Feb. 17, 2026

State of the City on Feb. 19 at the PAEC

Mayor Jim Ferrell will take the stage for his Annual State of the City Address on Thursday, Feb. 19, at the Performing Arts and Event Center at 6 p.m. The event is open to the public.

This year's theme is "A New Dawn, A New Day."

The event will include an inspiring address from Mayor Ferrell as we celebrate our community’s accomplishments and share an exciting vision for the future. It is a chance to be part of the conversation shaping Federal Way’s journey forward and will include the opportunity to meet and talk with city staff and organizations that support Federal Way.

Join us for a memorable evening as we reflect on the last year and look to the future. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Mayor Ferrell Attends Meet and Greet for New South King Fire Chief

Last week, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell attended a community meet and greet welcoming South King Fire’s new Fire Chief, Ryan Woodey, at Station 62 in Federal Way. 

The event provided community members and local leaders an opportunity to meet Chief Woodey, who was appointed to lead South King Fire in January. Woodey is a Federal Way native who served 20 years with Graham Fire and Rescue before taking a position as Deputy Chief in Kirkland in 2023.

Welcome to South King County!

Mayor Ferrell Meets with Kiwanis Club of Federal Way

Mayor Jim Ferrell met last week with members of the Kiwanis Club of Federal Way at Puerto Vallarta for a wide-ranging conversation about the city’s progress, priorities, and future.

Mayor Ferrell shared updates on public safety, economic development, and ongoing infrastructure projects. He also highlighted the city’s continued investment in police and community safety programs, as well as efforts to attract new businesses and support community members.

Mayor Ferrell and Federal Way Staff Attend FUSION Staff Meeting

Last week, Mayor Jim Ferrell and Federal Way staff visited FUSION during the organization’s weekly staff meeting to personally thank team members for their dedication and service to the community.

Mayor Ferrell recognized the critical role FUSION staff played during the recent cold spell, particularly their efforts to ensure that a cold weather shelter remained open for those in need. He emphasized that their quick action and commitment helped protect vulnerable residents during dangerously low temperatures.

FUSION, which provides housing and support services to families experiencing homelessness, continues to be a key partner in the city’s efforts to address housing instability and emergency shelter needs.

The mayor expressed his appreciation for the organization’s lifesaving work and thanked staff members for their ongoing commitment to serving Federal Way’s most vulnerable residents.

Featured Upcoming Event

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.

FWPD Hosts Annual Leadership Retreat

Last week, supervisors from all Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) divisions, both sworn and civilian, including labor leadership, came together for the 2026 Annual Leadership Retreat. The retreat focused on reflection, collaboration, and the ongoing growth of our department.

Through hands-on exercises and team-based collaboration, supervisors practiced how purposeful leadership, clear communication, and effective feedback can empower individuals and strengthen the department’s collective impact.

Supervisors left with actionable insights to improve teamwork, strengthen trust, and guide their teams forward with confidence and integrity.

By investing in leadership development, FWPD ensures alignment and is prepared and empowered to enhance public safety, deepen community connections, and uphold the trust of the people we serve.

This training demonstrates our commitment to building leaders who are ready to face challenges, inspire others, and make a lasting impact in the community.

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.

Feb. 17 City Council Meeting

What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, Feb. 17, 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

Family Prom at FWCC on Feb. 28

Step into a storybook evening at the Family Prom on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Federal Way Community Center. This special event is designed for children and their beloved adult heroes to share a night full of fun and memories.

Enjoy light refreshments, concessions, and celebrate your own fairytale ending together! Fairytale or semi-formal attire encouraged.

The Family Prom will run from 5:30-7 p.m. with tickets at $17 per person.

Repair Café Event on March 28

Join us for our free Repair Café on Saturday, March 28, at the South King Tool Library (1700 S. 340th St.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bring your damaged furniture, broken small household items, dull knives, and torn clothing. Our fixers will do their best to make your items usable again.

Plan to stay during the repair, bring any manual/parts that may help, and be aware there is a limit of only three items for sharpening.

Senior Commission Connection on March 25

Mark your calendars!

The Senior Advisory Commission is so grateful to the Marine Hills Garden Club for joining us at our upcoming Senior Commission Connection at the Federal Way Community Center!

Date: Wednesday, March 25

Time: 11:30am

Location: Federal Way Community Center

876 S 333rd St, Federal Way

This is a free event and a light lunch will be served.

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.

Call for Artists – Arts Explosion 2026

Arts Explosion is now accepting artist submissions for our annual juried art festival at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center.

Adult and youth artists from across the region are invited to apply.

Categories include 2D art, photography, 3D art, artisan work, miniatures, and a dedicated youth category for ages 15-18. Artists may submit work in more than one category.

Selected artwork will be displayed during the three-day public festival and offered for purchase. Cash prizes will be awarded, and all artwork must be delivered in person.

Applications are submitted online.

Entry deadlines and full details are available at the application link.

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:

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

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

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 Upcoming Events

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

• Feb. 22: Til Death Do Us Part: Late Nite Catechism 3
• Feb. 27: World Ballet Company: Cinderella
• March 1: PAEC PRESENTS: Mariachi Herencia de México
• March 7: The Jazz Ambassadors of the United States Army Field Band
• March 10: The Black Jacket Symphony Presents Pink Floyd's "The Wall"

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

Black Jacket Symphony Presents Pink Floyd's "The Wall" on March 10

Join us for Black Jacket Symphony presents Pink Floyd's "The Wall" on Saturday, March 10, at 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts & Event Center.

The Black Jacket Symphony recreates Pink Floyd’s iconic album "The Wall" live in its entirety — note for note, sound for sound — plus a full set of Pink Floyd’s greatest hits.

It’s a full rock-and-roll experience! Black jackets for them, blue jeans for you.

Blueberry Pruning Workshop at Hylebos Blueberry Farm on March 14

Visit the Hylebos Blueberry Farm on Saturday, March 14, for a Blueberry Pruning Seminar from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Participants will receive instruction and an opportunity for some hands on practice and one-on-one guidance.

Everyone is welcome to volunteer at the farm! Bring your favorite tools. Extra tools and snacks will be provided

And Then There Were None at Centerstage Jan. 30 to Feb. 22

"And Then There Were None" comes to Centerstage each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Jan. 30 to Feb. 22.

Ten strangers are summoned to a remote island. As a storm rages outside, the group becomes completely cut off from the outside world, and the killings begin…one by one, the guests are murdered; the only connecting thread being the lines of a sinister nursery rhyme.

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.