Working for a safe, green, destination community!
City Council
Serving this community as a Councilmember for the last few years has been an 
incredible privilege. I have met and partnered with some of the most humble, hardworking, creative, and generous people on the planet; the people of Des Moines!
As a representative of the people, I have committed myself to a boots-on-the-ground style of leadership. Engaging on social media, meeting on the phone or in person, and working together on the streets, in the parks, and supporting events, I have become an effective advocate for our citizens and businesses.
My advocacy begins in the council chambers, but has reached to more than 12 boards and committees throughout our region including:
- Economic Development Committee, Des Moines
- Municipal Facilities Committee, Des Moines
- Environment Committee, Des Moines – Chair
- Transportation Committee, Des Moines
- Senior Services Advisory, Des Moines, Liaison
- Human Services Adviory, Des Moines, Liaison
- Farmer’s Market Board, Des Moines, Liaison
- Puget Sound Regional Council, Growth Management Policy Board
- King County Domestic Violence Initiative Task Force
- South King Housing and Homelessness Partners – Executive Board
- Sound Cities Association Public Issues Committee
- Soundside Alliance for Economic Development – Vice Chair
In these roles I have collaborated well with my colleagues to successfully champion a stronger police force, safer transportation, cleaner and greener parks and neighborhoods, compassionate community services, and stronger businesses.
About Me
Born in Seattle, raised in Tacoma, and transplanted to Des Moines as a young adult, I have never left the varied and stunning Puget Sound.
While dedicating my life to faith, family, friends, education, and work, I have woven community service into it all. Whether working in the jails, on the streets, supporting young people, or facilitating recovery – – helping people thrive – in my home or community – is my greatest motivation.
As a mom of four, married 38 years, and a successful businessperson, I recognize the value of collaborative, respectful relationships in moving an enterprise forward; whether it is a science project, a real estate investment, a multi-million dollar contract, or a city.
Traci Buxton 
Congratulations Traci! I have total faith in your decision to serve and your commitment to follow through with each challenge placed in your path. There couldn’t be anyone stronger and more willing to serve the community. You would leave a wonderful legacy, as you already have with your friends and family.
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Thanks mom!!!
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I don’t believe Desmoines has there own fire department! Thats one of the problem’s ‘ water and sewer same thing
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Hi Bill! Thank you for your interest in our amazing community! Before I answer your questions, I need to know what exactly you are concerned about. It is true that Des Moines does not have its own Fire Department. We share with Federal Way (South King Fire and Rescue). What about this concerns you?
It is also true that Des Moines does not rely completely on its own water. We have two districts that serve us; District 54 and also Highline (which is supplemented by Seattle Public Utility Water). What about this concerns you?
Des Moines is served by Midway Sewer, but some of Des Moines is still on septic and Midway serves more that just Des Moines. What about this situation is frustrating to you?
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Hello I just have a quick question would you have approved or disapproved the pay parking down at the Des Moines Marina?
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HI Ron and thank you for your interest and taking the time to write!
With more background information, you might have actually phrased your question this way, “Will you be responsible and diligent to watch over the budget carefully enough so that you will ask critical questions and not allow inappropriate borrowing of funds?”
Because this is what happened. The Marina is one of the most lucrative resources our city has. Our City stayed alive during the recession because funds from the Marina bailed us out. But while the City was using Marina funds, the bulkhead was quietly failing. Now we must fix it, but our surplus was spent during the recession.
Paid parking was a distasteful answer to a difficult problem. The Marina is the jewel and hope of our City. If the bulkhead fails, our City suffers on so many levels.
There may have been taxation answers, but paid parking spreads the costs to those who use the Marina. A recent study showed that 70% of the users of the Marina were non-Des Moines residents. This jmeans that a lot of our bulkhead will be paid for by non-residents – instead of a local tax.
If I were on the council during the borrowing time, I would have worked to hold the administration accountable and brainstormed about a transparent plan for saving and planning ahead.
Now, parking is here, and the Marina is actually becoming cleaner, quieter (after midnight) and a safer family destination. The lower night time activity releases our police to be on watch in other challenging areas of the City.
That was a long answer, but I felt you deserved that information!
I hope that was helpful!
Traci
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Traci, it was so good to see you again, when you came by our house while campaigning. Catching up is always fun, mostly. 😊
I don’t know if you’ll see this, now that the election is over, but I wanted to congratulate you on your apparent win of the election. I wish you every success in your endeavour to make this great city of Des Moines an even greater place to live, work, shop in and visit.
You are now the junior member on the council but please, don’t let anyone despise (look down upon or push down) your “youth”. Be an example in word, conduct… and spirit… wholehearted devotion…
I (we) wish you the vey best and success.
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Wow, Greg!
It was so pleasant to visit with both of you and to catch up. Thank you for being such warm and hospitable hosts! You have great input and I appreciate your support and encouragement to be bold and brave. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers as I move forward with courage, but also respect.
Thank you for being amazing community members and parents! 🙂
Traci
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