Congratulations to the Seattle Seahawks! | | |
The City of Federal Way proudly congratulates the Seattle Seahawks on their commanding 29–13 victory over the New England Patriots last night. This impressive performance showcased the grit and teamwork that define our region and make the Seahawks a source of pride for fans across Washington.
Moments like this bring our communities together, reminding us of the shared passion and resilience that unite us on and off the field. We celebrate the players, coaches, and fans who made this a night to remember.
Go ’Hawks!
| | FWPD Volunteer Tim Lehnherr Recognized at Council Meeting | | |
At the Feb. 3 City Council meeting, long-time Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) volunteer Tim Lehnherr was recognized for his more than 15 years of service for the city. Mayor Jim Ferrell presented him with a plaque and thanked him for his service.
Lehnherr has volunteered in many roles for FWPD. He was a vehicle maintenance volunteer, assisted with the department’s shopping cart program, served on the SafeCity Board, and staffed the City Hall front lobby desk, assisting community members and providing information.
"Tim is known for his reliability, approachability and a strong service-oriented mindset," Mayor Ferrell said. "He often stated that working at City Hall made him feel like family, and we are truly grateful for the time he has spent with us."
| | Proclamations Presented at Feb. 3 City Council Meeting | | |
The Federal Way City Council presented two proclamations at the Feb. 3 City Council meeting.
Councilmember Les Sessoms recognized February as Black History Month, presenting the proclamation to Marquise Hale and members of the Federal Way Black Student Union. View the full proclamation on our City website.
Councilmember Melissa Hamilton recognized February as Heart Health Month, presenting the proclamation to Alex Hamasaki of the American Heart Association and two South King Fire Commissioners. View the full proclamation on our City website.
| | Dave's Hot Chicken Hosts Ribbon Cutting | | |
Federal Way’s hottest new restaurant, Dave’s Hot Chicken, celebrated its new location with a ribbon cutting ceremony last Friday morning. Mayor Jim Ferrell and members of the City Council were on hand to welcome the chain to town.
Dave’s Hot Chicken started operations in California in 2017, hoping to bring a little spice to everyone’s life with their tenders, saucy bites, loaded sandwiches, and more. Be sure to stop by and have a taste if you’re looking for a little bit of kick for your day!
| | Mayor Ferrell Joins Steel Lake Block Watch Meeting | | Mayor Jim Ferrell joined Federal Way Police Chief Andy Hwang and other City staff as guests at the Steel Lake Block Watch meeting last week. They met with residents and discussed recent public safety concerns, including incidents on South 308th, activity referenced during a recent City Council public comment, and general quality-of-life issues affecting the downtown and the surrounding area. | | Residents Drive-Thru for Recycling Event | | |
Local residents finished their holiday cleanups at the South King Tool Library on Saturday for our Drive-Thru Tire Christmas lights, scrap metal, styrofoam, and plastic film recycling event. It was an opportunity to reduce waste and support local sustainability efforts.
In total, 485 cars recycled 12,000 pounds of materials!
Our Environmental Services team hosts recycling events throughout the year. It’s the best way to be sure you are disposing of various items in a way that keeps Federal Way green. Visit our Community Events page to find out when the next recycling event will be hosted in Federal Way.
| | Mayor Ferrell Attends Chamber of Commerce Luncheon | | |
Mayor Jim Ferrell and members of the City Council attended the Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce Luncheon last week, which featured a presentation from Andrew Powers of the Washington Small Business Development Center at Highline College.
He talked about how small businesses are using AI tools to grow and thrive.
| | 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 through CaFE.
Entry deadlines and full details are available at the application link.
| | State of the City at the PAEC on Feb. 19 | | |
SAVE THE DATE: Mayor Jim Ferrell's annual State of the City Address will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19, at the Performing Arts & Event Center. The event is free and open to the public.
This year's theme is "A New Dawn, A New Day."
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.
| | Feb. 3 City Council Meeting | | |
Other Recent Meetings:
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.
| | 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 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.
| | 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
- Diversity 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.
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The Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center (PAEC) puts on a wide variety of events year-round. Upcoming events include:
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Feb. 14: Songs of Black Folk
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Feb. 22: Til Death Do Us Part: Late Nite Catechism 3
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Feb. 27: World Ballet Company: Cinderella
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March 1: PAEC PRESENTS: Mariachi Herencia de México
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March 7: The Jazz Ambassadors of the United States Army Field Band
Visit the PAEC event calendar page for a full list of upcoming events.
| | Songs of Black Folk at the PAEC on Feb. 14 | | | | |
Join us for Songs of Black Folk presents "Music of Resistance and Hope" on Saturday, Feb. 14, at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts & Event Center.
Songs of Black Folk presents "Music of Resistance and Hope" honors the rich musical traditions of how Black music has shaped and influenced culture worldwide. Featuring special guests, India Aria and Zebulan Ellis.
| | 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.
For those who just want to volunteer at the farm, everyone is welcome! Bring your favorite tools. Extra tools & 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.
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