February 10, 2025

State of the City on Feb. 13 at the PAEC

Mayor Jim Ferrell will take the stage for his Annual State of the City Address on Thursday, Feb. 13, at the Performing Arts and Event Center at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

This year's theme is "I 💗Federal Way."

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.

The Todd Beamer High School AFJROTC will present the colors at the event, which will also include performances by the Sacajawea Middle School Nighthawk Vocal Ensemble, led by Choir Director Timothy Cloyd, and the Federal Way Chorale.

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 Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

Mayor Jim Ferrell attended the Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce Luncheon on Feb. 5 at the Performing Arts and Event Center. Washington State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti spoke to the assembled public officials and business leaders.

Pellicciotti discussed the types of budgets the state government manages, the core functions of his office, and the potential impacts of federal government actions on Washington State finances. He highlighted the importance of funding state pensions. Washington has one of the top-funded pension funds in the country.

Before being elected as Washington State Treasurer, Pellicciotti served two terms as 30th District Representative.

Community Invited to Donate to March of Diapers in Honor of John Hurst

At the Feb. 4 City Council meeting, Mayor Jim Ferrell and Councilmembers recognized the passing of local community leader John Hurst.

John's wife, Cheryl Hurst, is widely known for her tireless work on the annual March of Diapers donation drive. John supported her efforts behind the scenes each year.

Our condolences go out to Cheryl and her family for the loss of their husband and father.

In honor of John's memory, Mayor Ferrell and the Council are asking residents to make monetary donations to purchase diapers for the Do the Right Thing non-profit organization. Donations of diapers can be dropped off at the City Hall lobby and monetary donations can be made on the Do the Right Thing website.

Mayor Ferrell will also be partnering with the March of Diapers Drive and the Fred Meyer in Twin Lakes by accepting diapers and wipes donations on Saturday, March 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you have any questions, contact the Mayor's Office at 253-835-2402 or Do the Right Thing at 253-457-5578.

Kiwanis Club of Federal Way Donates "We Care for You" Packs to Veterans

The Kiwanis Club of Federal Way recently donated 50 “We Care For You/Thank You For Your Service” packs to the Multi-Service Center’s (MSC) William Wood Veteran’s Home as the kickoff of the Kiwanis 2025 President’s Project.

The bags contained shampoo, toothpaste, tooth brushes, bar soap, and laundry soap.

“Kiwanis is all about service—service to children and families in Federal Way and beyond,” said Kiwanis President Mike Brugato. “As Kiwanis president for 2024-26, I designated our 2025 President’s Project as providing our ‘We Care for You’ packs to first our honored veterans at the William Wood home and then later to families through the MSC’s Federal Way Food Bank.”

Brugato said the Kiwanis worked with its sponsored youth organizations (Boy Scout Troop 307 and Key Clubs at Federal Way, Decatur, Todd Beamer, and Thomas Jefferson high schools) to put together the packs.

“It is a fantastic way to combine working with these great kids and performing service,” Brugato said.

Kiwanis will be distributing another 250 We Care for You packs through the MSC Food Bank in March.

City Council Presents Proclamation for Black History Month

At the Feb. 4 Federal Way City Council Meeting, Mayor Jim Ferrell and the City Council presented a proclamation for Black History Month. Diversity Commission Chair Trenise Rogers accepted the proclamation, which was read and presented by Councilmember Lydia Assefa-Dawson.

Featured Upcoming Event

Federal Way Hosts Grant Editing Workshops for Local Businesses Beginning Feb. 27

The City of Federal Way Economic Development Department has partnered with the Collaborative Partners Initiative to provide free virtual Grant Editing Workshops on Thursday, Feb. 27, and Thursday, March 6, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Participants will received free one-on-one feedback with an experience grant reviewer for 30 minutes.

You can bring your own grant or writing sample, choose from a curated opportunity list, or use the time for grant-related Q&A.

If you are interested in participating, send your materials by Feb. 22 (for the Feb. 27 session) or March 1 to cityoffederalway@thecpin.com.

FWPD Holds Leadership Retreat

The Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) recently gathered for the 2025 Departmental Leadership Retreat, an opportunity to reflect on accomplishments and challenges from 2024 while developing the leadership team and setting priorities for the year ahead.

Supervisors from all divisions, both sworn and civilian (including labor leadership), came together to review department progress, share insights, and collaborate on strategies to enhance public safety and community engagement in 2025. This two-day retreat was focused on strengthening leadership, refining communication, and ensuring readiness to meet the evolving needs of our city for 2025.

The leadership team participated in valuable training sessions covering leadership development, communication strategies, and the disciplines necessary for a healthy organization.

One of the most essential takeaways from this retreat was the power of collaboration. Open communication across all divisions ensures that FWPD remains aligned in its commitment to excellence in service and public safety.

