December 30, 2024

Mayor Ferrell Speaks at Senior Commission Connection Meeting

Mayor Jim Ferrell spoke at the Senior Commission Connection meeting at the Federal Way Community Center on Dec. 18. He detailed his life before politics, accomplishments in Federal Way government and hopes for the city’s future. Federal Way is committed to helping seniors stay safe and active as important members of this rich community.

The Senior Advisory Commission is not currently accepting new members, but those who want to get involved in city activities can apply to serve on one of our many commissions and boards. Commission members play an important role in Federal Way government, as they advise the Mayor and City Council on policy and issues.

Learn more about about eligibility requirements and how to apply on our city website.

Families Bake Cookies with Mrs. Claus

Families gathered at the Federal Way Community Center on Dec. 19 for the Cookies with Mrs. Claus event. Each participating child decorated five sugar cookies with icing, sprinkles and more to get into the holiday spirit and create a tasty treat. All attendees also had the chance to meet Mrs. Claus in person as part of the festivities.

Thank you to the hardworking and creative staff at the Community Center for putting on this fun, family-friendly event.

Federal Way Korean American Quarterly Meeting Held at City Hall

Mayor Jim Ferrell was delighted to welcome members of our Korean American Community to the Federal Way Korean American Quarterly meeting on Dec. 19. Since 1992, this meeting has been an opportunity for the Korean community to provide feedback and for City staff to give updates on current and future projects.

Thank you to former Federal Way Mayor Mike Park, Korean American Association President Haeng S. Kim, and the many staff and volunteers that have made this meeting possible. Federal Way is one of the largest Korean American communities in the Pacific Northwest — a source of great pride for us!

Mujer al Volante: 11 Years of Serving

Women Celebration

On Dec. 21, Jacqueline Garcia Castillo, Founder & Executive Director of Mujer al Volante, was presented with a certificate of appreciation from Mayor Jim Ferrell in gratitude of the work that her organization does inspiring women in our community and to celebrate their accomplishments.

Mujer al Volante has supported more than 1,400 women in obtaining driver’s licenses thereby increasing their mobility and independence. Their program, offered in multiple languages (including Spanish, Ukrainian, French, Arabic, Kurdish, Dari, and Pashto), reflects their commitment to serving the diverse communities in Federal Way and beyond.

Mayor Ferrell Judges Holiday Decorations at Career Academy

Mayor Jim Ferrell visited Career Academy at Truman Campus before the holidays to serve as a judge for the school’s classroom decorating contest. Students put their creative minds to work as they used holiday imagery to bring their classrooms to life. Mayor Ferrell and his fellow judges had the incredibly difficult task of choosing which classroom deserved recognition as the best decorated of the bunch.

Students at Career Academy are talented and imaginative. Congratulations to the winners of the contest and to all students who participated in this fun, educational activity.

Featured Upcoming Event

Scouting for Trees on Jan. 4

The Boy Scouts of America and the City of Federal Way welcome you to our annual Holiday Tree and Light Recycling Event on Saturday, Jan. 4 and 5.

We will be offering pickup services on Jan. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or you can drop off your trees and lights at Celebration Park on Jan. 4 and 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Three trees per person accepted at the drop-off location. Trees with any ornaments, lights, flocking, tinsel, stands, debris, etc., will not be accepted.

FWPD Participates in Battle of the Badges: Holiday Lights

The Federal Way Police Department (FWDP) lit up the night at the Battle of the Badges: Holiday Lights Edition, which was held at Renton Technical College on Dec. 14. This marked our third year participating in the event, and our theme this year was “Karaoke with a Cop – Blue Lights, Bright Mics.”

The display featured the glow of blue police car lights, shining microphones, and plenty of festive cheer. Our team included uniformed and civilian staff, as well as members of our PD Explorers program. Staff decorated our 10x10 canopy and two FWPD cars, sang along to holiday tunes, and embraced the event’s new walkthrough layout.

Families stopped by to enjoy treats, FWPD junior badge stickers, and swag while we connected with the community. The singing voices made for memories that will last a lifetime.

With 30 public service agencies participating, the evening was filled with creativity, camaraderie, and holiday spirit. It was wonderful to see the impressive displays and the festive enthusiasm shared by all the teams.

A huge thank you to Federal Way Recreation Coordinator Cassie Swan for assisting with decorations and a generator. We’re already looking forward to next year!

Rainy Weather and Hazardous Waste

Most homes have hazardous products. As rainy weather drizzles on in our region, flooding can release hazardous waste that can harm people and contaminate the environment. Prepare for flooding in a few simple ways:

• Identify hazardous products. Look for the words CAUTION, WARNING, DANGER, or POISON on the label.
• Reduce and dispose of unwanted hazardous waste safely before flood season. Find a collection site near you.
• Don't stockpile materials. Purchase the smallest amounts of products like cleaners and oils or use up what you have.
• Store products properly. Keep products in their original containers when possible and label and securely close all containers.

Learn more about what you can do to prepare for flooding, be safe, and protect yourself from hazardous exposures.

Jan. 7 City Council Meeting

What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, Jan. 7, 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

Free Financial Literacy Classes in 2025

The City of Federal Way is partnering with community volunteers and the Dave Ramsay Financial Peace University to offer a free nine-week course teaching financial skills for Federal Way residents.

The classes will be held every Thursday from Jan. 16 through March 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Federal Way Community Center.

Free child care is available for class participants on a first-come, first-served basis.

State of the City Scheduled for Feb. 13

SAVE THE DATE. Mayor Jim Ferrell's annual State of the City Address will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, at the Performing Arts & Event Center. The event is free and open to the public.

Hear an inspiring address from Mayor Ferrell as we celebrate our community’s accomplishments and share an exciting vision for the future.

This special evening is your chance to be part of the conversation shaping Federal Way’s journey forward. Let’s come together to honor our city and explore what’s ahead.

View Our Parks & Recreation Winter and Spring Program Guide

The Federal Way Parks & Recreation Department offers a wide variety of fun recreational activities for residents of all ages.

Take a moment and check out our Winter and Spring Program Guide to find an activity, new or old, that will get you up, moving and out of the house!



PAEC Upcoming Events

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

• Jan. 21: Moms Unhinged Standup Comedy Show
• Jan. 25: Big Band Concert I–Score One for the Bass
• Jan. 29: Albert Cummings
• Feb. 8: Crash Test Dummies
• Feb. 16: Matt Dusk Sings Tony Bennett

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

Federal Way Symphony Season

Established in 1983, the Federal Way Symphony has provided our community with high-quality, professional music for more than 40 years.

Performances are held at the Performing Arts & Event Center. The Federal Way Symphony is currently inviting those interested to buy a ticket to attend performances for their current season, titled "Cosmic Melodies."

Visit the Federal Way Symphony website to view their full calendar listing and to purchase tickets.