CITY MANAGER REPORT

October 30, 2026

Trick or Treat Path Tonight! - Watch out for Kiddos on the Street!

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

Join us tonight, 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!

Budget Update: Almost There!

Tired of hearing about the budget? I get it. Good news: we’re in the home stretch.

Last night, Council held the first public hearing and first reading of the 2027–2028 budget. Second reading and final adoption are set for November 12.

The highlights:

It’s balanced. It’s balanced in both years, and our reserves grow too. We closed a projected $2 million gap to get here.
Public safety comes first. The budget adds two new police officers, mostly paid for with state public safety sales tax and grant dollars.
Building and permitting get easier. A new Permit Services Manager will help projects move through the process faster.
Big plans for the Marina. Funding starts the Marina Master Plan and design work on the South Seawall.
More for parks. We’re adding a Parks & Recreation Director by repurposing a vacant position and using King County Parks Levy funds. The Levy also pays for a new parks maintenance position.
Growing our communication with you. We’re also adding a dedicated Communications Manager by repurposing a vacant position.

These were your priorities too. In August, Council set its budget priorities: public safety staffing, easier development, a long-term plan for the Marina and stronger reserves. At our August town hall, residents told us public safety and parks matter most. This budget reflects both.

Want the basics? Follow our Budget 101 series on the City’s social media. It’s quick and easy, and we promise it’s not homework.

Learn more from the link below!

Email Us Today!

Budget 101 Information

Des Moines Joins Neighboring Cities in Request to Pause Airport Environmental Review

The Cities of Des Moines, Burien, and SeaTac have jointly requested that the Port of Seattle delay finalizing the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) until a pending federal court case is resolved.

In a letter submitted October 26, the Cities expressed concerns that the Port's environmental review relies heavily on a federal assessment currently being challenged in the U.S. Court of Appeals. Moving forward before the court issues its decision could result in costly revisions, additional legal challenges, and the need for another public comment period.

For additional information, read the full joint statement at the link below.

Read the Full Joint Statement Here!

New Pedestrian Safety Improvements Near Judson Park

The City of Des Moines recently completed pedestrian safety improvements along Marine View Drive S near Judson Park, making it safer and easier for residents and visitors to cross the street.

The improvements include a new Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) system and upgraded curb ramps that meet ADA accessibility standards. With the push of a button, pedestrians can activate flashing warning lights that alert approaching drivers, increasing visibility and enhancing safety for people of all ages and abilities.

These improvements reflect the City's ongoing commitment to pedestrian safety, accessibility, and creating safer connections throughout our neighborhoods.

Blue Origin is Coming to Des Moines

Blue Origin is opening a new 266,000-square-foot facility in the former Bartell Drugs warehouse on 24th Ave S. The site will be used for lab work, product development and light manufacturing.

Jobs closer to home: At full capacity, the facility is expected to support hundreds of jobs. That means more people can work near where they live, with a shorter commute.
A stronger local economy: A major employer brings new kinds of jobs and helps local businesses. It also adds to the tax base that pays for City services.
New life for an empty building: This portion of the warehouse has been empty since the drugstore chains closed.

You can read more at the links below.

Link to King 5

Link to Seattle Times

Help Keep Local Kids Warm This Winter!

The City of Des Moines is proud to serve as a collection site for this year’s Coats for Kids Drive, helping provide warm winter coats to children in our community.

Now through November 13, community members are encouraged to drop off new or gently used winter coats at Des Moines City Hall. Coats in youth sizes (grades K–12) are especially needed, with hooded “ski” style coats preferred.

The drive is powered by the Rotary Club of Des Moines/Normandy Park, sponsored by UA Local 32, and held in partnership with the Highline Schools Foundation.

Be a Drain Hero! Adopt a Storm Drain in Des Moines

Halloween is almost over, and you know what that means. The holiday shopping rush starts now. Still stuck on what to get the person who has everything? Get them a storm drain.

It’s free, it’s one size fits all, and it will never end up in the regifting pile.

Why it matters

Storm drains carry rainwater straight to our creeks and Puget Sound. Nothing filters it along the way.
When leaves, litter, and debris pile up, drains clog. That can mean flooded streets and polluted water.
It’s fall in the Pacific Northwest. There are a lot of leaves. Your drain needs you.

How it works

Find an available drain near you at wa.adopt-a-drain.org and sign up.
Clear the debris about twice a month.
The City provides tools and supplies to get you started.
The best part: you get to name your drain. Some favorites I spotted on the website are Grateful Scott, I’m Only Happy When It Drains, and Drainy McDrainface. The bar is high, people.

Ready to suit up? Visit wa.adopt-a-drain.org. It’s a small job that makes a big difference for Des Moines and Puget Sound.

P.S. Don’t tell my husband, but this is going under the tree for him this year.

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.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3 - Don't Forget to Vote!

Election Day is almost here! If you haven't returned your ballot yet, there's still time to make your voice heard in the November 3 General Election.

Des Moines residents can conveniently return their completed ballots at the official King County Elections ballot drop box located in the City Hall courtyard.

Remember, ballots must be deposited in an official drop box by 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, or postmarked by Election Day to be counted.

