City of Des Moines Breaks New Ground with ‘City Currents’ Magazine

In a dramatic departure from the traditional paper newsletter, the City of Des Moines announced Monday (Feb. 4) the introduction of its own glossy-format magazine, called “City Currents.” The four-color... [Read more]

‘It’s Quite a Crisis’ – The City of Normandy Park is Rapidly Going Broke

"A structural problem" – Normandy Park City Manager Doug Schulze. by Ralph Nichols Normandy Park, one of King County’s smallest suburban cities, is rapidly going broke. City Manager Doug... [Read more]

LETTER: ‘I Read Mr. Wasson’s Letter with Great Interest…’

I read Mr. Wasson’s letter with great interest. I can certainly sympathize and I think I understand his frustration. No, this is not where we wanted or hoped the city and its police force would be in... [Read more]

LETTER: ‘Do You Think You Are Living in a Safe City? You May be Surprised…’

To the Editor of The Waterland Blog, Do you remember in 2006 when we voted for a “levy lid lift” tax to restore 12 police department staff positions that had been cut in previous years due to budget... [Read more]

Des Moines City Manager Says City is Open for Business

Des Moines has long been considered unfriendly to developers and to those just wanting to remodel and redevelop their own properties. People seeking city permits were often confronted with a set of difficult to understand regulations…

LETTER: Sandra Higgins Responds To Al Isacc’s Letter On Proposition 1

Thanks to Mr. Isaac for putting together a list of the progress Des Moines has made in the past few years toward realizing its real potential. Proposition 1 comes at a tough time for many people, yes,... [Read more]

Starting Nov. 1, Your Garbage (etc.) Will Be Picked Up By CleanScapes

Beginning Nov. 1, 2011, Des Moines residents and businesses will begin having their garbage, recycling and compost picked up by CleanScapes, a Seattle-based solid waste and recycling company that is taking... [Read more]

City Council Adopts New Regulations For Downtown Marina District

On June 30th, the Des Moines City Council vote to enact zoning changes in the downtown Marina District that “removes recognized hindrances to growth while creating flexibility and incentives to encourage... [Read more]

Clowns, Princesses, Pirates & More – Over 40 Entries In Saturday’s Parade!

The big day for the 2011 Waterland Parade is this Saturday, July 23rd, and it looks like it’ll be a doozie – with the Seafair Clowns, Seafair Pirates, Miss Seafair and her princesses, a Children’s... [Read more]

Des Moines Recruiting New Members For City’s Planning Agency

The City of Des Moines is currently recruiting new members for the city’s Planning Agency. The Planning Agency is a seven member board that makes advisory decisions to the City Council on land use and... [Read more]

Open Houses, Public Hearing Set For Proposed Plan For Downtown Des Moines

by Ralph Nichols Two open houses followed by a public hearing have been scheduled by the Des Moines City Council for a proposed zoning ordinance to help create a thriving downtown business district. Open... [Read more]

Public Hearing Will Focus on Proposed Changes To Downtown Des Moines

by Ralph Nichols Will new development that brings taller buildings, more retail and more residents to downtown Des Moines also re-energize this slow-moving business district? Local residents will soon... [Read more]

Another Candidate Throws His Hat Into City Council Ring: Dave Markwell

Another candidate has thrown his hat into the ring to run for the Des Moines City Council (as we reported March 28, Carri Litowitz also announced her candidacy) – Des Moines native, longtime resident,... [Read more]

Des Moines Senior Services Advisory Committee Has An Opening

The City of Des Moines is accepting applications for an opening on the Des Moines/Normandy Park Senior Services Advisory Committee. The purpose of the Senior Services Advisory Committee is to advise the... [Read more]

SNOW UPDATE: No Garbage/Recycling, Limited Snow Routes

Last night’s snowfall has affected the Des Moines (and greater King County) area, causing many delays, closures, snow routes for buses and more, including lots of kids and families out having fun... [Read more]

Lawsuit Expected Today Against Des Moines Over Police Killing of Rosie

by Ralph Nichols A lawsuit is expected to be filed today (Feb. 11) against the City of Des Moines and the Des Moines Police Department in connection with the Nov. 7 shooting of Rosie the Newfoundland... [Read more]

LETTER: Some Recommendations For Des Moines Animal Control

TO THE WATERLAND BLOG EDITOR: Thank you for the update on the Pierce County Animal Control recommendations.  I commend Des Moines for following through and getting these suggestions in addition to keeping... [Read more]

City Council Finishes Revising Its Rules With No More Heated Outbursts

by Ralph Nichols Long-simmering discord on the Des Moines City Council over what the role of the mayor should be boiled over last October during a discussion on revising council rules. But last week the... [Read more]

Architect’s Rendering Offers First Glimpse Of New Hotel Planned for Des Moines

Architect's rendering of the proposed new Artemis Hotel, to be located in Des Moines. Click on image to see larger version. by Ralph Nichols The lodging corridor serving Sea-Tac International Airport,... [Read more]

Des Moines Council Members To Zero In On Balancing City’s 2011 Budget

by Ralph Nichols Des Moines Finance Director Paula Henderson recently told city council members that she doesn’t “see a bottom” to the current economic downtown. And today’s (Nov. 18) news from... [Read more]