CITY MANAGER REPORT
September 25, 2026
Exploring a Tree Canopy Preservation Program
Staff will introduce a proposed Tree Canopy Preservation Program, aimed at helping the City better protect and care for trees that play an important role in stormwater management and water quality, at next week’s City Council meeting.
Over the past several years, the City has worked to identify and assess tree canopy on public property that provides stormwater benefits. That work has identified approximately 108 acres of tree canopy that could ultimately be included in the program. While the City currently responds to needs such as hazardous trees, cleanup and other maintenance, there is not a dedicated funding source for proactive, long-term management of these areas.
The proposed program would allow the City to take a more proactive approach, including removing invasive vegetation, planting replacement evergreen trees, and establishing access for ongoing maintenance and care.
Because these trees provide stormwater and water quality benefits, the proposed program would be managed and funded through the City’s Surface Water Management Utility. Establishing dedicated funding for the program would require an adjustment to Surface Water Management utility rates.
Staff is presenting several funding options for City Council to consider, ranging from funding basic maintenance needs to providing additional resources for proactive tree canopy management. No funding level has been selected. Council will review the options, consider the potential impacts of each, and provide direction before any program or rate adjustment is brought forward for formal approval.
The goal is to establish a sustainable approach that helps the City protect and maintain its tree canopy—and the stormwater and water quality benefits it provides—for years to come.
New Air Quality Monitoring Site Celebrated in Des Moines
The City of Des Moines joined community and project partners yesterday for a ribbon cutting celebrating the opening of a new air quality monitoring site in our community.
The site will provide ongoing measurements of ultrafine particles and other air pollutants, giving researchers and community partners valuable local data to better understand air quality and the potential impacts of nearby transportation sources.
Funding for the project was provided through Washington’s Climate Commitment Act as part of a 33rd Legislative District local community project. The City is pleased to partner in bringing this monitoring resource to Des Moines and supporting efforts to provide our community with better information about the air we breathe.
With the site now in place, the data collected will help build a clearer picture of local air quality conditions and contribute to future conversations and research about air quality in Des Moines.
New Ballot Drop Box Installed at City Hall
There’s something new in the City Hall courtyard!
A King County Elections ballot drop box has been installed at Des Moines City Hall, giving local voters a convenient new place to return their ballots.
Just in time for the November General Election, the new drop box is located right in the heart of downtown Des Moines, making it easier than ever to cast your ballot close to home.
Fall is a Great Time to Explore Des Moines
Cooler days, changing leaves and crisp fall air make this a great time to get outside and enjoy Des Moines!
Whether you’re taking a walk along the waterfront, exploring one of our local trails, visiting a neighborhood park or simply finding a quiet spot to enjoy the season, there are plenty of ways to experience the outdoors close to home.
As you head out this fall, a few simple reminders can help keep our parks and trails enjoyable for everyone: stay on designated trails, keep pets leashed where required, dispose of trash properly, and be mindful that wet leaves and changing weather can make pathways slippery.
Fall is also a great time to explore somewhere new. If you tend to visit the same favorite park or trail, consider discovering another corner of Des Moines this season.
Grab a jacket, bring the dog, invite a friend and enjoy a little fall in Des Moines!
Highline College Foundation Launches New Command Performance Series
The Highline College Foundation is launching a new community event series this fall—the Command Performance Series, honoring Dr. Ed Command, Highline College president from 1990–2000, and his vision of connecting the college with the surrounding community.
The quarterly series will feature a wide variety of topics and experiences, from science and the local marine environment to music, culture and community conversations.
The inaugural event will be a True Crime Listening Event featuring the creative team behind The Shadow Girls podcast. Carolyn Ossorio and Branden Morgan will share stories from their work, including the story of the only woman known to have survived the Green River Killer and whose tip later contributed to the investigation. The program will also feature criminal attorney Anne Bremner, former King County Sheriff Dave Reichert and King County Detective Tom Jensen for a discussion about investigations, survivors and the lasting impacts on victims, families and communities.