For additional election information, visit King County Elections.

King County Elections

Recology Curbside Placement

For the most efficient and safe service, please place your Recology carts curbside, with the wheels against the curb and the lid pointed toward the street. Place your bins about 2’ apart, all facing the same direction. If you have extra bags or bundled cardboard, these can be placed in, next to, or on top of the appropriate cart. Please call and schedule any bulky item collection or special item recycling (like Styrofoam and electronics) by contacting Recology at 206-762-4900 or visiting their website.

Recology Des Moines

A Bit Of History...

Did you know that Des Moines Beach Park once had its very own swimming pool?

Long before the park became the waterfront gathering place we know today, it was home to Covenant Beach Bible Camp. From 1931 to 1986, the camp welcomed generations of visitors for recreation, fellowship, and summer activities.

One of its popular attractions was a swimming pool near the beach, complete with a bathhouse. Although fondly remembered by former campers, the pool eventually developed leaks and was removed.

When the City of Des Moines acquired the property in 1986, a new chapter began for this treasured waterfront destination. Today, the historic cabins, Dining Hall, and Auditorium serve as reminders of the park's rich past.

While the swimming pool is long gone, its memories remain part of Des Moines history.

“Hi, Katherine--

I see you often have shout-outs for city staff that do great work. It would be great to give a shout out for the permitting and building departments for their quick action today helping me with budget figures for the grant”

Barb

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

The following items were discussd at last night’s meeting:

City Council Regular Meeting:

Service Electric Agreement
Tenant Restroom Demo & Agreement Update
Midway Park Construction Grant
6^th & 287^th Stormwater Project – Parametrix Task Assigment
2027 Property Tax Levy, First Reading
2026 Budget Amendments, First Reading
2027/2028 Biennial Budget, First Reading
Square Footage Tax Update Ordinance, First Reading
Holiday Tree Purchase
Comprehensive Safety Action Plan

The November 5th meeting will be a City Council Committee of the Whole and Study Session Joint Meeting with the Planning Commission. Here is what's on the agenda:

City Council Committee of the Whole:

One-Time Revenue Ordinance Discussion
Downtown Planning Scenarios & Zoning Workshop

Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items

October 29, 2026 City Council Packet

November 5, 2026 City Council Packet

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!

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

DINOvember Fossil Painting Party

Woodmont Library

November 1

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

November 2

Tinker Tuesday - Ozobot Dino Hunters

Woodmont Library

November 3

LEGO Club

Des Moines Library

November 3

Vinyl Get-Together

Woodmont Library

November 3

Talk time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

November 3

Teen Hangout

Des Moines Library

November 4

Reading Buddies

Des Moines Library

November 4

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

November 4

Knit Lit Book Club

Woodmont Library

November 4

Denizens of Highline Forest Wildlife Series

Des Moines Library
November 4

Family Story Time

Des Moines Library

November 5

Medicare Open Enrollment Info Session

Woodmont Library

November 5

Tutors at Des Moines Library (Study Zone)

Des Moines Library

November 5

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

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

November 7

English Language Learners (ELL) Class

Des Moines Library

November 7

Garden Club

Woodmont Library

November 8

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

November 9

Craft & Chat

Des Moines Library

November 10

Artsy Kids Club

Des Moines Library

November 10

Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

November 10

Veterans Day Event

Steven J Underwood Memorial Park

November 11

Messy Babies! (Morning Session)

Woodmont Library

November 12

Family Story Time

Des Moines Library

November 12

Messy Babies! (Afternoon Session)

Woodmont Library

November 12

Tutors at Des Moines Library (Study Zone)

Des Moines Library

November 12

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

November 13

Preschool Play & Learn

Des Moines Library

November 13

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

November 14

English Language Learners (ELL) Classes

Des Moines Library

November 14

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

November 14

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

November 14

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

November 16

Tween Zone

Woodmont Library

November 17

Pokemon Club

Des Moines Library

November 17

Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

November 17

Teen Hangout

Des Moines Library

November 18

Reading Buddies

Des Moines Library

November 18

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

November 18

Des Moines Evening Book Group

Des Moines Library

November 18

Family Story Time

Des Moines Library

November 19

Tutors at Des Moines Library (Study Zone)

Des Moines Library

November 19

Baby & Toddler Dance Party

Des Moines Library

November 20

After School Hangout

Woodmont Library

November 20

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

November 20

FusionAxe

Creole Soul

November 20

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

November 21

Coffee and Chess

Second Love Coffee Roasters

November 21

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

November 21

Community of Creators

Woodmont Library

November 21

English Language Learners (ELL) Classes

Des Moines Library

November 21

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

November 23

Builder Babies

Woodmont Library

November 24

Des Moines Writing Group

Des Moines Library

November 24

Talk Time: English Conversation Practice

Des Moines Library

November 24

DINOvember Dino Dig Garden

Woodmont Library

November 25

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

November 25

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

The Welcoming Center

Woodmont Library

November 28

English Language Learners (ELL) Classes

Des Moines Library

November 28

STEAM Family Story Time

Woodmont Library

November 30

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