April 6, 2026

City Council Hosts Retreat at City Hall

The Federal Way City Council hosted a retreat on Saturday in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, creating a dedicated space for reflection, alignment, and forward planning. The session focused on strengthening communication, building trust, and enhancing the Council’s ability to work cohesively on behalf of the community.

Facilitated by Andrew Ballard of Marketing Solutions, the retreat offered structured discussions and practical strategies aimed at improving collaboration and decision-making.

Federal Way Community Shares Coffee

with a Cop

The Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) hosted Coffee with a Cop last week at Ebony and Ivory Coffee. It was a great success and a wonderful way to kick off the year. This was our first time hosting at this location, and the room was filled with smiles and meaningful conversation.

We were honored to welcome Washington State Representative Kristine Reeves and Federal Way City Councilmembers Melissa Hamilton and Jack Walsh. Washington State Patrol and South King Fire also joined us, highlighting the strong partnerships across our agencies.

Our officers and staff showed strong participation throughout the event, connecting with community members and helping create a welcoming environment.

A special thank you to Ebony and Ivory Coffee for graciously hosting and providing such a warm and welcoming space. We also want to thank the business owners, residents, families, and children who came out to connect with us. It was especially meaningful to see both familiar faces and new ones joining the conversation.

Events like this highlight the importance of building relationships in a relaxed and friendly setting, and we are grateful to everyone who took the time to be part of it.

If you’re interested in hosting a future Coffee with a Cop, please reach out to Tiffany Clemmings.

Mayor Ferrell Attends Chamber of

Commerce Luncheon

Mayor Jim Ferrell and members of the City Council attended last week's Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce luncheon, which featured a keynote from Meagan Viken. Viken manages the King County Aquatic Center, where she focuses on both high-level competition and community access.

Under her leadership, the facility has hosted major events, such as the NCAA Division I Nationals, U.S. Master's Summer Nationals, and Washington State Special Olympics, while also expanding public programming — adding more than 700 swimming lessons in the past year alone.

Julianne Briggs Confirmed as New Human Resources Director

At the March 24 City Council meting, the Council officially confirmed Julianne Briggs as our new Human Resources Director.

Julianne has worked in Federal Way since 1994 in a variety of roles. She joined the Human Resources Department in 2009 after working in Parks & Recreation.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Speech Communications from Northern Arizona University.

Please join us in congratulating Julianne on her new role in the city!

Sign Up for Our Free Financial

Literacy Program

The Bob Towne Financial Literacy Program, presented by the City of Federal Way with help from community volunteers and Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, is offering a free nine-week course focused on budgeting, getting out of debt, saving, and building financial confidence.



The upcoming session runs Thursdays from April 16 through June 11, 6:30–8:30 p.m., at Federal Way City Hall.

To register, email Bill Vadino at bill.vadino@federalwaywa.gov or call 253-835-2420.

Featured Upcoming Event

Community Clothing Swap April 11

Join us for a free community clothing swap on Saturday, April 11, at the South King Tool Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Drop off your adult clothing, accessories, and shoes and take home amazing and new-to-you items while helping reduce textile waste.

Items should be clean, usable, and seasonably appropriate (for spring/summer). Items on hangers appreciated. Donations are not required to shop, and all items not claimed will go to local non-profits for reuse and recycling.

Storm Pond Maintenance in Federal Way

Did you know that Federal Way Public Works maintains approximately 300 storm ponds throughout the City? Stormwater ponds collect rainwater (stormwater runoff) that runs over impermeable surfaces such as parking lots, roads, and buildings.

This prevents flooding, reduces erosion, and helps with water quality in developed areas. They protect aquatic ecosystems by trapping and settling sediment, nutrients, and debris before releasing water into natural waterways.

Storm ponds must be regularly maintained and inspected to continue to function properly. Year round, our crews inspect them to ensure the storm system components are functioning properly. In the Spring and Summer, our crews mow the areas around the ponds.

We caught up with Ernie and Miguel (SWM Maintenance Crew members) who were inspecting the mechanisms to ensure that pond drainage was functioning properly during the recent heavy rainfall. Thank you Ernie and Miguel for your expertise and work in keeping our stormwater systems working!