The evening begins with a cocktail hour from 5:30–6:30 p.m., featuring a no-host bar and complimentary appetizers, followed by the program from 7:00–8:30 p.m.
Learn more about the Command Performance Series and purchase tickets through the link below.
Proceeds go to benefit scholarships and emergency funds for students at Highline College.
Command Performance Series Tickets
Discover Local History at the Des Moines Historical Society
Looking for a fun way to connect with Des Moines history—or get a little creative on the weekend? Stop by the Des Moines Historical Society!
The Historical Society is now open year-round on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from noon to 4:00 p.m., as well as by appointment. Visitors can explore local history, discover stories from Des Moines’ past, and learn more about the people and places that have shaped our community.
Saturdays also mean Saturday Studio! During regular Saturday hours, arts and crafts programs and supplies are available, offering visitors another fun reason to stop by.
Want to get more involved? The Historical Society welcomes community members interested in volunteering, becoming a member, or serving on the Board of Directors.
For more information, email today!
A Bit of History…
Can you imagine driving through downtown Des Moines and only being able to travel north on Marine View Drive?
For a brief period that was exactly how downtown traffic worked.
As Des Moines grew and traffic congestion became an increasing concern, the City experimented with a one-way couplet through downtown. Marine View Drive carried traffic northbound, while nearby 7th Avenue South carried traffic southbound.
The idea was intended to improve the flow of traffic through downtown, but not everyone was convinced. The proposal generated considerable community discussion and debate over whether the one-way streets should remain.
The experiment didn’t last long. After a few months the City was preparing to return Marine View Drive and 7th Avenue South to the familiar two-way streets we know today.
Interestingly, the one-way system wasn’t necessarily unsuccessful from a traffic standpoint. A study of the four-month trial found improvements in traffic efficiency and safety, while a community survey showed residents were much more divided over whether one-way streets were the right solution.
More than 50 years later, Marine View Drive and 7th Avenue remain important parallel routes through downtown—a reminder that conversations about traffic, access and the future of downtown Des Moines have been happening for generations!
“To the maintenance folks keeping the Marina clean and with fresh garbage cans! The waterfront is all the better for your steadfast help.”
Peter Bomann
“A big shout out to the workers at the waterfront and Beach Park. Thank you for all your hard work & keeping the waterfront and park clean. These guys work so hard and are always polite and saying good morning to anyone walking by….we got the good guys.”
Beatrice Kalk
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.
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Job Opportunities
Looking for a fulfilling career with competitive pay and excellent benefits? The City of Des Moines is hiring for several positions, including:
- Front Desk Office Attendant I – Extra Hire
- Payroll Specialist II
- Police Officer-Hiring Incentives Available!
- Volunteer Opportunities with Des Moines Community Enrichment Services
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City Council Meeting Recap
The following items were discussed at last night’s meeting:
City Council Regular Meeting:
- Centennial of the Seashore Club Proclamation
- Economic Development Update – Business Climate Survey and Roundtables
- 2026 Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Spending Recommendations
- City Hall Suite A Restroom and Kitchen Remodel
- Judge Pro Tem Compensation, 2nd Reading
- Marina Tenant Restroom Replacement
- Midway Park ORLP Grant Authorization
- 24th Avenue S Improvements Project (Segment 1) – TIB Grant Award and Consultant Services Contract
- Development Agreement, 2nd Reading
- Consideration of the City’s 2026 Legislative Agenda
- Discussion of Multi-Family Tax Exemption Program
- Additional Sales Tax for Children and Family Services, 1st Reading
The following items are scheduled for the October 1, 2026 meeting:
City Council Regular Meeting:
- Additional Sales Tax for Children and Family Services, 2nd Reading
- Canopy Preservation Program Update
- 2027 and 2028 Human Services Funding Recommendations
September 24, 2026 Meeting Information
October 1, 2026 Meeting Information
Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items
Out to Lunch: Stonehouse Cafe
September 30
Citizens Advisory Board Meeting
City Hall
September 30
City Council Regular Meeting
City Hall
October 1
Day Trip: Maeve Chocolate Factory Tour & Tasting
October 2
Shredding Event
Activity Center
October 6
Planning Commission Meeting
City Hall
October 6
Day Trip: Pierce College Science Dome (Planetarium) & Homestead Restaurant
October 7
Day Trip: Swans Trail Farms Harvest Festival & Cabbage Patch Restaurant – Snohomish
October 9
Halloween Costume Swap
Field House
October 10
Airport Committee Meeting
City Hall
October 12
Out to Lunch: Crab Pot – Bellevue
October 13
Day Trip: Fun at Top Golf – Renton
October 15
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
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!
