Des Moines Development News
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City Council Meeting 06/25/2026
Published: Jun 25, 2026
De Moines Advances Economic Vitality Initiatives, Focusing on Downtown Revitalization and Development
The city is presenting an informational update on various initiatives underway related to economic vitality, a key priority area in the strategic plan. These initiatives focus on revitalizing downtown, encouraging business investment, and developing the Pacific Highway corridor. Specific efforts include a land use study examining zoning and density, research into a vacant commercial space registration program, and the utilization of a Port of Seattle grant to gather data on development barriers. The city is also considering the Multifamily Tax Exemption tool and has applied for an Opportunity Zone designation. Discussions with WSDOT about the turnback of Marine View Drive are expected to enhance the city's control over downtown land use. Several council members voiced enthusiasm for the city's momentum and potential, while others highlighted the importance of data-driven decisions and strategic engagement with the Port of Seattle.
De Moines Initiates Comprehensive Review of Downtown Zoning, Land Use, and Economic Development Strategies
The city is initiating a comprehensive study to re-evaluate downtown zoning and density, aiming to understand past development limitations and identify feasible land use changes. This process will involve multiple work sessions with the council and planning commission to analyze market feasibility, financial implications, and potential revenues and costs associated with zoning changes. Concurrently, the planning commission will review all zoning codes, including potential updates to development regulations, housing capacity, and transit-oriented development requirements. A separate initiative is underway to research options for a vacant commercial space registration program, drawing examples from other cities to identify barriers to occupancy and redevelopment. Additionally, the city is exploring the Multifamily Tax Exemption tool as an economic development strategy and is awaiting the designation of an Opportunity Zone on Pacific Highway to attract private capital. Discussions are also beginning with WSDOT regarding the turnback of Marine View Drive, which will give the city more control over its land use and streetscape.
De Moines Council Considers Expanding Use of Automated Traffic Safety Cameras
The De Moines City Council is considering an ordinance to update and expand the use of automated traffic safety cameras. This proposed ordinance would authorize the use of cameras in new locations beyond school zones, including park zones and school walk zones, and would allow for the 24-hour operation of cameras in school zones. The ordinance aims to address speeding issues identified through traffic studies and enhance road safety. Four specific locations have been identified for potential camera installation based on data analysis, with a focus on the safety and livability of the neighborhoods where these cameras would be placed. The proposal includes updating existing language to align with state regulations and clarifying the conditions for camera usage and enforcement.
De Moines City Council Reviews Q4 2025 and Q1 2026 Financial Reports, Addresses Budgetary Concerns
The De Moines City Council received updates on the city's financial performance for the fourth quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026. The fourth quarter report showed an improvement from a projected operating loss to a surplus, with the unrestricted fund balance exceeding policy targets. However, a dispute over property tax exemptions for Wesley Homes led to lower-than-expected property tax collections, necessitating conservative budget assumptions for future years. The first quarter 2026 report indicated that general fund revenues exceeded budget by 3% and expenditures were 2% below budget, an unusual positive performance for the first quarter. Significant one-time revenues from construction projects were noted, emphasizing the need to distinguish between recurring and non-recurring funding sources. The city is also monitoring declining red light camera revenue and flat regular sales tax collections, while noting opportunities from new developments and a public safety sales tax. Public defender costs continue to be a pressure point, with the city exploring the use of new sales tax revenues to offset these expenses.
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The Des Moines News archive
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