Parks Appreciation Day on April 18

Join us for the 20th Annual Parks Appreciation Day on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to noon! This community volunteer event is dedicated to keeping Federal Way’s parks beautiful. Grab your gloves and help with planting, weeding, and cleanup projects to make a lasting impact in our green spaces.

Rain or shine, we’ll be out there making a difference. Please wear sturdy shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Some tools will be available, but extra shovels, gloves, clippers, and wheelbarrows are appreciated.

Volunteer sites:

• Brooklake Blueberry Farm (726 S. 356th St.)
• Steel Lake Annex (2645 S. 312th St.)
• Celebration Park (1095 S. 324th St.)

Pre-register online if you plan to attend!

Take the Diversity Commission's

Community Engagement Survey

The City of Federal Way Diversity Commission wants to hear from you!

Please take just a few minutes to share your thoughts in this short Community Engagement Survey.

Your feedback will help us reach more in our community and help us to make our city even more welcoming and connected for everyone.

See Neon Union at Kickin' It Federal Way

on June 20

Come watch Neon Union at Kickin' It Federal Way, a three-day celebration of soccer, culture, and community will take place June 19-21 at the Performing Arts & Event Center.

Neon Union will perform on the main stage on Saturday, June 20. Neon Union is an American country music duo from Nashville.

Enjoy their country hits along and the rest of the Kickin' It Federal Way lineup, which will include FIFA World Cup 26™ watch parties, live performances on the outdoor stage, food truck alley, and a wide range of family-friendly activities.

Visit the Kickin' It Federal Way website for more information.

April 7 City Council Meeting

What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, April 7, 2026, for a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.

How to Attend: Attend in person at Federal Way City Hall, 33325 8th Ave. S. or watch live on Zoom, the City's YouTube channel, or FW Channel 21.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

City of Federal Way Hosting Town Hall Meeting on April 30

The City of Federal Way is hosting a Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, April 30, at 6 p.m. at Olympic View K-8.

Join Mayor Jim Ferrell, City Councilmembers, and City staff for updates and conversation about the direction of our city.

Come share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with the people working to serve our community.

All residents are welcome to attend and be part of the conversation.

Sign Up for Our Free CERT Basic Course

Join our Spring 2026 CERT Basic Course to develop new skills to protect yourself, your family, and your neighbors in the event of a disaster.

This 10-week course teaches participants organizational structure and how to respond to immediate needs of the community and assist first responders.

Classes are each Wednesday, April 15 through June 10, from 6-8:30 p.m.

Email sharon.green@federalwaywa.gov or call 253-835-2712 to sign up.

Drive Thru Shredding Event on April 16

Join us for our free Drive-Thru Document Shredding event at Red Canoe Credit Union (33616 Pacific Highway South) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 16.

Document Shredding

• Limit five file boxes or paper bags per event.
• No pre-shredded paper.
• Arrive with documents in the back of your vehicle. Stay in the vehicle while they are unloaded.

U.S. Small Business Association Hosting In-Person Office Hours at City Hall

The U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) is hosting in-person office hours at Federal Way City Hall on Friday, April 17, at 8 a.m.

Are you a local entrepreneur seeking resources to start, manage, or grow your small business? Interested in meeting one-on-one with staff from the SBA Seattle District to discuss your small business needs?

SBA In-Person Office Hours are an opportunity to meet with local SBA staff to learn more about SBA programs, including resources for:

• Small business funding
• Federal contracting
• Disaster assistance
• Technical assistance, mentoring, and advising

This event is open to the general public. Interested attendees are encouraged to book an appointment on the registration page to ensure availability. RSVP online now.

I'm Hooked Kids Fishing Event on May 2

Join us for the 9th Annual Great Outdoor Experience hosted in partnership with I'm Hooked Inc. at Steel Lake Park! Spend a fun day outdoors learning about fishing, enjoying hands-on activities, and connecting with the community.

Date: Saturday, May 2

Time: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Steel Lake Park

This free, family-friendly event is perfect for youth and families who want to learn the basics of fishing while enjoying a day by the lake. Community mentors will guide participants through angler education and help make it a memorable outdoor experience.

Senior Health & Resource Fair on May 12

The Senior Advisory Commission proudly invites you to join them at the 4th Annual Senior Health & Resource Fair at the Performing Arts & Event Center on Tuesday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This free event will bring together 85 local vendors with direct ties to the senior community.

