EDITOR’S NOTE: This article has been updated to clarify details about public comment and the City’s revenue breakdown, based on information provided by Des Moines City Manager Katherine Caffrey. We are committed to accuracy and transparency, and we appreciate the City’s assistance in ensuring the public receives correct information.
The Des Moines City Council convened on June 26, 2025, to address topics including public safety, community programs, and city planning.
Concerns about speeding were voiced, while updates were provided on the vibrant summer offerings from King County Library System.
The meeting also included an update on the formation of a strategic plan, a review of recent financial reports, and a reminder about the city’s upcoming Fourth of July drone show.
Public Comments: Speeding Concerns
The story incorrectly stated that City Manager Katherine Caffrey’s comments on speeding concerns were about areas outside City Hall. In fact, her comments referred specifically to 5th Avenue in the Marina District.
One community member spoke during public comments, sharing his concerns about dangerous speeding on roads in the marina district. He said that he had nearly been hit by an unaware speeder the other day. He mentioned that many other neighbors had a similar issue with the amount of speeding lately, and asked for steps to be taken, such as installing speed bumps, as a deterrent.
King County Library Offerings
Managers from Woodmont and Des Moines Public Libraries gave an update on the offerings available this summer through KCLS. The libraries provide many different types of storytimes – from theme-based storytimes to storytimes in Spanish and ASL. These gatherings have become quite popular, often with 40 to 60 kids in attendance.
There are also free events and regular programming for teens and adults. KCLS has a summer reading program for both kids and adults, with prizes available for participants and finishers alike. Check the above links for upcoming events at your local library.
Strategic Plan Update
City Manager Katherine Caffrey explained to the council that staff has completed the search for a company to help create the city’s new Strategic Plan. This plan will inform the work of city staff and, importantly, determine how the city spends its dollars.
Raftelis is a company that has worked with 1,200 cities to create this same type of guiding document. The Raftelis team in question has 30+ years of experience, primarily in west coast cities. The next step will be to negotiate the fee for this service. Caffrey said she will be back with a fee for the council to consider at the July 10 meeting.
Financial Reports
The council heard financial reports for both the first quarter of 2025 and the fourth quarter of 2024. It was explained that there is generally a delay in the fourth quarter report, due to required reporting that the state needs by May each year. Both reports were generally pretty positive, with expenses and revenue staying in the expected range. Many smaller Washington cities are struggling financially, with expenses rising faster than revenue can keep up. It was mentioned that the city of Cle Ellum recently declared bankruptcy. See the links for the full reports on Des Moines finances.
The Redondo speed cameras brought in $883,767 in 2024 revenue. Since they began operating over the summer, they will likely bring in more money over the full year of 2025. However, it was explained that both speed camera and red light camera revenue is slowing down. The whole point of the cameras is to create safer roads after all, not revenue. The money they bring in is restricted to street safety expenditures.
City Manager Caffrey said she felt it was important for people to know where their taxes are going. She shared a chart showing that 30% of the City’s revenue comes from taxes refers to all tax sources combined – including sales tax, property tax, business and occupation (B&O) tax, and square footage tax – not solely property tax. Other major tax recipients include King County and the fire district.
4th Of July
Councilmember Matt Mahoney reminded everyone that fireworks remain illegal in Des Moines. In order to reduce noise, air, and water pollution, the city is once again hosting a free 4th of July Drone Show at the Des Moines Marina. See link for details.
