What keeps me up at night? Coyotes – because it’s Spring!
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Non-Profit Summit
Des Moines just hosted its first Non-Profit Summit! Gathering together leaders from every corner of service in our City, we listened and learned. This was not only a fabulous opportunity to support our partner agencies and groups, but to connect, build bridges, and discover who is doing what in our town. From events and fundraisers, to meeting, touching, supporting, and educating individuals and families in need, we are looking forward to a vibrant year!
One goal of the collaborative meeting was to put together a community calendar that also has links to services. We are hoping to incorporate this feature into our new website this year. Stay tuned!
Session 2025
Our Legislature is still session! As of today, well over half the bills originally presented have died. Of interest to Des Moines:
I testified on behalf of Senator Orwall’s SB 5652 which would have increased mitigation for health impacts as a result of the airport. Though this bill failed, we believe that HB 1303 may accomplish many of the same things. You can read about the bill here.
HB 1380, presented by Representative Mia Gregerson, addresses the unsheltered. The greatest controversy inside this bill is over the meaning and implications of the phrase, “objectively reasonable.” Almost all South King County Mayors have signed a letter of concern. You can read the bill (5 pages) here. You can track its progress here.
HB 1923, brought by Representative Nance, is the “Mosquito Fleet Act.” If this passes, support and funding may be very helpful to Des Moines in securing a ferry route to our Marina. You can read about it here.
You can contact your representatives during the session at the following:
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
Meetings & Events
Welcome, Redondo Heights!
I was able to join with several regional community leaders to welcome the Redondo Heights development. Though not in Des Moines proper, it is right across the street on 271st. Many services will be provided to the community including a food bank!
AWC City Action Days
Each year, the Association of Washington Cities hosts electeds from all over the State to connect, learn, and advocate.
Joining me was City Manager Katherine Caffrey, Community Development Director, Rebecca Deming, Legislative Advocate, Anthony Hemstad, and Deputy Mayor, Harry Steinmetz as we visited with our 33rd and 30th District legislators to advocate for Des Moines!
We Empower Africa
This week, I had the great opportunity to gather, enjoy amazing food, and support We Empower Africa! During our dinner, we were able to raise funds for a child needing surgery. Thank you, Bettina Carey for being the Chef and hostess extraordinaire!
Puget Sound Regional Council
Participating on the Executive Board of PSRC, we are briefed about significant regional issues on a monthly basis. Of great interest to Des Moines is the securing of passenger ferries in Puget Sound. This month, PSRC distributed letters to both the State and Federal Governments in support of a fleet of small ferries, and I signed in support, in accordance with Des Moines Legislative Agenda. Hoping!
Read Across America!
These kids made my month! What a delight to read to grade-schoolers at St. Philomena’s in celebration of Read Across America Day!
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.
MARCH
March 4 MINGO Nights @ Marina Mercantile
March 6 City Council Study Session @ Des Moines City Hall
March 6 Public Safety Committee Meeting @ Des Moines City Hall
March 6 LiUNA 242 Women’s Committee Meeting
March 8 Pisces Party @ Jamar’s Sports Bar
March 8 Inversion Workshop Arm Balances @ Shiva yoga
March 8 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park
March 11 Trivia Night @ Quarterdeck
March 13 Transportation Committee Meeting @ Des Moines City Hall
March 13 Environment Committee Meeting @ Des Moines City Hall
March 13 City Council Meeting @ Des Moines City Hall
March 13 St. Patrick’s Day Paint Party @ Jamar’s Sports Bar
March 14 Drag Queen Bingo @ Normandy Park Cove
March 14 Ian Jones @ the Quarterdeck
March 15 St. Patrick’s Cookie Class @ Marina Mercantile
March 15 PINBRAWL at the Waterfront @ Waterland Arcade
March 15 Estate Planning Best Practices @ Woodmont Library
March 15 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park
March 18 MINGO Nights @ Marina Mercantile
March 18 Bingo Night @ Quarterdeck
March 19 Paint Nite @ Tuscany Restaurant
March 21 Attack the Block @ Waterland Arcade
March 22 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park
March 25 Trivia Night @ Quarterdeck
March 26 Watercolor Pansies Paint & Sip @ Marina Mercantile
March 27 Municipal Facilities Committee Meeting @ Des Moines City Hall
March 27 Economic Development Committee Meeting @ Des Moines City Hall
March 27 City Council Meeting @ Des Moines City Hall
March 29 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park
March 31 Monday Mariner Madness @ Waterland Arcade
APRIL
April 3 City Council Study Session @ Des Moines City Hall
April 5 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park
April 5 Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4
April 8 Trivia Night @ Quarterdeck
April 10 City Council Meeting @ Des Moines City Hall
April 12 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park
April 15 Bingo Night @ Quarterdeck
April 19 Eggstravaganza @ the Des Moines Activity Center
April 19 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park
April 22 Trivia Night @ Quarterdeck
April 23 Community Shredding Event @ the Des Moines Activity Center
April 24 City Council Meeting @ Des Moines City Hall
April 26 Annual Salmon Release @ Des Moines Creek
April 26 SR3 Community Open House
April 26 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park
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] – 206-251-2719
I hope you have a terrific week ahead and that you might have the magical experience of being woken up by hooting owls.
If you prefer to read the Mayor's Minutes in a PDF format, see below!
September 3, 2024
September 24, 2024
October 15, 2024
November 1, 2024
November 15, 2024
December 24, 2024
January 15, 2025
February 1, 2025
February 15, 2025
March 1, 2025