Thank you to our sponsors: The City of Federal Way, Vickie Chynoweth, St. Francis Hospital, Home Instead, the Federal Way Mirror, Fedelta Home Care, FUSION, and Steel Lake Presbyterian Church. Without you, we would not be able to host this event!

All ages – especially seniors! – are welcome.

Call for Youth Artists: Rep Your Flag at Kickin' It Federal Way

To celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, the Kickin’ It Federal Way Festival is inviting all K-12 students to participate in a creative flag art contest.

Students can select a World Cup-participating country, submit an original artistic

interpretation of that country’s flag as a digital design, and indicate their country choice.

Selected students will bring their designs to life on a large 3 x 5 canvas flag, which will be publicly displayed at the Performing Arts and Event Center.

Kickin' It Federal Way June 19-21

Join us June 19-21 for Kickin' It Federal Way, a three-day festival celebrating soccer, culture, and community at the Performing Arts & Event Center.

The festival will feature FIFA World Cup 26™ watch parties, live performances on the outdoor stage, food truck alley, and a wide range of family-friendly activities, turning the PAEC and the surrounding property into a hub of entertainment throughout the weekend.

Municipal Court Student Art Contest

The City of Federal Way Arts Commission is

sponsoring an art contest as requested by Federal

Way Municipal Court Judge Danielle Havens

and Judge Brad Bales.

The contest is open to all students in first through eighth grade living within the boundaries of Federal Way.

Entries selected will be displayed in Federal Way Municipal Court. The hope is to give the municipal court a friendlier look for family members who are visiting the court rooms.

Entries must be received by May 1, and winners will be notified by May 8.

Provide Your Feedback on Opportunity Zones in Federal Way

We are exploring the future of Opportunity Zones in Federal Way, and we want to hear from you!

Opportunity Zones are federally designated areas where new investment is encouraged through tax incentives, with the goal of supporting economic development, creating jobs, expanding housing options, and strengthening community-serving spaces.

Federal Way currently has one Opportunity Zone located in the downtown area with the possibility of a re-designation from the State of Washington.

Step Afrika! at the PAEC on May 6

Join us for Step Afrika! on Wednesday, May 6, at 7 p.m. at the Performing Arts & Event Center.

Experience the pulse, power, and pride of stepping with Step Afrika!, the world’s premier ensemble dedicated to this uniquely American dance form.

Founded in 1994 by C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika! has transformed the tradition of stepping — rooted in the rich legacy of historically African American fraternities and sororities — into a global sensation.

PAEC Upcoming Events

The Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center (PAEC) puts on a wide variety of events year-round. Upcoming events include:

• April 12: Federal Way Symphony Presents "Celebrating Broadway"
• April 17: Habib Qaderi Live - Afghanistan Music Night
• April 18: 60s Flashback Show
• April 28: Swan Lake by International Ballet Stars
• May 1: PAEC Presents: Storm Large

Visit the PAEC event calendar page for a full list of upcoming events.

Friends of Federal Way Libraries Book Sale on May 9

The Federal Way Library is hosting a Friends of Federal Way Libraries Book Sale on May 9. Browse gently used books, DVDs, CDs, and more to help support library programming.

General Sale:

• Saturday, May 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Pre-Sale for Members Only:

• Saturday, May 9, 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Memberships are available at the door for $5. Cash or checks only. Please bring your own bags.

The 39 Steps March 27 to April 19

"The 39 Steps" comes to Centerstage each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday March 27 to April 19.

It's a mix of a Hitchcock movie with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python, toss it all on stage right in front of you, and you have a fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theatre!

This two-time Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning masterpiece is packed with hilarity.

General Admission Tickets are $40 in advance (online or over the phone) and $43 at the door. Student, Military, and Senior Ticket discounts are available.

BonsaiFest! Returns May 9-10

The Pacific Bonsai Museum invites the public to BonsaiFEST!, its annual free outdoor festival, on Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10. The event will be open to the public each day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This year's event marks the opening of Bonsai United, a groundbreaking new exhibition curated by Aarin Packard that brings together 36 bonsai practitioners from 15 traditions around the world, speaking in their own voices about what makes their regional approaches to bonsai distinctly their own.