From major infrastructure debates to exciting summer festivities, the June 11, 2026 Des Moines City Council meeting gave residents plenty to look forward to and much to discuss.
The council heard a budget presentation from South King Housing and Homelessness Partners and received a critical update on the Port of Seattle’s controversial airport expansion plans.
Staff also shared details of a brand-new format for the 4th of July celebration, an upcoming World Cup watch party, and the official opening ceremony for the new Redondo Pier.
SKHHP Budget Presentation
The council heard a budget plan presentation from Dorsol Plants, acting executive manager of South King Housing & Homelessness Partners (SKHHP). SKHHP pools money contributed from twelve member jurisdictions, using those funds to support the development and preservation of regional affordable housing. A total of $18 million has been pooled from partner cities since SKHHP’s inception in 2019. SKHHP has the goal of funding at least one housing project in each partner city.
SKHHP’s total operational budget will be $525,008 in 2027. According to the presentation, 68% of SKHHP’s operating budget is used to pay the salary and benefits of two full-time staff members. Councilmember Jeremy Nutting asked how they spent over $350,000 on two full-time employees. Plants explained that since SKHHP is located in the city of Auburn, that city determines the salary and benefits of SKHHP employees. They are government employees, and their salary is based on experience according to the city’s employee structure.
In 2028, Plants said operational expenses are likely to increase, in which case they will be asking cities for higher contributions. Contributions are based on city population size, and Des Moines currently pays $15,086 annually toward this fund.
Councilmember Nutting asked if there was any association between SKHHP and the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) which is facing potential dissolution after an audit showed millions of dollars in unaccounted-for funds. According to Dorsol Plants, the two organizations have no direct working relationship. Plants said he does go to KCRHA’s meetings to stay abreast of what they are working on.
Councilmember JC Harris was the lone no vote on approving the SKHHP budget plan. Harris explained that he always votes no on this, as SKHHP does not accomplish the work they have set out to do.
Airport Expansion Plans
Dave Kaplan, local government public relations manager for the Port of Seattle, gave an update on the planned airport expansion after a recent environmental review. The FAA determined that there would be “no significant difference in the impact” to area cities, whether the airport expands or not. It is believed that users of the airport, which numbered 52.7 million last year, will only increase, regardless of any changes to the facility itself. The airport is already well beyond its current capacity, according to Kaplan.
Kaplan explained that the Port went above and beyond requirements set by the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). He said the 60-day comment period is double what is required by the state. In addition, they’ve analyzed things like potential impacts to human health, air quality, particulate matter, and cumulative risks. According to the report, the only significant finding was an impact to surface transportation, which the Port will be working to mitigate.
The Port is holding several public meetings to get feedback, including one in Des Moines on June 23rd. In addition, comments can be made online or via email. Kaplan said every comment is reviewed and responded to. See link above for ways to connect with the Port or attend a meeting.
Dave Kaplan shared that one facility is never going to be able to meet the expected demand, and in the long term a second airport major is definitely needed. He said it’s up to state legislation to make that happen, and the Port supports the creation of another airport as SEA can’t possibly handle the predicted growth even with the expansion.
Deputy Mayor Gene Achziger said the community is already suffering from significant air quality issues. These issues will only worsen with the growth in aircraft traffic that the Port proposes. He asked why the Port opposed legislation that would have funded mitigation of adverse air quality impacts currently associated with operations at SeaTac. In response, Kaplan said “Port comments related to that legislation speak for themselves”. Later, he said mitigation funds had been cut by the state as part of their budget cuts.
New 4th Of July Event
This year Des Moines is making huge changes to how the city celebrates the 4th of July. This is in response to requests from the community, who felt that too much money was being spent on fireworks and drones during one extravaganza each year. Reducing the cost of this one event allows the city to spread out the same funds to other events throughout the year.
This 4th of July marks the country’s 250th birthday. Local celebrations will include live entertainment throughout the day, including musicians and a magic show. The Declaration of Independence will be read. There will be a dunk tank with a canned food drive, arts & craft activities, multiple bounce houses, many types of games, and a beer garden. Typical Saturday events will still be happening as well at the waterfront, including the Des Moines Creek Parkrun that morning at 9 a.m., and the Farmers Market.
Fifa World Cup At Des Moines Theater
Councilmember Pierre Blosse said that anyone who wants to see the Australia vs. USA World Cup match at the Des Moines Theater on Friday, June 19 should secure their tickets now. Tickets are free, but need to be reserved in advance here. The theater will have Australian and American-themed foods and drinks available to purchase. Doors open at 10:30 am, with the match starting at Noon.
Redondo Pier Ribbon Cutting
Deputy Mayor Gene Achziger shared that there will be a ribbon cutting and dedication for the new Redondo Pier this Saturday, June 13. He said the event will take place at 11 a.m. and is open to the public.
