TagCity Of Des Moines(211)

The Port of Seattle's 2025-2026 Economic Development City Partnership Program provides cooperative funding to King County cities to support local economic growth, job creation, and business diversity initiatives. Eligible cities can receive annual awards ranging from $10,000 to $60,000 based on population, with a 50% match requirement from city funds or in-kind resources. Funded projects may include business attraction campaigns, workforce development, small business technical assistance, tourism promotion, and export trade support tied to Port facilities such as SEA Airport and cruise terminals.

The Des Moines, Washington City Council Economic Development Committee held a meeting on March 27, 2025, which included a discussion on updating the city's Sound Transmission Code, a topic that had been postponed from the previous February 27 meeting due to time constraints. The agenda also covered short-term rental regulations, a long-range financial plan, and development impact analysis. While the sound code discussion is relevant to ongoing concerns about noise transmission in the area near Sea-Tac Airport, no specific policy decisions or recommendations are recorded in these meeting documents.

The City of Des Moines, Washington is considering adopting a new sound transmission code to address aircraft noise from SeaTac Airport, following the repeal of its previous ordinance in 2012. Building Official Daniel Hopp recommends hiring a sound engineering consultant to help draft updated noise standards, evaluate construction costs, and redefine noise zones for both new buildings and major remodels. The proposal aims to modernize noise mitigation requirements while balancing economic feasibility for developers and residents.

The City of Des Moines, WA is proposing the formation of a permanent Airport Advisory Committee to advise the City Council on matters related to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, including review of the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), potential interlocal agreements with airport partners, and the city's strategy with the Port of Seattle. The committee would consist of at least three Des Moines residents, including at least one City Council member, and would meet quarterly to evaluate airport-related issues and provide recommendations. Staff submitted the proposal for Council approval at the February 6, 2025 meeting, following a unanimous Council vote in October 2024 to establish such a committee.

The Des Moines, Washington City Council held a Study Session on February 6, 2025, covering several topics including marina improvements, a planning commission discussion, and an Airport Advisory Committee review. The $25.1 million bond ordinance, passed in June 2023, funds projects such as dock replacement at the city marina, public steps and plazas, and Redondo Beach pier and restroom improvements. The airport-related agenda item focused on an Airport Partnership discussion, reflecting the city's ongoing engagement with Sea-Tac Airport noise and policy concerns.

The City of Des Moines, Washington outlined its 2025 state legislative priorities, which include several airport-related concerns such as establishing a permanent air quality monitor, funding an independent study on the impacts of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Master Plan (SAMP), and expanding sound insulation repair and replacement programs. The city also seeks enhancements to SB5955 and RCW53 to allow unconstrained funding for mitigating public health impacts from airport operations. Additional priorities include public safety funding, property tax reform, replacement of the Redondo Fishing Pier, historic preservation, and development of electric passenger-only ferry routes connecting Des Moines.

The City of Des Moines, Washington submitted formal comments to the Port of Seattle in December 2024, raising concerns about the environmental and health impacts of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's planned growth. The city warns that by 2032, annual flight operations will increase by nearly 20%, expanding the noise exposure zone and raising the number of residents affected by significant aircraft noise from roughly 14,000 to nearly 22,000—with most of that burden falling on Des Moines residents. The letter calls on the Port and FAA to extend public comment periods, pursue meaningful noise mitigation measures such as sound insulation for homes and schools, and engage more collaboratively with impacted communities rather than treating public review as a formality.