Dec. 8, 2025

Federal Way Downtown Station Opens

Saturday was a historic day in Federal Way as Sound Transit hosted the grand opening of the Federal Way Link Extension and the Federal Way Downtown Station. This long-awaited expansion brings a new era of connectivity for Federal Way, linking our community directly to downtown Seattle, the airport, and beyond with modern, reliable rail service.

The Federal Way Link Extension adds approximately 7.8 miles of track and introduces three brand-new stations: Kent Des Moines Station, Star Lake Station, and Federal Way Downtown Station. Federal Way is now the final southern stop for Line 1.

The grand opening featured remarks from local officials, including Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Washington State Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, among others.

“This is more than a station,” Mayor Ferrell said. “It is a gateway to a more connected and accessible future for everyone who lives, works, and does business in Federal Way.”

Federal Way Celebrates Tree Lighting at Town Square Park

A festive crowd gathered at Town Square Park on Saturday to join Mayor Jim Ferrell in the City’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. It was an evening of family-friendly fun that included live music, a visit from Santa, and free cocoa and cookies for all attendees.

Live performances included the Federal Way Parks Youth Jazz Classes, the Sherwood Forest Elementary Choir, the Children’s Dance Theater Nutcracker Preview, and the Thomas Jefferson High School Raider Band.

Fire Commissioner Bill Gates Receives Key to the City

During the City Council regular meeting held on Dec. 2, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell gave his Mayor’s Key to The City to South King Fire Commissioner Bill Gates.



Bill and his wife, former Mayor Mary Gates, have lived in Federal Way since 1974 and both have both played critical roles in shaping our community. Bill has served on the South King Fire Commission for 24 years and has been involved in the Federal Way community in several roles during his time in the City.

Mayor Ferrell and Councilmember Moore Take Oaths of Office

Mayor Jim Ferrell and new City Councilmember Martin Moore took their Oaths of Office on Dec. 2.

Mayor Ferrell took his official Oath of Office before that night's City Council meeting to begin his next term as Mayor of Federal Way. While he will be ceremonially sworn in at the Jan. 6 Council meeting, this official Oath ensures that his service as Mayor continues without interruption when the new year begins on Jan. 1.

"I am excited to begin my next term and to continue the great work we’ve accomplished together," Mayor Ferrell said.

Moore, who returns to the Council in Position #2 after previously serving from 2013-21, took his ceremonial Oath of Office during the Dec. 2 City Council Meeting. He was administered his Oath by incoming Municipal Court Judge Danielle Havens.

Departing Councilmembers Tran and Dovey Recognized at City Council Meeting

City Council Members Hoang Tran and Jack Dovey were recognized for their service at the Dec. 2 City Council Meeting. Both are departing the Council at the end of the year. Tran has been a member of the Council for the past eight years, while Dovey has served for 16 years in three separate stints, including two years as Mayor from 2007-09.

Community Center Hosts Jingle Bell Brunch

The Federal Way Community Center came alive with holiday cheer on Saturday as families gathered for the annual Jingle Bell Brunch. Laughter and joy filled the room as children and adults alike immersed themselves in hands-on holiday crafts, creating keepsake art projects that will be treasured for years to come.

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to We ♥ Our City for generously hosting the cocoa and coffee station, keeping everyone warm, energized, and ready for more holiday fun.

Mayor Ferrell Attends Sound Cities Association Annual Meeting

Mayor Jim Ferrell and members of the City Council attended the 2025 Sound Cities Association (SCA) Annual Meeting last week as Federal Way's voting delegate. The keynote speaker at the event was newly-elected King County Executive Girmay Zahilay.

SCA has represented 38 King County cities since the 1970s and has given a million people one voice to advocate to help cities locally and partner regionally.

Mayor Ferrell Attends Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

Mayor Jim Ferrell and members of the City Council attended the Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon last week. The speaker this month was Sanket Mehta, owner of The Picklr Federal Way, which is hoping to make pickleball a bigger part of the Federal Way community.

When it opens, The Picklr Federal Way will be located in the old LA Fitness on Pacific Highway and will feature 14 courts for players of all levels, creating a space where the community can connect, compete, and stay active together.

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.

Featured Upcoming Event

Bloodworks Blood Drive on Dec. 8

The City of Federal Way is partnering with Bloodworks Northwest to host a blood drive at City Hall on Monday, Dec. 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Did you know it takes 1,000 donors a day to maintain a safe and reliable blood supply in the Pacific Northwest? Make a one-hour appointment for the blood drive today.

Walk-ins may be available, but spots are limited.

Legislative Breakfast on Dec. 10 at the FWCC

Our community is welcome to join us for our annual Legislative Breakfast on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the Federal Way Community Center from 7:30-9 a.m.

The Breakfast will feature Mayor Jim Ferrell, Council Preseident Linda Kochmar, City Council Members, 30th District Representatives Kristine Reeves and Jamila Taylor.

Celebrate Judge Dave Larson's Retirement on Dec. 11 at the FWCC

Federal Way Municipal Court Judge Dave Larson is retiring after 16 years on the bench and a long record serving the community of Federal Way

Join us to celebrate Judge Larson at his Retirement Party on Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Federal Way Community Center from 5-7 p.m.

