City of Des Moines, WA

Mayor's Minute

Mayor Minute 5.20.25

“Pursue peace like your life is depending on it.” – the Apostle Peter

Top Stories

Who’s running for City Council?
Filing week is closed and the final candidates for our next Council are now published. Click below to visit the King County website, where you will also be able to link to their contact information.
https://info.kingcounty.gov/kcelections/Vote/contests/who-has-filed.aspx

The Farmer’s Market is opening soon!
The Des Moines Farmer’s Market is operated by a non-profit organization (not the City), and they need help this summer! If you would like to be part of an organization that brings immeasurable value and is a dynamic centerpiece to our City, please follow the link below!
https://dmfm.org/

Q & A

When will the Veteran’s Memorial flag fly?
Monday, May 26, 1:30 pm. Hope to see you there!

When will the Redondo Parking gates be working?
The gates are in and the City will be offering 30 days of free parking! More info available in today’s City Manager Report. https://www.desmoineswa.gov/news/what_s_new/city_manager_reports

Meetings & Events
LiUNA 242
Last week, Laborers Local Union 242 made history with the ribbon cutting of their new training facility that is in partnership with @nwlaborerstraining! This facility will be a workforce development engine for our region. Strategically located right here in Des Moines, our City Council celebrated them by declaring May 9th, 2025 Laborers Local Union 242 day!

SR3
I “adopted” a seal pup! This was a special event, but you can support our marvelous sea life hospital, too! The only one north of California, this facility is critical in support of our sea life mammals. https://www.sealifer3.org/?form=donate

St Anne’s Hospital
St. Anne’s Hospital (formerly Highline) soared to a nationally recognized, highest rating of “A” in an unprecedented handful of years under the leadership of Ketul Patel, CEO of Virginia Mason/Franciscan. It was an honor to hear from him and I am thankful for such a facility serving our community. More info: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0WHnDeFWhiFEygpkYZMZ84eNLaHdLfQH91AJ18cKpCpbna2FFR5TSnVjXmTrQw6nhl&id=100086230617680

Ferry
UK company Artemis is partnering with Delta Marine to build boats in the US. The Puget Sound would be a perfect place for an electric water taxi fleet, and Des Moines would be the perfect stop! More info about Artemis: https://www.artemistechnologies.co.uk/

The New “Community Center"
King County libraries are becoming the new educational community center. With tech resources, remote access office pods, and public meeting spaces available, libraries are staying relevant. It was a pleasure to meet with Executive Director Heidi Daniel and Gov Affairs Director John Shelling. Come check out the Des Moines library and get a cool new card!

An Impressive Student
“I am concerned about the homeless . . . Have you considered these ideas?” Such was only part of an impressive letter I received from Mt Rainier High School student Josefa M. Way to go, Josefa!

Sip-n-Shop
What a kick it was to participate in this treasure hunt through town! Sip-n-Shop is done for now, but these businesses are still offering amazing eats, treats, and treasures. Check out the map for locations!

Boating Season!
In a moving ceremony, guests from all over the South Sound gathered at our yacht club to bless the fleet and proclaim May 10 as opening day of boating season!

Judson Park
City Manager, Katherine Caffrey and I had the delightful pleasure of giving a presentation about city issues to the residents of Judson Park. If your group or organization would appreciate a similar presentation, please reach out to me – see contact info below!

What’s Up Des Moines?
Doug Myers and Lindsy Ferrin hosted another fabulous business community gathering at the Quarterdeck! What’s Up Des Moines is a quarterly gathering designed to connect our small businesses with what is going on in town, and offering partnership for events and activities.

North Hill
Public Works Director Mike Slevin and I had the honor of giving a presentation about city issues to the community members of North Hill. If your group or organization would appreciate a similar presentation, please reach out to me – see contact info below!

Dollars for Scholars
Each year, the Des Moines Yacht Club hosts a Dollars for Scholars event in which several community organizations have the opportunity to offer grants to outstanding seniors in our community. “Impressive” does not do these young people justice. Our future is in good hands!

Coming Up

Items in my calendar that may be of interest to you:

For more detailed information on the events listed, as well as additional events, please visit the City's calendar on the website by clicking here.

MAY
May 20 Bingo Night @ Quarterdeck
May 21 Paintnite @ Tuscany
May 22 City Council Meeting @ Des Moines City Hall
May 23 Sound Healing, Guided Meditation, Restorative Yoga
May 24 Discovery Day @ MaST Center
May 24 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park
May 26 Memorial Triangle Ribbon Cutting
May 27 Trivia Nights @ Quarterdeck
May 31 Discovery Day @ MaST Center
May 31 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park
May 31 Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4

JUNE
June 5 City Council Study Session @ Des Moines City Hall
June 6 Boardwalk Beats @ Redondo Boardwalk
June 7 Des Moines Farmer’s Market @ Des Moines Marina
June 7 Discovery Day @ MaST Center
June 7 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park
June 7 Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4
June 10-12 Stormfest
June 10 Trivia Night @ Quarterdeck
June 12 City Council Meeting @ Des Moines City Hall
June 14 Des Moines Farmer’s Market @ Des Moines Marina

Thank you!!
Thank you for taking time to read! As always, please feel free to reach out to me via phone or email – I would be happy to visit with you! [email protected] – 206-251-2719️

If you prefer to read the Mayor's Minutes in a PDF format, see below!

Mayor's Minute 5.20.25.pdf