Des Moines History Timeline 2020s

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March 5 - The City of Des Moines issued a Proclamation of Emergency related to the COVID-19 outbreak.
April 1 - The 2020 Federal Census counted 32,888 residents in Des Moines.

June 8 - The City Council approved issuance of up to $26 million in LTGO bonds for major capital projects, including Marina dock replacement, the Marina Steps and Plaza, Redondo and Marina parking systems, Redondo Pier/restroom work, and the Flag Triangle.
July 13 - The Port of Seattle Commission approved a ground lease for roughly 20 acres west of Des Moines Creek Business Park, continuing the broader Port/City/Panattoni development strategy.
August 10 - A two-month walk-on passenger ferry pilot began between Des Moines Marina and downtown Seattle, operated with the MV Chilkat Express.
October 31 - Washington's COVID-19 emergency orders were lifted; the city's audited financial statements note the statewide emergency period and its local-government impacts.
November 11 - Des Moines voter rejected City of Des Moines Proposition No. 1. This proposition would have restored Des Moines Beach Park Historic Buildings and facilities; funded maintenance and operations; and improved City streets to prevent their further deterioration. This proposition would have increased the then current 6% utility occupation tax to 9%.

June 8 - The City Council approved issuance of up to $26 million in LTGO bonds for major capital projects, including Marina dock replacement, the Marina Steps and Plaza, Redondo and Marina parking systems, Redondo Pier/restroom work, and the Flag Triangle
September - Construction began on the 24th Avenue South Improvements Project, Segment 2, a transportation project tied to the city’s east-side corridor.

January 24 - The Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Masonic Home / Zenith Property project was released for public comment.
February 13 - A public forum presentation was held for the Des Moines Marina Steps project.
Fall - The 24th Avenue South Improvements Project was completed.

July 31 - The City released the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Masonic Home / Zenith Property project.
August - The City approved a demolition permit for the Masonic Home of Washington, prompting preservation advocates, including the Washington Trust, Citizens for the Protection of Des Moines' Historic Resources, and the Des Moines Historical Society, to appeal.
October 21-22 - The City of Des Moines Hearing Examiner held appeal hearings on the Masonic Home Final EIS and demolition permit.
December 6 - Sound Transit opened the Federal Way Link Extension, including the Kent-Des Moines Station, giving the Des Moines/Highline College area direct Link light-rail access.
December 11 - The Hearing Examiner denied the Masonic Home appeal and affirmed the Final EIS and demolition permit.
December 16 - The City held the Marina Steps Ground Breaking Ceremony at the Des Moines Marina.

January 5 - The City reported that a Land Use Petition Act appeal of the Masonic Home Hearing Examiner decision had been filed in King County Superior Court, and that no demolition activity would be allowed until the matter was resolved.
February - The Masonic Home matter had moved to King County Superior Court after the Hearing Examiner decision was appealed.
May 22 - The Masonic Home matter was heard in King County Superior Court.