Dec. 22, 2025

Join Us for the State of the City Address on Feb. 19 at the PAEC

We are excited to announce the 2026 State of the City address, an annual event that brings residents, business owners, and community partners together to hear updates and priorities for the year ahead.

Mayor Jim Ferrell will deliver the address on Thursday, Feb. 19, at the Performing Arts & Event Center, offering an overview of the City’s progress and outlining upcoming initiatives aimed at strengthening Federal Way’s growth and quality of life.

Community members are encouraged to attend, especially those interested in how local policies and investments will shape Federal Way’s future. The annual address also serves as an opportunity to celebrate recent achievements and recognize the collaborative work happening across the City.

Further details about event will be shared closer to the date.

Families Visit Community Center for Cookies with Mrs. Claus

Families filled the Federal Way Community Center last week for a festive evening at the Cookies with Mrs. Claus event. Kids had the chance to decorate sugar cookies, adding colorful icing, sprinkles, and all kinds of cheerful toppings to kick off the holiday season with something sweet.

Guests also enjoyed a special visit from Mrs. Claus herself, making the experience even more magical for young participants.

A big thank-you goes out to our Community Center staff for creating such a warm, family-focused event.

LAST CALL: Please Take Our Traffic Safety Plan Survey By End of 2025

Whether you walk, bike, drive, or ride the bus, every trip in Federal Way should feel safe. For the first time, the City is asking for your input to help build a new Traffic Safety Action Plan!

This plan uses the Safe System Approach, which recognizes that while crashes can happen, serious injuries and deaths can be prevented.

Now’s your chance to make a difference.

• Tell us which intersections or streets feel unsafe
• Suggest where sidewalks or bike lanes are needed
• Add comments directly to our interactive map

We’re accepting feedback through the end of 2025. Visit our project website to take the survey and learn more.

Let’s work together to make Federal Way safer for all.

Be Prepared for Winter Weather

Our Public Works crews work hard to clear roads and keep our city safe during snow and ice events. As we enter into winter weather season we will keep the community updated through our Roadway Conditions webpage and on Facebook.

Please remember, snow equipment has reduced visibility and we ask that if you see our trucks on the road you give them extra room to safely operate.

Visit our Roadway Conditions page to see information about:

• Winter storm information and roadway impacts
• Snow plow map
• Current roadway images
• Garbage collection updates
• Public Works service requests

Celebrate the Life and Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 17 at the PAEC

The City of Federal Way, in partnership with the Federal Way Diversity Commission, will host the 33rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center.

This year’s theme, “Turning Pain into Peace – Living Out the Dream,” will guide a morning of reflection, inspiration, and community connection. The program runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., featuring keynote speaker Reverend Anthony Thompson of Holy Trinity Reformed Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C.

The free, public event will include performances from local artists, appearances by civic and cultural leaders, and information tables from community organizations. The celebration honors the life, work, and lasting legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

A community networking session will follow from 12 to 1 p.m. Free onsite parking is available.

Featured Upcoming Event

City Accepting Applications for Boards and Commissions

The City of Federal Way is accepting applications for those interested in serving on city boards and commissions.

The City is planning to conduct interviews at upcoming council meetings with a focus on filling open positions on:

• Steel Lake Management District Advisory
• Parks & Recreation Commission
• Diversity Commission
• Historic Landmark Commission
• Independent Salary Commission

Questions? Email CK@FederalWayWA.gov or call 253-835-2540.

Compost Workshop on Jan. 24

Join us for a Compost Basics Workshop on Saturday, Jan. 24, at the South King Tool Library.

This one-hour, hands-on workshop provides participants with an engaging introduction to composting, offering practical insights into compost basics, resources, and more.

This workshop includes demonstrations and real world examples to help re-think waste and reduce environmental impact through composting!

Pre-registration is required to attend.

Upgrading Electronics for the Holidays?

Upgrading your TV, computer, tablet, or e-reader this holiday season? Recycle your old or broken electronics for free with E-Cycle Washington!

E-Cycle Washington offers drop-off locations all around the Puget Sound region.

*Bonus tip- extra styrofoam from all those packages? Recycle them for free at City Hall!

Jan. 6 City Council Meeting

What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2025, 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

Save the Date: 2026 Senior Health & Resource Fair on May 12

The Senior Advisory Commission is hosting a free Senior Health and Resource Fair on Tuesday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Performing Arts and Event Center.

The event will feature more than 50 vendors from local organizations with special ties to the senior community. All ages – especially seniors – are welcome.

This Senior Resource Fair is intended to create a welcoming space where attendees can explore available services at their own pace. 

Further information will be provided as planning continues, ensuring the event remains organized and accessible.

PAEC PRESENTS: The Peking Acrobats on Jan. 28

Join us for PAEC Presents: The Peking Acrobats on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 6:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts & Event Center.

From towering chair stacks and impossibly precise acrobatics to high-flying flips, foot juggling, and dynamic balancing acts, The Peking Acrobats deliver a spectacle of agility, grace, and show-stopping pageantry.

Brought to you by FastSigns Federal Way.

PAEC Upcoming Events

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

• Jan. 28: PAEC Presents: The Peking Acrobats
• Jan. 30: Epic Queen
• Feb. 14: Songs of Black Folk
• Feb. 27: World Ballet Company: Cinderella
• March 1: PAEC PRESENTS: Mariachi Herencia de México

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