As we begin a new year, I am full of hope and excitement for the good things ahead!
Top Story – New Businesses!
We have some new businesses in town and they would love your patronage!
The first is TN SLEEP APPLIANCES, 22625 Pacific Hwy So and is the same location as All Smiles Dental.
Another is IRIS & PEONY at 22330 Backstage Alley – behind the Theater. Please come and join us for a ribbon-cutting and grand opening on Feb 1, from 1-4pm!
And you won’t want to miss saying “Hi!” to Joupa at JUMPIN' JAMBALAYA – right in the middle of the Highline College Campus, and let your mouth water just thinking about the terrific southern food!
Quick Q & A
I have participated in over 30 engagements with residents, colleagues, and staff in the last couple weeks, and here are a couple top Q&A items:
What is the deal with our Flags?
We have a US Flag that flies at City Hall, a US flag that flies with companion military flags in a pavilion at Steven J Underwood Park, and a magnificent flag that flies in our Veteran’s Triangle at the entrance to the City. The US flags are replaced each year before Memorial Day if needed, while the armed forces flags are also checked for the need to replace. Our flags are retired properly accordance with US Statute.
What will happen to the King County seat vacated by Dave Upthegrove?
After Dave swears in as Commissioner of Public Lands, Executive Constantine will recommend three candidates to the King County Council. After deliberation, the Council will appoint a person for our District #5. The seat will also be up for election this year.
Meetings & Events
Since the last Minute, I have enjoyed holiday events with the community and appreciated many opportunities to advocate and educate regarding our city!
The Polar Plunge got the year off to a chilly start!
The Sound Cities Association gathers elected leaders from every City in the County and asks our Legislators to support and advocate for us. This year we are making public Safety, giving cities options for revenue, and supporting city infrastructure our highest priorities.
The Association of Washington Cities does a similar thing for the cities of Washington State. This last week, they gathered the Mayors of South King County for their input, and the priorities are very similar.
Many of these same Mayors gather monthly to discuss issues of importance to us. This week we took a deep dive into homelessness legislation coming through Olympia, and how it may affect our cities. We also discussed property tax assessments and transportation issues.
It was also a treat to meet our new State Representative; Edwin Obras! Our Legislative Advocate Anthony Hemstad and I had the privilege of being able to brief him on the priorities most important to Des Moines – particularly public safety and airport impacts.
Proclamations!
This month is not only Korean American Day . . .
when we honor and remember the struggles of those who have found refuge in the US, and have contributed greatly to our communities in every way, but . . .
It is also Trafficking Awareness Month! If you would like to help and organization who is working to support those coming out of trafficking, please consider The Genesis Project. This is a fabulous organization and the City of Des Moines supports their work.
Coming Up
Items in my calendar that may be of interest to you
January 18-31 - Tea Reservations @ Marina Mercantile
January 18th - Des Moines Creek Park Run – Des Moines Beach Park
January 18th – Bring Your Kids to College, Highline College
January 18-19th – R&B Only Party, Jamar’s Sports Bar
January 18th - Sound Bathe, Gentle Yin, Guided Meditation, Shiva Yoga
January 20th – City Offices closed in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January 21st – MINGO Nights, Marina Mercantile
January 21st - Karaoke Night at Waterland Arcade
January 22nd – Succulent Dish Garden Class, Iris & Peony
January 22nd – Zero Emission Vehicle Cooperative Ribbon Cutting, 10:00 a.m. Des Moines Marina
January 23rd – NA Wine Tasting Night, Marina Mercantile
January 23rd – Municipal Facilities Committee Meeting – Des Moines City Hall
January 23rd – Economic Development Committee Meeting – Des Moines City Hall
January 23rd – Council Meeting – Des Moines City Hall
January 25th – Des Moines Creek Park Run – Des Moines Beach Park
January 25th – Paper Holder Basket Weaving
January 28th - Karaoke Night at Waterland Arcade
January 29th – Mohai Tour, Program
February 1st - Iris & Peony Ribbon Cutting, 1-4
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 new year is beginning with hope, vision, and strength for all that is ahead!
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