I still find it magical to wake up to snow draped cedars. Such an incredible place to live! Along with snow, my last couple weeks have been filled with advocacy and impressive people.
Top Stories
The Pier
Last week the Council decided to consolidate bond funds and move full-on forward with the Redondo Pier. With this new speed, the City hopes to obtain the needed permits so work can be completed inside this year’s fish window, with an opening date in very early 2026.
The Steps
In order to move forward strongly on the Pier, funding from the Marina Steps project was needed. The Steps project is still moving forward in completing the design work, and Council directed Staff to continue searching for the grant funds needed to complete this project.
Session 2025
Our Legislature is in session! Well over a thousand bills are being presented in the combined houses. A couple bills of interest to Des Moines are:
HB 1380 – This bill, presented by Representative Mia Gregerson, addresses the unsheltered. The greatest controversy inside this bill is over what the meaning and implications are of the phrase, “objectively reasonable.” You can read the bill (5 pages) here. You can track its progress here.
SB 5652 – This bill, presented by Senator Orwall, would allow the Port to send mitigation funding into a community to mitigate health impacts. You can read the bill (6 pages) here and you can track its progress here.
You can contact your representatives during the session at the following:
Senator Orwall (33rd District) here
Representative Mia Gregerson (33rd District) here
Representative Edwin Obras (33rd District) here
Senator Claire Wilson (30th District) here
Representative Kristine Reeves (30th District) here
Representative Jamila Taylor (30th District) here
Meetings & Events
Deputy Mayor Steinmetz and I met with Chair Yeremeyev from Sea Tac last week in order to transition the Deputy Mayor into our seat at on the Soundside Alliance for Economic Development. He will be a great voice there!
A few dozen Des Moines business people gathered last week to connect, hear more about how our City works, and learn about what is coming up on the calendar. Thank you to City Staff, as well as Doug Myers and Lindsy Ferrin for hosting “What’s Up Des Moines!”
I had a fantastic opportunity to showcase our city and its parks and trails while attending a grand opening of Pathways Park in Seattle; the most accessible park I have ever visited! This event elevated support for the upcoming King County Parks levy.
As Sound Cities President, one of my greatest privileges is inspiring other electeds to become strong, ethical, and educated voices on behalf of all our citizens. I began that mission this week during our 2025 orientation for our members who serve on over 30 boards and committees throughout King County.
I appreciated a visit with Port Commissioner Felleman this week while we enjoyed the view from Jamar’s! Topics included public health advocacy, city collaboration, and airport impacts.
New Businesses
Please give a hearty welcome to another new business in town; The Des Moines Market! Located right across from Taco Time, in the old 7-11 store, the shelves are full of miscellaneous sundries and a nice selection of wine. Stop in, try out their homemade pizza, and say, “Hi!” to Monti and Kamal!
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Coming Up
Items in my calendar that may be of interest to you:
• February 19 Paint Night @ the Tuscany
• February 21 Attack the Block @ Waterland Arcade
• February 22 Bring Your Kids to College Exploration @ Highline College
• February 22 Sound Healing, Gentle Yin, Guided Meditation @ Shiva Yoga
• February 22 Des Moines Creek Park Run
• February 22 Non Profit Symposium, 9-noon @ Des Moines Activity Center
• February 24 Vinyasa to Yin with Live Sound Bath @ Shiva Yoga,
• February 25 Trivia Night @ the Quarterdeck
• February 27 Cornhole @ the All Star Sports Bar
• February 27 Vincent Neil Emerson @ Wooly’s
• February 27 City Council Meeting @ Des Moines City Hall
• February 27 Economic Development Committee Meeting @ Des Moines City Hall
• February 27 Phyla Training @ MaST Center
March
• March 1 AcuYoga Workshop @ Shiva Yoga
• March 1 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park
• March 1 Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4
• March 4 MINGO Nights @ Marina Mercantile
• March 6 City Council Study Session @ Des Moines City Hall
• March 6 Finance Committee Meeting @ Des Moines City Hall
• March 6 Public Safety Committee Meeting @ Des Moines City Hall
Thank you!!
Thank you for taking time to read! As always, please feel free to reach out to me via phone or email – I would be happy to visit with you! [email protected] – 206-251-2719.
I hope your week is filled with strength and courage - - and as my young friend, Austin Regier would say:
“Never use the stairs to enter a pool.”
If you prefer to read the Mayor's Minutes in a PDF format, see below!
September 3, 2024
September 24, 2024
October 15, 2024
November 1, 2024
November 15, 2024
December 24, 2024
January 15, 2025
February 1, 2025
February 15, 2025