City of Des Moines, WA

Mayor's Minute

Happy May Day; a bridge to summer and a message of hope!

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$1M for Des Moines from the Legislature!
It was Sine Die for our State Legislators on Sunday and one of the most exciting things for Des Moines is an allocation of $1 Million in the State budget to support our Marina Steps Project!

Our Legislators have worked hard. Here is contact information if you would like to thank them:

Senator Orwall (33rd District) here
Representative Mia Gregerson (33rd District) here
Representative Edwin Obras (33rd District) here
Senator Claire Wilson (30th District) here
Representative Kristine Reeves (30th District) here
Representative Jamila Taylor (30th District) here

Q & A
Why aren’t the police arresting for no license plate?
The Police can issue a ticket for no license plate, but because this is not legally a criminal offense, PD can neither arrest nor pursue a driver who flees.

Are after market mufflers illegal?
Yes…but the process to actually issue a ticket for this and have it “stick” is very difficult, and the Court has had dismiss many of these in the past. More work needs to be done at the State level.

When is the Field House Slide going to be done?
(From the City Manager) The additional elements to make it safer are on order! They should be here any day… and we will get those installed ASAP. We are hoping by June. (Fingers and toes crossed sooner…this is beautiful weather to be missing out on it!)

Meetings & Events
I was inspired by this amazing group of women from the League of Women Voters who invited me speak about issues in Des Moines (particularly taxes). They work to support democracy by facilitating voter registration and education about issues. If you wish to join the cause, check them out here.

I appreciated hearing from King County Director if Public Health, Dr. Faisal Khan, as he spoke of the challenges he is facing while working to keep elements of our public health sustainable.

I so appreciate the investment of people in our community, gathering their voices and time to offer input and to hear about our City’s progress! Such was the case in Redondo as a capacity crowd filled the MaST center to hear from our City Manager, Katherine Caffrey

Huge thanks goes to our amazing staff for making Eggstravaganza a fun morning for all at the Activity Center! “Hopping” to see you there again next year!

I felt humbled to be one of the guests of honor at the Vaageyakaaram Vandhel - a Bharatanatyam tribute to poetry, dance and music through the ages. It was a moving and beautiful experience. We have such a rich community.

I am so inspired by Rotarians! Last week, we heard from member Kathy Thompson about Music 4 Life; a terrific, regional program that puts musical instruments into the lives of kids - enriching them forever. If you would like to bring music into the life if a student, check out the program here: https://www.music4life.com/workshops

The PSRC Executive Board met last week and the chief takeaway for Des Moines: They have developed a Tool Box Series, and we will be attending the session on, “Streamlining Housing with Pre-Approved ADU Plans.” Stay tuned!

I feel blessed to be surrounded by regional leaders who are investing heavily in our young people; preparing them for living wage jobs. The Southside Chamber partnered with Highline College, Highline School District, LiUNA 242, City of Kent, and myriad other agencies and orgs to host 100s of South Sound high school students for a monumental educational fair. Touché Southside: “We are better Together!”

What a delight to participate in the annual Coho Release at the Des Moines Creek trailhead! A great crowd of families gathered for education, games, and sending off our little salmon into the world. Des Moines will be partnering with SeaTac in future events!

I appreciated the annual Earth Day celebration at hosted by Friends of Saltwater Park! Always a great time for the whole family – hoping to see you next year!

The Rotary Club of Des Moines/Normandy Park partnered with Top Golf last weekend to raise support for the Des Moines Food Bank, Des Moines Parks and Rec, and The United Way. I was simply there to provide “swinging” entertainment to those who really do know how to golf! 😉

Click on the links above if you would like to join the cause!

New Businesses

There is a new restaurant in town; Porto Vino!
Check them out on 223rd and 7th Ave - https://portovinopnw.com/

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 9 Level Up Your Yoga Practice
May 9 LiUNA Ribbon Cutting
May 10 Discovery Day @ MaST Center
May 10 Sip and Shop
May 10 Mrs. Roper Romp
May 10 South Sound Opening Day Boating Celebration
May 10 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park
May 11 Live Music @ the Quarterdeck
May 12 Porto Vino Ribbon Cutting
May 13 Trivia Nights @ Quarterdeck
May 17 Spring Pop Up Yoga @ the Des Moines Theater
May 17 Discovery Day @ MaST Center
May 17 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park – Sponsored by Lighthouse Northwest
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 5 City Council Study Session @ Des Moines City Hall
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 Stormefest
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!