Des Moines City Manager Weekly Report for week ending Aug. 16, 2024

City Manager Final Candidates

After a nationwide recruitment and over 30 applicants, the search for the next Des Moines City Manager is now down to the Final Four. Please join us to meet them on August 27th at 6:30 p.m. at the Beach Park Auditorium! This event will feature introductory statements from each candidate as well as an opportunity for personal interaction with each finalist. The names and bios of the finalists will be released on Monday, August 19th. We’ve come a long way in our search, and while it’s been a lengthy process – we are excited for the future, and value what you, the community, has to say!

CERT Team Graduates

From July 10th to August 3rd, the Cities of Des Moines, Normandy Park, and Burien came together for our annual Tri-City Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class. Over four intense weeks, community members were trained by experts from South King Fire and Rescue and Puget Sound Fire and Emergency Management in critical areas such as Search and Rescue, Medical Operations, Local Hazards, and Personal Preparedness.

These dedicated individuals gave their Wednesday evenings to learn essential skills that will help them protect their homes and assist their neighbors in times of crisis. Their tireless efforts have made our community stronger and better prepared for any emergency.

The CERT program is vital in building a resilient community. Participants learn how to manage utilities, extinguish small fires, provide basic medical aid, and much more. It’s a comprehensive training that empowers community members to respond effectively in the crucial moments before professional responders arrive.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated in this year’s CERT class. Your commitment to emergency preparedness is what makes all of our Cities safer and more resilient places to live. Thank you for stepping up and making a difference!

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Redondo Boardwalk Beats

Take a walk in Redondo next Friday, August 23, and you’ll enjoy the final installment of Boardwalk Beats: Live Music on the Redondo Boardwalk.

  • Date: Friday, August 23
  • Time: 5–7 p.m.
  • Location: Redondo Boardwalk
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Final 2024 Concert in the Park – August 21

Our last summer Concert in the Park will be held this upcoming Wednesday, August 21, at the Des Moines Beach Park. The music starts at 7 p.m. and features Des Moines’ own Uncle Ernie! If you haven’t been to one of these events this year, this is your chance. A really fun family-friendly night with food trucks, live music, beautiful scenery, and good vibes all around. More information on this event as well as the City’s Arts Commission can be found here.

Meetings of Interest

In addition to day-to-day administrative duties, this week I met with the City’s Public Works Director to review and receive an update on current City construction projects and also any relevant department issues. I met with the City’s Executive Leadership team to discuss budget strategies as well as overall City issues. I met with Councilmember Harris to discuss topics of interest to him. I met with Councilmember Grace Matsui to discuss topics of interest to her. Finally, I met with Community Development and Legal Department staff to discuss future private development projects in the City.

City Council Summary

There was no City Council meeting this week as the Council does not generally meet on the third Thursday of the month. The Council will also not be meeting next week. The next City Council meeting is scheduled for September 5th for a Study Session to discuss the 2025–26 City budget.

Sports Update

While the Mariners are swinging away in Pittsburgh, the only baseball that really matters this weekend is happening in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where the best of the best will meet for this year’s Little League World Series. Not only is this gearing up to be an excellent tournament as usual, this year the Northwest Region is represented by our very own Puyallup (South Hill) Little League team. The boys take the field today at 4 p.m. on ESPN to face off against Lake Mary out of Florida. Let’s go fellas! NFL preseason continues with the undefeated Seahawks taking on the Tennessee Titans at 4 p.m. on Saturday. WNBA action resumes after their Olympic break with the Storm facing Atlanta today and then Caitlyn Clark and the Fever on Sunday. The Sounders host LAFC on Saturday at 5 p.m.

Have a great weekend!
– Tim George
Interim City Manager