September 4, 2026
City Offices Closed in Observance of Labor Day
City Offices will be closed Monday, September 7, 2026 in Observance of Labor Day. Emergency Services and Marina fuel dock will remain open.
Our New Website is Live!
You may have noticed things look a little different around here! The City recently launched its new website, designed to make information easier to find, improve accessibility, and provide a better experience for our community.
As with any big move, we know there may be a few boxes we haven’t unpacked yet. With hundreds of pages, documents, links, photos and other information moved to the new site, we’re asking for a little grace while we continue working through the details.
If you can’t find something you used to be able to find, come across a broken link, notice something that doesn’t look quite right, or think something may be missing — please let us know! Your feedback will help us identify and fix issues we may not have caught.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Information may be organized differently or located in a new place.
- Old bookmarks or saved links may no longer take you directly to the page you’re looking for.
- If the website isn’t displaying correctly, try clearing your browser’s cache and refreshing the page.
- When in doubt, try the new website’s search feature to help locate what you need.
We’ll continue making adjustments and improvements over the coming weeks. Thank you for your patience while we settle into our new online home — and please keep sending us feedback. If something isn’t working for you, we want to know!
Christmas Ship Returns to Des Moines December 16
A favorite Pacific Northwest holiday tradition is returning to Des Moines! The Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship™ Festival will make its way to our waterfront on Wednesday, December 16, with sailings at 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Dating back to 1949, the Christmas Ship Festival brings holiday cheer to waterfront communities throughout Puget Sound. The Spirit of Seattle™ is decked out in hundreds of sparkling white lights, with an onboard choir filling the night with festive music for passengers and those gathered along the shoreline.
Redondo will be joining in the festivities with a community bonfire as the Christmas Ship makes its visit, creating a cozy spot to gather and enjoy the lights and music from shore.
And there may be even more holiday fun coming! Plans are also in the works for a special Christmas Ship celebration at the Des Moines Marina/Beach Park. Stay tuned as we share more details as they come together.
Whether you hop aboard for the cruise or celebrate from shore, mark your calendar for December 16 and enjoy a little holiday magic on the Des Moines waterfront!
Different Buckets, Different Rules
Ever wonder why the City can fund one project while saying there’s no money for another? Meet the buckets.
The City manages 37 different funds. 36 of them are restricted — by state law or the ballot measure that created them — meaning that money can only be spent on what it was collected for. A Marina fee can’t pave a street. Public Safety Sales Tax dollars can’t pay for a new park.
Only 1 fund — the General Fund — pays for day-to-day operations like police, parks and rec, and public works. It’s also the most flexible bucket, which makes it the busiest one, and the one that has to cover the widest range of needs.
So next time you’re wondering “why don’t they just use that money for X” — now you know: it depends which bucket it’s in.
More Budget101 as we build the 2027–2028 budget. Follow along at the link below!
Parking Lot Improvements Coming to the Marina and Redondo
Two parking lot improvement projects are scheduled for next week at the Des Moines Marina and Redondo, with temporary closures and parking impacts at both locations.
Des Moines Marina – South Parking Lot Striping
Striping of the Marina’s south parking lot will begin Monday, September 7 at 3:00 p.m. and will be completed in two phases:
- September 7–8: North half of the lot, from the Marina Office to approximately J-Dock
- September 9–10: South half of the lot, from J-Dock to E-Dock
The work is expected to take approximately 3–4 days. Please keep vehicles out of the designated work areas while striping is underway.
Redondo – Parking Lot Resurfacing
The Redondo parking lot will be closed Wednesday, September 9 at 9:00 p.m. through Friday, September 11 at 6:00 p.m. for resurfacing.
Visitors to Redondo should plan ahead and use alternate parking where available.
Both projects are weather dependent, and schedules may change if conditions are unfavorable. Thank you for your patience while we complete these improvements!
Did You Know…
Most of us have driven Des Moines Memorial Drive countless times, but did you know the road itself was created as a memorial to those who lost their lives in World War I?
Following the war, the Seattle Garden Club proposed creating a “Living Road of Remembrance.” Rather than building a traditional monument, trees would be planted along the roadway as living tributes to Washington residents who died in the war.
The first memorial elm trees were planted on Armistice Day, November 11, 1921. Eventually, more than 1,400 American elm trees lined the route toward Des Moines. Flowers, including red poppies, forget-me-nots and trillium, were also planted along the roadway.
Over the years, many of the original trees were lost to disease, road improvements and other changes, but efforts to preserve the history of the memorial have continued. In 1984, the roadway was officially renamed Des Moines Memorial Drive, helping ensure its original purpose would not be forgotten.
So, the next time you travel Des Moines Memorial Drive, remember: you’re not just driving down a road—you’re traveling along a living memorial that began more than 100 years ago.
A resident of Wesley Homes came into City Hall recently to pass on her thanks to the City. She recently had a fall and has been very aware of each of her steps. She noticed that one of the sidewalks was raised a bit and she notified the City of the issue. She said she was very pleased to see that it was fixed and was surprised to see that it was done so fast.