All are welcome to attend.

City Center Access Project Moving Forward

We are excited to share that the Federal Highway Administration has completed the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process for Federal Way’s City Center Access Project.  

This is an important milestone. NEPA ensures that projects are designed with both people and the environment in mind. It means Federal Way carefully studied impacts, shared information with the community, and has taken steps to protect our natural resources, all while planning improvements to make it safer and easier to reach the City Center by walking, rolling, taking transit or driving.  

With NEPA complete, the project continues forward into final design and right-of-way work. Our City is growing, and we are planning for the safety and mobility needs not just for today but for decades to come while staying closely coordinated with Sound Transit for their early construction beginning as soon as 2027.  

To learn more about this project, visit: https://www.federalwaywa.gov/page/city-center-access-project.

Community Center Hosts Wishing Tree for Local Residents

The Wishing Tree is now up in the Federal Way Community Center lobby. Each tag represents a real request from someone in our community.

This initiative from Federal Way’s Inclusive Recreation Program connects community donors with individuals and families experiencing financial hardship, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a meaningful and inclusive holiday season.

We are looking to provide gifts and essential items during the holiday season to individuals with disabilities and low-income families, fostering joy, connection, and dignity.

• Choose a tag from the Wishing Tree in the FWCC lobby.
• Shop for 1-3 items listed on the tag (total value up to $75).
• Gift cards are also accepted.
• Drop off items unwrapped at the FWCC Front Desk by December 16. Please keep the tag with your gifts.
• If you’re unable to complete your tag, please return it to the Wishing Tree so every wish can be fulfilled.

Contact: Sabrina.Bates@FederalWayWA.gov

Dec. 2 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

Cookies with Mrs. Claus at FWCC on Dec. 18

Join us at the Federal Way Community Center on Thursday, Dec. 18, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. for a magical evening with Mrs. Claus. This event is perfect for children ages 2-10 and includes cookie decorating, photo opportunities, cocoa, and music!

Admission is just $5 per person.

PLEASE NOTE: This is one of our most popular events and always sells out fast! Pre-registration is strongly recommended, as day-of tickets may not be available!

Cocoa & Candy Canes on Dec. 17

Calling all seniors!

The Senior Advisory Commission’s quarterly Senior Commission Connection luncheon welcomes Council President Linda Kochmar for cocoa, candy canes, cookie decorating, and conversation!

This event is open to all seniors in Federal Way.

Please find some time to join us on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 11:30 a.m. at the Federal Way Community Center.

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.

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:

• Human Services Commission
• Diversity Commission
• Ethics Board
• Parks Commission
• Steel Lake Management District Advisory Board
• Planning Commission

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

Nutcracker at the PAEC on Dec. 21

Join the Grand Kyiv Ballet on an unforgettable journey into a world of dreams, magic, and triumph over evil with the Nutcracker on Dec. 21 at the Performing Arts & Event Center.

The Grand Kyiv Ballet includes the most prestigious Ballet dancers from Ukraine and many other countries.

In this enchanting tale, a young girl befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve.

PAEC Upcoming Events

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

• Dec. 14: O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy
• Dec. 18: Sisters Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi's Gold
• Dec. 21: Grand Kyiv Ballet's The Nutcracker
• Jan. 28: PAEC Presents: The Peking Acrobats
• Jan. 30: Epic Queen

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

Winter Bonsai Solstice Event at Pacific Bonsai Museum on Dec. 13

Experience the magic of the Pacific Bonsai Museum's 11th annual Winter Bonsai Solstice, on Saturday, Dec. 13, one of only two nights the Museum opens after dark.

Stroll through the world-renowned collection illuminated with soft holiday lights, enjoy free hot chocolate and festive music, shop a holiday market featuring seven local artisans and purveyors of unique goods, and explore the Museum Pop-Up Store. Family-friendly and free (thanks to support from 4Culture).

Bring your own flashlight for an enchanting evening adventure. Event happens rain or moonshine. Info: (253) 353-7345 or info@pacificbonsaimuseum.org.

South King Fire Santa Parades and Canned Food Drive

South King Fire began Santa Parades in 2020 as a way to support and connect with our community throughout a difficult time.

The Santa Parades and Canned Food Drive will be in Federal Way on the following dates from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.:

• Dec. 1 at North Hill/Zenith
• Dec. 2 at Woodmont/Laurelwood
• Dec. 8 at Marine Hills/Alderbrook
• Dec. 9 at Twin Lakes/Campus Highlands
• Dec. 15 at Lakeland North/Camelot
• Dec. 16 at Lakeland South/Wild Waves

Red Riding Hood at Centerstage Theater Nov. 29 to Dec. 21

"Red Riding Hood: A Holiday Panto" comes to Centerstage Theater each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Nov. 29 to Dec. 21

Directed by Helen Marion-Rowe, this topsy-turvy twist on the classic tale brings new songs, old jokes, and plenty of festive cheer to the stage.

General Admission Tickets are $44 in advance (online or over the phone) and $47 at the door. Student, Military, and Senior Ticket discounts are available.