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Moving Des Moines Forward: Proven Leadership. A Clear Vision for What’s Next.

By Deputy Mayor Harry Steinmetz

Four years ago, the people of Des Moines placed their trust in me to bring stability, transparency, and progress to City Hall. Together, we’ve faced challenges, embraced change, and made real strides toward a more vibrant, connected, and financially secure community. Today, I’m asking for your continued support to keep Des Moines moving forward.

A City in Transition—and Transformation

In the past four years, Des Moines has experienced a period of remarkable transition. We’ve welcomed new leadership across city departments, including a City Manager, Police Chief, Director of Public Works, and Director of Community Development.

When my colleagues selected me to serve as Deputy Mayor, we made a conscious shift toward a more collaborative, transparent, and respectful style of government. Our City Council meetings have become more civil, more productive, and more focused on solutions that serve everyone.

Despite significant financial pressures, we balanced the budget, protected essential services, and reignited long-stalled infrastructure projects that strengthen our city’s foundation.

What We’ve Accomplished—Together

Fiscal Responsibility & Smart Management

  • Transitioned to a biennial budgeting process to strengthen financial planning
  • Closed a major budget gap while protecting key community services
  • Formed a City Council Finance Committee to ensure long-term sustainability
  • Established a warehouse square footage tax, aligning Des Moines with neighboring cities
  • Modernized the pet licensing program to sustain Animal Control services

Public Safety & Human Services

  • Introduced a Behavioral Health Intervention Officer to connect residents in crisis with care and reduce unnecessary arrests
  • Strengthened coordination with regional service providers to ensure individuals experiencing homelessness have access to shelter and pathways to stability
  • Supported our police department through multiple leadership transitions while prioritizing transparency, accountability, and innovation

Infrastructure & Neighborhood Investment

  • Launched marina dock replacements (L, M, and N docks)
  • Completed 24th Avenue South improvements and the Redondo Restroom renovation
  • Awarded the Redondo Pier reconstruction bid and began the Barnes Creek Trail
  • Completed the Veterans Memorial Triangle and advanced the Marina Steps and Estuary Project designs

Community Connection & Civic Engagement

  • Reestablished the Airport Committee and initiated a new Planning Committee
  • Reorganized and strengthened the Community Advisory Board
  • Increased public access to city information through enhanced digital tools and open forums
  • Celebrated local culture through projects like Backstage Alley and the Six-Gilled Shark event
  • Continued progress toward passenger ferry service with King County

Looking Ahead: A Vision Rooted in Service

1. Public Safety and Innovation

Des Moines deserves safe streets and responsive emergency services. I’ll continue championing our behavioral health officer program, preserving our patrol staff, and investing in technology that helps our officers protect the community more effectively.

2. Economic Revitalization at the Waterfront

Our marina is one of the city’s greatest untapped assets. Des Moines can become a regional waterfront destination—like Edmonds, Gig Harbor, or Poulsbo—where residents and visitors alike come to dine, shop, and connect.

We’ll encourage thoughtful development that brings restaurants, small businesses, and walkable spaces to our downtown while maintaining the charm that makes Des Moines feel like home. Our current investments in Redondo, the Marina Steps, and Triangle Memorial Park send a clear message: Des Moines believes in its future, and we’re ready for responsible growth.

3. Strategic Planning and Community Voice

The next phase of Des Moines’ story must be written with the community. We’ll begin a comprehensive strategic planning process—centered around resident input—to shape the marina, downtown, and beyond. Your ideas will help define the city’s priorities for years to come.

4. Sustainable, Balanced Growth

As our population grows, we must plan wisely. Smart development should enhance livability, strengthen city revenues, and ensure the quality of life that draws families here in the first place.

Lessons in Leadership

Serving as your Deputy Mayor has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about winning every argument—it’s about listening, finding common ground, and focusing on what’s best for our city. Through change, budget challenges, and pandemic recovery, I’ve worked to serve every resident with fairness, integrity, and persistence.

Endorsements that Reflect Our Shared Values

I’m deeply honored to have earned support from leaders who share my commitment to community, communication, and transparency—including:

  • Former State Senator Karen Keiser
  • Representative Tina Orwall
  • Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove
  • LiUNA 242
  • Mayor Traci Buxton
  • The 33rd Legislative District Democrats
  • The King County Democrats—and many local leaders, neighbors, and volunteers who believe in Des Moines’ future.

Our Future Starts Here

Des Moines is a rare city—small enough to feel personal, yet positioned at the heart of a growing region. We have neighborhoods rich in history, a waterfront full of opportunity, and a community that truly cares.

With your continued support, I’ll keep working to ensure our progress remains steady, transparent, and community-driven. Together, we can honor our past while building the future Des Moines deserves.

I respectfully ask for your vote to continue this important work. Let’s keep Des Moines moving forward—strong, safe, and united.