As FWPD moves forward in 2025, the department remains dedicated to proactive policing, enhancing public safety, strengthening relationships with the community, and continuing to earn the public’s trust. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to keep Federal Way safe.

Adopt a Storm Drain in Federal Way

We are proud to announce a new program in our city where community members can help keep pollution out of our storm drains and water ways.

Join volunteers who keep our local storm drains clear of garbage, leaves, and debris to protect our waterways and reduce flooding. Federal Way is part of Washington Adopt-A-Drain, leading regional efforts to protect the Puget Sound.

Volunteer 15 minutes, once a month, for cleaner waterways and healthier communities. Storm drains flow to rivers, lakes, creeks, and the Puget Sound, acting as conduits for trash and pollutants.

Adopt-a-Drain asks individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to adopt a storm drain in their neighborhood and keep it clear of leaves, trash, and other debris to reduce water pollution and help prevent localized flooding.

Feb. 4 City Council Meeting

What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, Feb. 18, 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

Family Prom at FWCC on March 1

Get ready for a magical evening at the Family Prom on Saturday, March 1, 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.

Dance the night away, enjoy light refreshments, and visit our concessions for extra fun!

Capture the moment with professional event portraits and join in on the games and activities throughout the evening. Semi-formal and/or superhero attire is encouraged.

Drive-Thru Recycling Event Feb. 22

Join us for our free Drive-Thru Styrofoam, Plastic Bag, Wraps, and Films Recycling and Document Shredding event at Poverty Bay Café (1108 S. 322nd Pl.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22.

Recycling

• No foam insulation, hot tub covers, urethane foam cushions, instapak foam, or dirty or wet #6 styrofoam.
• No hard plastic materials will be accepted.

Document Shredding

• Limit five file boxes or paper bags per event.
• No pre-shredded paper.
• Arrive with documents in the back of your vehicle. Stay in the vehicle while they are unloaded.

Drive-Thru Recycling Event March 8

Join us for our free Drive-Thru Small Appliances and Electronics Recycling and Document Shredding event at the South King County Tool Library (1700 S. 340th St.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 8.

Recycling

• Residents can drop off up to five SMALL appliances for free recycling (examples include microwaves, blenders, toasters, misc. kitchen appliances).
• Free recycling of small to medium sized electronics (examples include computers, TVs, gaming equipment, cables).

Coffee and Conversation with City Council and School Board on March 22

Join the Federal Way City Council and Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) School Board on Saturday, March 22, for Coffee and Conversation. The event will be held at Ebony & Ivory Coffee from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

All members of the public are welcome to come and share a cup of coffee and conversation in this open house-style meeting.

Doors open at 10 a.m. for you to bring your questions, concerns, and thoughts for the Council and School Board to hear.

We will be collecting donations of personal hygiene items to restock the closet items at FWPS schools.

SAVE THE DATE: Senior Health and Resource Fair on May 15

The Senior Advisory Commission is hosting a free Senior Health and Resource Fair on Thursday, May 15, 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. Watch the video recap of last year's event for more information.

Cirque Kalabanté at the PAEC on Feb. 28

Afrique en Cirque is a show by Yamoussa Bangoura, inspired by daily life in Guinea. This performance shares the beauty, youth, and artistry of African culture brought to you by ShowCase Magazine.

A colorful show beyond its scenery, costumes, and staging, it makes any theatre vibrate with energy and represents the strength, agility, and life’s joys of young Africans. 

See Cirque Kalabanté at the Performing Arts and Event Center on Feb. 28 at 8 p.m.

R.E.S.P.E.C.T. at the PAEC on March 5

R.E.S.P.E.C.T is an electrifying tribute celebrating the music of the legendary Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.

This concert experience takes audiences on a journey of love, tragedy, courage, and triumph. Starring a live band and supreme vocalists, come experience a night of music by one of the greatest artists of all time.

See R.E.S.P.E.C.T. at the Performing Arts and Event Center on March 5 at 7 p.m.

PAEC Upcoming Events

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

• Feb. 16: Matt Dusk Sings Tony Bennett
• Feb. 23: Sleeping Beauty
• Feb. 28: Afrique en Cirque by Cirque Kalabanté sponsored by ShowCase Magazine
• March 1: The Magical Music of Harry Potter
• March 5: R.E.S.P.E.C.T. - A Celebration of the Music of Aretha Franklin

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.

Miss Holmes at Centerstage Theatre

Centerstage Theatre is putting on "Miss Holmes" Jan. 31 through Feb. 23 at the Knutzen Family Theater located at 3200 SW Dash Point Rd.

This twisty, intriguing mystery takes the most iconic detective pairing in literary history and delivers everything you want in a mystery while turning one thing on its head: What if Sherlock and Dr. Watson were women?

General Admission Tickets are $39 in advance (online or over the phone) and $41 at the door. Student, Military, and Senior Ticket discounts are available. More details available online or by phone at 253-661-1444.