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:
- Police Officer-Hiring Incentives Available!
- Records Specialist – Police Department
- Volunteer Opportunities with Des Moines Community Enrichment Services
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
September 3, 2026:
City Council Committee of the Whole:
- Des Moines Creek Estuary – 30% Update
City Council Study Session:
- Downtown Planning Scenarios & Zoning Workshop
September 10, 2026:
City Council Regular Meeting
- Strategic Plan
September 12, 2026:
City Council Budget Retreat
- 2027-2028 Budget
September 3, 2026 Meeting Information
September 10, 2026 Meeting Information
Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items
City Offices Closed in Observance of Labor Day
September 7
Day Trip: Tacoma Rainiers Baseball Game
September 8
Out to Lunch: WildFin – Point Ruston
September 10
City Council Meeting
City Hall
September 10
Day Trip: Crystal Mountain Gondola
September 11
City Council Budget Retreat
City Hall
September 12
Airport Committee Meeting
City Hall
September 14
Out to Lunch: Mandolin Sushi & Japanese Steak House
September 15
Presentation: Smart Living for Your Next Chapter
Activity Center
September 15
Day Trip: Washington State Fair – Puyallup
September 16
Marina Tenant Meeting
Marina Pavilion
September 16
AARP Smart Driving
Activity Center
September 17-18
Waterland Yoga
Soundview Park
September 19
Pop Up Karaoke
Activity Center
September 20
Day Trip: Vashon Island: Oscar the Bird King Troll & Exploring Downtown
September 22
City Council Meeting
City Hall
September 24
Dessert Social
Activity Center
September 24
Out to Lunch: Stonehouse Cafe
September 30
Citizens Advisory Board Meeting
City Hall
September 30
City Council Committee of the Whole & Study Session
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
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
Desssert 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
Have An Upcoming Event You Want To Share?
Share Your Events With Us Here!
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
September 5
Des Moines Farmer’s Market
Des Moines Marina
September 5
The Welcoming Center
Woodmont Library
September 5
Redondo Boardwalk Beats
Redondo
September 5
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
September 5
Waterland Yoga
Soundview Park
September 5
Fantastic Fairy Houses
Woodmont Library
Septeber 6
Rise Support Group
Lighthouse Northwest
September 8
Craft & Chat
Des Moines Library
September 8
LEGO Club
Des Moines Library
September 8
Talk Time: English Conversation Practice
Des Moines Library
September 8
Teen Hangout
Des Moines Library
September 9
The Welcoming Center
Woodmont Library
September 9
Make a Library Card Lanyard
Woodmont Library
September 9
Messy Babies! (Morning Session)
Woodmont Library
September 10
Messy Babies! (Afternoon Session)
Woodmont Library
September 10
Tutors at Des Moines Library (Study Zone)
Des Moines Library
September 10
North Hill Game Night
North Hill Community Center
September 10
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
September 11
9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
South King Fire Station 64
September 11
Preschool Play & Learn
Des Moines Library
September 11
The Welcoming Center
Woodmont Library
September 12
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
September 12
Des Moines Farmer’s Market
Des Moines Marina
September 12
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
September 12
Canning and Preservation Demonstration
Woodmont Library
September 13
STEAM Family Story Time
Woodmont Library
September 14
Tween Zone
Woodmont Library
September 15
Artsy Kids Club
Des Moines Library
September 15
Talk Time: English Conversation Practice
Des Moines Library
September 15
Teen Hangout
Des Moines Library
September 16
The Welcoming Center
Woodmont Library
September 16
Tutors at Des Moines Library (Study Zone)
Des Moines Library
September 17
Baby & Toddler Dance Party
Des Moines Library
September 18
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
September 18
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
September 19
Des Moines Farmer’s Market
Des Moines Marina
September 19
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
September 19
English Language Learners (ELL) Classes
Des Moines Library
September 19
The Welcoming Center
Woodmont Library
September 19
Oktobertfest Cruise
Marina
September 20
STEAM Family Story Time
Woodmont Library
September 21
Builder Babies
Woodmont Library
September 22
Des Moines Writing Group
Des Moines Library
September 22
Pokemon Club
Des Moines Library
September 22
Community of Creators
Woodmont Library
September 22
Talk Time: English Conversation Practice
Des Moines Library
September 22
Mens Arise
Lighthouse Northwest
September 22
Teen Hangout
Des Moines Library
September 23
Reading Buddies
Des Moines Library
September 23
The Welcoming Center
Woodmont Library
September 23
Let’s Glue Crazy! A Kids Craft Night
Woodmont Library
September 23
North Hill Game Night
North Hill Community Center
September 24
Family Story Time
Des Moines Library
September 24
Tutors at Des Moines Library (Study Zone)
Des Moines Library
September 24
After School Hangout
Woodmont Library
September 25
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
September 25
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
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
Teen Hangout
Des Moines Library
September 30
The Welcoming Center
Woodmont Library
September 30
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
October 2
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
October 3
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
October 9
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
October 10
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
October 10
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
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
October 23
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
October 24
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
October 24
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
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
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