b'By City Manager D ear Des Moinesprovide more accessible and meaningfulevents, and we are exploring new ways From the City ManagerCommunity, opportunities for engagement. to engage in person in 2025. I have By the timeFirst and foremost, we will beenjoyed attending several neighborhood this issue ofCurrents overhauling and redesigning the Cityassociation events and community reaches your mailbox,website to serve as a comprehensivegroup meetings. Please feel free to KatherineI will have been on thehub for information and updates, whilereach out if you would like me to attend Caffrey job for just over threealso being easy toone of your group months! Its been anavigate. Whethermeetings.whirlwind since I started,you need detailsCommunity engagementWe are also and Im finally beginning to feel a bitabout city services,is a shared journey. Weenhancing our use settledno longer depending on GPS toupcoming events,of social media get around, which feels like a huge success.or public projects,can achieve much moreplatforms to Over the past few months, Iveour goal is to makewhen we work together. provide real-time enjoyed meeting community membersthis informationupdates and regular and business owners who live andeasy to find. Thecommunication. work in Des Moines. One of the mostwebsite will includeIf you dont significant concerns Ive heard about isoptions for you toalready follow us the need for better communication andprovide feedback byon Facebook, we community engagement. My sincerereporting concerns or alerting us to anencourage you to do so! You can find goal is for you to feel informed, heard,issue in the community. our page under City of Des Moines, and involved in the decision-makingIn addition to utilizing digital tools,Washington. Each week, I share a City processes that shape our city. To thiswe recognize how valuable face-to-faceManager Report that includes news end, we are implementing severalinteractions can be. Last fall, we hostedfrom City Hall, upcoming events, and measures to connect with you better andthree Coffee with the City Managerother relevant information for you. In 2025, we plan to transform this report into an electronic newsletter delivered directly to your inbox! By following us on social media, youll learn how to sign up once we develop this feature.Another key focus area is increasing Zenithtransparency around city budgeting and finances. This past fall, the City held its first Budget Town Hall, and we plan to continue and expand this practice in the future.Holland Lastly, I want to emphasize that community engagement is a shared Nursery & Gift journey. We can achieve much more when we work together. Whether you choose to attend public meetings, participate in City programs, or simply share your ideas with us, your involvement makes a difference. Please dont hesitate to OPEN DAILY reach out with any questions, ideas, or concerns. My doorand our city 9AM7PM governmentis always open to you.23260 Marine View Dr. S. Des Moines, WA Katherine CaffreyCity Manager206-870-6519kcaffrey@desmoineswa.gov8|DES MOINES CITY CURRENTS|SPRING 2025'