City Manager Weekly Report November 8, 2024
CITY MANAGER MESSAGE
Dear Des Moines Community,
I am excited to introduce myself as your new City Manager! It is an honor to have the opportunity to work with such a beautiful and unique community. I genuinely look forward to getting to know all of you and learning about your thoughts, ideas, and concerns as I acclimate to Des Moines.
Since my arrival from Texas to Des Moines just two weeks ago, more than one person has told me that I’m joining the city at an “interesting” time. It’s no secret that is a polite way of saying I’ve arrived during a critical and challenging period. During my interview process, I spoke with multiple community members who expressed their love for Des Moines, their concerns about the city’s financial health, and their desire for increased trust and transparency from the city government. The results of Tuesday’s election regarding the levy lid lift further highlight these concerns.
As your new City Manager, I want to acknowledge the issues I’ve heard about and express my commitment to actively working with the City Council and staff to address them. I understand that the challenges facing our community did not develop overnight and will not be resolved overnight. However, I am dedicated to making meaningful progress and improvements in these areas as swiftly as possible.
I also want to take a moment to address what the role of the city manager is and what the role is not. City Managers are not policymakers but can assist the City Council in making policy. My duty is to provide proposals to the City Council, give them facts and technical and professional advice about options, and collaborate with them to set goals for the community and the organization. It is essential for the City Manager and all city staff to recognize that the elected City Council is accountable to the community for their decisions, and the City Manager and staff are responsible to the City Council for effectively implementing those decisions. I am dedicated to ensuring that both our residents and local businesses receive high-quality and fiscally sustainable city services. Every resident is entitled to a responsive, transparent, and supportive experience with city government. My aim is to guarantee that you receive exceptional service in every interaction with us.
Before joining the City of Des Moines, I spent 16 years in Cedar Park, Texas, where I served as the Deputy City Manager. Cedar Park is a suburb of about 90,000 residents just north of Austin and has frequently been named one of the “best places to raise a family.” Cedar Park has seen tremendous success in economic development over the last two decades, and I look forward to applying the relevant lessons learned from Cedar Park to help Des Moines achieve its desired economic growth. I have experience navigating the challenges a community faces when part of a rapidly changing metro area.
On a personal note, I am a mom to a wonderful son named Ben, who is in second grade. The move has been bittersweet for him, but seeing his smiles during his first downtown Des Moines trick-or-treating event last week reassured me that he would be okay. My husband, John, works in tech for Indeed and is originally from Dublin, Ireland. Our whole family is excited to experience the four seasons and enjoy the cooler weather. John often says the rainy fall and winter will remind him of home!
Your engagement is essential, and I encourage you to share your perspectives and insights with me. In the coming weeks, I plan to attend numerous city events and community functions, and I would love to hear from residents and business operators alike. Your feedback, suggestions, and insights are invaluable as I settle in. You can reach me anytime via email at kcaffrey@desmoineswa.gov.
If you see me around, please don’t hesitate to introduce yourself. I look forward to meeting many of you soon and working together to make Des Moines an even better place to live. By nature, I am a glass-half-full person; that mindset and belief tell me Des Moines’ best days are ahead—and I am excited to be part of shaping that future with you all.
Best,
Katherine Caffrey
City Manager
Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) – How you can get involved!
As you are probably aware, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Environmental Policy Act environmental review is underway regarding future projects at SeaTac airport. There is a comment period open now through December 5. Stay tuned for more information to come out from the City on how the process works, how you can make your voice heard regarding concerns related to the Near-Term projects within the airport’s Master Plan. The City will be announcing information on public engagement for this process soon.
Additionally, the Port of Seattle is hosting four public meetings. Meetings include:
- Tuesday, November 12
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wildwood Elementary School (2405 S 300th St, Federal Way, WA 98003) - Wednesday, November 13
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Mount Rainier High School (22450 19th Ave S, Des Moines, WA 98198) - Thursday, November 14
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Highline High School (225 S 152nd St, Burien, WA 98148) - Saturday, November 16
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
McMicken Heights Elementary School (3708 S 168th St, SeaTac, WA 98188)
SSR509 Community Open House Hosted by WSDOT
Free Saltwater State Park Days
November 11th & 29, 2024
Wade in the shallows, make sand castles or play on the driftwood-strewn shore. Explore Saltwater’s tide pools or its seasonal salmon spawning in McSorley Creek. If you prefer to view sea life from under the water, Saltwater is the only state park with an underwater artificial reef for diving. The reef is a protected marine sanctuary, and harvesting is not allowed. More information can be found here.
Thank you Veterans
Join us at Steven J. Underwood Park on November 11th as we come together to honor our veterans. This special event is a tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country, sacrificing so much for our freedom. The event will be held at Steven J Underwood Memorial Park (21600 20th Avenue S). Ceremony to begin promptly at 11:11a.m.
CITY OFFICES CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF VETERAN’S DAY – NOVEMBER 11TH
Mark Your Calendars! SQUID-A-RAMA is back! NEW LOCATION!
Join us for the 12th Annual Squid-A-Rama! Hosted by the MaST Center and the Des Moines Arts Commission. This free family-friendly event offers attendees the unique change to dive into the world of squids with hands-on dissections and interactive learning stations. Squid-A-Rama celebrates the annual squid run in Puget Sound, with activities designed to engage and educate all ages. Saturday November 23, 2024, 4:00-7:00pm at the Des Moines Beach Park, 22030 Cliff Avenue S. More information can be found here.
Des Moines Medicare Store
Navigating the complexities of Medicare can be overwhelming. The Des Moines Medicare Store is a local, family-owned and operated Medicare agency that is dedicated to finding caring and personal solutions for you. Meet with them online, over the phone, or in person at their storefront in Des Moines. They are there to walk you through the process and simplify the information down to exactly what you need to know, all at no cost to you! For more information, or to schedule an appointment here.
Volunteer Coaches Needed for 2024-2025 Park & Recreation Youth Basketball Program!
Join us in making our Youth Sports Leagues a meaningful experience for all. If you are interested in coaching, contact Park & Recreation Staff at 206-870-6527 or recreation@desmoineswa.gov for more information.
Des Moines Activity Center Holiday Bazaar!
Join us for a fun filled day of holiday shopping. Saturday, November 16, 2024, 9:00am-3:00pm, Des Moines Activity Center, 2045 S 216th Street. For more information, or to be a vendor/crafter, contact the Des Moines Activity Center at 206-878-1642.
Council Meeting Summary
There was no Council meeting this past Thursday as the Council is preparing for their Mission, Vision and Values for 2025. Next Thursday’s Study Session is scheduled to start an hour earlier, 5:00pm to allow for ample time for Council to thoroughly discuss items that are important to them. The agenda materials can be found here.