February 24, 2025

Mayor & City Council Host Annual Retreat

Mayor Jim Ferrell and the Federal Way City Council held its annual retreat at Dumas Bay on Feb. 22. The retreat was an opportunity for the Council to dig deeper into some of the important issues facing Federal Way in the present and future.

Topics included the City's financial position, the future of Dumas Bay, options for the future of Federal Way, potential new downtown attractions, a discussion on housing, and commission eligibility. A video recap will be posted to the City's YouTube Channel later this week.

Public Works Hosts Drive-Thru

Recycling Event

Poverty Bay Café was the site for Federal Way's most recent drive-thru recycling event last weekend. Residents brought their styrofoam, plastic bags, wraps, and films for proper disposal. Document shredding services were also provided.

The Federal Way Public Works outreach staff provide a variety of recycling events throughout the year to help keep our city green. The next drive-thru recycling event is on March 8 at the South King County Tool Library. Keep an eye on the Citywide News for future events.

State of the City Video Replay Now Available

Mayor Jim Ferrell presented his vision for Federal Way at his Annual State of the City Address on Feb. 13 at the Performing Arts and Event Center. Whether you were unable to attend or simply want to re-live the festivities, watch the full speech and performances on the City’s YouTube channel now.

As a reminder, the speech's theme was "I ❤️ Federal Way."

Fire Fighters and MLK Event Participants Recognized at City Council Meeting

At the Feb. 18 Federal Way City Council Meeting, Mayor Jim Ferrell and the Council recognized four firefighters from South King Fire (pictured left) and participants in the City's Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration on Jan. 18 (pictured right).

The firefighters traveled with one of the department's fire engines to help fight the wildfires in Southern California earlier this year. They were away from Federal Way for 18 days total, including travel time.

Federal Way Diversity Commission Chair Trenise Rogers presented certificates to the MLK Day Celebration participants in attendance. The MLK Day Celebration included a variety of performances and speeches.

Mayor Ferrell and City Council Attend

AWC City Days

Mayor Jim Ferrell, Council President Linda Kochmar, and Councilmembers Jack Walsh and Susan Honda joined more than 350 city leaders from around the state at the Association of Washington Cities City Action Days event at Saint Martin’s University last week.

City Action Days is held annually during the legislative session and provides updates for city officials on city legislative priorities, insider panels, and news about the latest legislative hot topics.

Mayor Ferrell Featured on Downtown Dawgs Podcast with Jimmy Rodgers

Last week, Mayor Jim Ferrell made an appearance on The Downtown Dawgs, a University of Washington football podcast hosted by former UW safety Jimmy Rodgers. Mayor Ferrell was a walk-on linebacker for the UW football team from 1985-88 under legendary coach Don James.

In the interview, Mayor Ferrell talked about playing for James, being the first walk-on to win the program's Guy Flaherty Award, his political career, his history in Federal Way, and more.

All episodes of the podcast, including Mayor Ferrell's appearance, are available on The Downtown Dawgs YouTube channel.

Featured Upcoming Event

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.

FWPD Emergency Vehicle Operations Course Training

You may recall an article last year in Citywide News describing the Federal Way Police Department’s (FWPD) emergency driving training or Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC). We’re happy to report that all eligible Federal Way police officers, from Police Chief Andy Hwang to the newest academy graduate, completed that extensive training again earlier this year.

Every day, police cars navigate the roadways, maneuver around other motorists, continue through traffic control devices, and, yes, sometimes, drive fast! While the thought might sound exciting, the inherent risk and tremendous responsibility of driving even during routine vehicle operations is significant and is magnified when officers respond to an emergency with their equipment activated.

Because of the risk and the responsibility of even routine driving, officers' skills must be adequate to operate safely for citizens and coworkers. When officers are hired, part of the training they receive at the academy level includes training in emergency vehicle operations, commonly referred to as EVOC.

The training prepares them with the skills they need to employ while operating a vehicle in all capacities as an officer. On top of the basic academy instruction that officers receive, FWPD has a team of EVOC instructors who provide ongoing training to their officers as the department tries to ensure the safety of the community at large.

Officers are brought onto the race track for high-speed training and provided with instruction on driving at higher speeds. They also discuss department policy and legal considerations when operating in an emergency.

This training enhances officers' abilities and identify each officer’s capabilities and their vehicle’s limitations. Officers can test their skills as they navigate the closed course while instructors follow and provide individual direction. The goal is to increase the safety level of officers as they operate in both a routine and emergency capacity.

There are many benefits to the department’s EVOC training. In doing so, officers are better prepared for the various circumstances they will encounter while operating a police vehicle, and the community will be safer all around. The ultimate goal is to ensure the safety of the community that we serve.

Winter Wellness Tips from King County

As the weather outside gets frightful, staying indoors this time of year is much more delightful. With fewer places to go, it’s an excellent opportunity to keep homes free of hazardous waste. Click the link below for ideas on ideas!

Feb. 18 City Council Meeting

What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, March 4, 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

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.

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. 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
• March 6: The Black Jacket Symphony Presents the Beatles "Abbey Road"
• March 9: Lights..Camera...Music!

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.