During the Des Moines City Council Study Session on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, public debate and council action centered on two key issues: the controversial Marina Steps project and a new ordinance for short-term rentals.
The meeting highlighted a significant divide among residents as well as council members regarding the Marina Steps, a project that proponents view as a vital economic and community asset, while opponents argue for fiscal caution.
Concurrently, the council moved forward with regulations for short-term rentals, an effort aimed at addressing the growing popularity of this industry and the challenges it presents for the city.
The decisions made at this meeting reflect the city’s ongoing efforts to balance economic development with community concerns and responsible governance.
Public Comment: Marina Steps & Short Term Rentals
Many people spoke during the public comments period, and the majority of speakers had strong opinions on whether the city should build the controversial Marina Steps.
In favor of the project, people said not to wait on this construction, which would mean losing grant funds. They said the steps will be an economic draw and leave a lasting legacy: Parks can change communities and enhance quality of life. It was mentioned that building the Des Moines Marina back in the 1970s was a bold move at the time, and probably wasn’t embraced by everyone either. Former mayor Matt Pena said the connectivity that the stairs will provide will support all businesses, and the cost is short term pain for long term gain.
Against the steps, speakers argued for fiscal conservatism. The $10 million dollar project was referred to as the “stairs to nowhere”. One speaker said the planned splash pad would be a “nightmare to maintain”. They said no parent would let their children play on a playground set in a steep hillside. They also argued that this decision should be left to the incoming council.
Other speakers showed up to express support for short-term rentals, both vacation destinations that rent by the night, and outdoor pools and yards that rent by the hour. They said that these small businesses help to foster community, as well as provide a place for visiting family to stay or neighbors to gather together.
Marina Steps Project Moves Forward
After much debate and a strongly split 4-3 vote, the Marina Steps Project will go out to bid. As Councilmember Matt Mahoney said, these steps should have already been built by now. The project has been many years in the making, and costs have only gone up. However, through value-engineering the design, engineers managed to bring costs down from $11.7 to an estimated $10 million, with options that could reduce the cost by another half million. These options could include eliminating the splash park, playground, and lighting. Bids should come in this September, and if all goes as planned the project will be done in the summer of 2026.
The no votes came from Councilmembers JC Harris, Gene Achziger, and Yoshiko Grace Matsui. Councilmember Harris said there should be a consensus on such a momentous project. Councilmember Achziger said the city should be focusing on protecting its current assets instead of extending itself financially for a new project. Councilmember Grace Matsui said the public is against this project, which will have the lowest return on investment of anything the city could do.
Deputy Mayor Harry Steinmetz said this has actually been a very popular idea, and the city has already sunk a lot of time and resources into it. He said families need more amenities at the marina, and it’s the right time to get this done. Mayor Traci Buxton argued that placemaking is economically valuable, therefore building these steps is fiscally responsible.
Short Term Rentals Ordinance Passes
To date, Des Moines has had no regulations in place for either short term rentals or amenities rentals, and tonight an ordinance regulating short term rentals was unanimously passed to a second reading. Regarding amenity rentals, which include outdoor rentals such as backyards and pools, the discussion has just begun and will continue at a future meeting.
The ordinance for short term rentals includes instituting a permit fee, along with regulations about occupancy levels, number of bookings, street parking, and conduct. Owners found to not have a permit would receive a civil infraction. It was agreed that owners should send out a form letter to neighbors to inform them of the planned use of the property, along with contact information should issues arise during rentals. Owners would also be required to pass a one-time inspection of the property prior to occupancy, to be sure the unit is up to code.
Amenity rentals are not generally regulated in other cities yet, as the idea is relatively new. However, it is becoming more popular, and a few cities do have regulations in place regarding pool rentals. One city has banned them altogether. Regulations are meant to reduce issues around safety, noise, parking, and traffic. The state of Washington is likely to pass its own pool rental regulations in the near future, at which time Des Moines would have to update any ordinance that is approved. Amenity rentals will be discussed in further detail at a future meeting.