Back-to-School Book Party: The Day the Crayons Quit
Des Moines Library
September 26
English Language Learners (ELL) Classes
Des Moines Library
September 26
The Welcoming Center
Woodmont Library
September 26
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
September 26
Des Moines Farmer’s Market
Des Moines Marina
September 26
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
September 26
South King Country Transportation Forum
Kent City Hall
September 26
STEAM Family Story Time
Woodmont Library
September 28
Fall Plant Swap
Des Moines Library
September 28
Talk Time: English Conversation Practice
Des Moines Library
September 29
Refine Motion Grand Opening-Movement with Intention
22760 Marine View Drive S, Suite A
September 30
Teen Hangout
Des Moines Library
September 30
The Welcoming Center
Woodmont Library
September 30
Fall Plant Swap
Des Moines Library
October 1
Family Story Time
Des Moines Library
October 1
Tutors at Des Moines Library (Study Zone)
Des Moines Library
October 1
Fall Plant Swap
Des Moines Library
October 2
Preschool Play & Learn
Des Moines Library
October 2
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
October 2
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
October 3
Uncle Ernie
Arturos Mexican Restaurant
October 3
Fall Plant Swap
Des Moines Library
October 3
The Welcoming Center
Woodmont Library
October 3
English Language Learners (ELL) Classes
Des Moines Library
October 3
Finger Knit a Fall Garland
Woodmont Library
October 4
STEAM Family Story Time
Woodmont Library
October 5
Tinker Tuesday – Snap Circuits
Woodmont Library
October 6
LEGO Club
Des Moines Library
October 6
Talk Time: English Conversation Practice
Des Moines Library
October 6
Teen Hangout
Des Moines Library
October 7
Reading Buddies
Des Moines Library
October 7
The Welcoming Center
Woodmont Library
October 7
Knit Lit Book Club
Woodmont Library
October 7
Family Story Time
Des Moines Library
October 8
Woodmont Friends of the Library General Meeting
Woodmont Library
October 8
Tutors at Des Moines Library (Study Zone)
Des Moines Library
October 8
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
October 9
Baby & Toddler Dance Party
Des Moines Library
October 9
The Welcoming Center
Woodmont Library
October 10
English Language Learners (ELL) Classes
Des Moines Library
October 10
Mini Ofrenda Pop-Up Card
Des Moines Library
October 10
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
October 10
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
October 10
Garden Club
Woodmont Library
October 11
STEAM Family Story Time
Woodmont Library
October 12
Craft & Chat
Des Moines Library
October 13
Artsy Kids Club
Des Moines Library
October 13
Talk Time: English Conversation Practice
Des Moines Library
October 13
Teen Hangout
Des Moines Library
October 14
Reading Buddies
Des Moines Library
October 14
The Welcoming Center
Woodmont Library
October 14
Perler Bead Party! A Kids Craft Night
Woodmont Library
October 14
Messy Babies! (Morning Session)
Woodmont Library
October 15
Family Story Time
Des Moines Library
October 15
Messy Babies! (Afternoon Session)
Woodmont Library
October 15
Tutors at Des Moines Library (Study Zone)
Des Moines Library
October 15
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
October 16
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
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
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