballots to the ballot box at City Hall is amazing.


Thank you so much.”


Anna Hasegawa

Wesley Resident

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!


  1. Browse current Job Openings
  2. Click on a job title to learn more
  3. Apply!
Contact Us! 

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


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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:

 

  • Midway Park Youth and Amateur Sports Grant Agreement
  • 6th/287th Stormwater Improvements Project – Parametrix Task Assignment
  • Service Electric Agreement
  • 2027 Property Tax Levy, 1st Reading
  • 2026 Budget Amendments, 1st Reading
  • 2027/2028 Biennial Budget, 1st Reading
  • Business & Occupation Tax Ordinance, 1st Reading
  • Comprehensive Safety Action Plan
Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items

Halloween Spooktacular Family Night

Activity Center

October 16


Day Trip: Thrifting Around the South Sound

October 21


Out to Lunch: Waters Table -Renton

October 23


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


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 17


Celebrate Event

Highline College

October 17


Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

October 17


Cardboard Engineers: Create a Critter

Des Moines Library

October 17


The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

October 17


Community of Creators

Woodmont Library

October 17


English Language Learners (ELL) Classes

Des Moines Library

October 17


STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

October 19


Tween Zone

Woodmont Library

October 20


Pokemon Club

Des Moines Library

October 20


Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

October 20


Teen Hangout

Des Moines Library

October 21


Reading Buddies

Des Moines Library

October 21


The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

October 21


Des Moines Evening Book Group

Des Moines Library

October 21


Family Story Time

Des Moines Library

October 22


Tutors at Des Moines Library (Study Zone)

Des Moines Library

October 22


Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

October 23


After School Hangout

Woodmont Library

October 23


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


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

City of Des Moines | 21630 11th Avenue S, Suite A | Des Moines, WA 98198 US

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