Jan. 12, 2026

New and Returning City Officials Sworn In at Council Meeting

The Jan. 6 City Council Meeting marked a night of new beginnings as five City of Federal Way officials took ceremonial oaths of office to launch their new terms.

Mayor Jim Ferrell opened the evening by taking the oath for his fourth term, administered by City Clerk Heather Dumlao. Mayor Ferrell has served the City since first being elected to the City Council in 2003, continuing a long-standing commitment to public service.

The ceremony also welcomed three new City Councilmembers—Martin Moore, Melissa Hamilton, and Les Sessoms—each sworn in to serve four-year terms. Later in the meeting, Moore was selected by his peers to serve as City Council President.

The evening concluded with the swearing-in of Municipal Court Judge Danielle Havens, who fills the seat previously held by retired Judge Dave Larson.

Retired Judge Dave Larson Donates Worn Robe to City

At the Jan. 6 City Council meeting, retired Municipal Court Judge Dave Larson donated the judicial robe he wore during the first 15 years of his service. The robe is intended as a visible symbol of the servant leadership Larson believes public officials should embody.

“We in government have lost sight that we are stewards of the public trust, and that we are meant to represent everyone, not just certain interests,” Larson said. “That principle is what I tried to live by for nearly 18 years on the bench.”

Larson served as a Municipal Court Judge for the City of Federal Way from 2008 through 2025.

Provide Your Input Now on Operations and Maintenance Facility Public Art

The City is currently selecting artwork for the new Joint Maintenance & Operations Facility, which will open later this year. This artwork selection follows the process outlined in city code.

A committee of City staff and Arts Commission members has made a final recommendation to the City Council: “Federal Way Operations and Maintenance: Four Seasons of Dedicated Care” by artist Tsovinar Muradyan.

Before the Council makes its final decision between the recommended proposal and a second finalist, we want to hear from you.

Both finalist proposals can be viewed on the City’s website at https://bit.ly/3NzKCM8. Public feedback is welcome and should be sent to PW_Bids@federalwaywa.gov.

The City Council will confirm the final artwork selection at the Jan. 20 Council Meeting.

State of Education Presented at 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 State of Education presentation from Federal Way Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Dani Pfeiffer.

Dr. Pfeiffer reviewed the successes of FWPS in recent years and looked forward to how students are receiving more opportunity to learn and grow across the district. Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders, which means our future is bright in Federal Way!

Featured Upcoming Event

MLK Day Celebration on Jan. 17

Join the City of Federal Way and the Federal Way Diversity Commission as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy at the Annual MLK Celebration on Saturday, Jan. 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year's theme is "Turning Pain Into Peace - Living Out the Dream."

Together, we’ll reflect on his enduring message, hear from inspiring speakers, enjoy meaningful performances, and come together as a community committed to carrying his vision of peace, justice, and unity forward.

Salmon Eggs Delivered to Federal Way Public Schools

As a kick off to the Storming the Sound with Salmon program, our Environmental Services team delivered Coho Salmon eggs to 34 Federal Way Public Schools. Students showed up to greet their new eggs and see them get placed in their new homes.

These eggs will hatch early January and be looked after at the schools until April. In April, all fourth grade students will attend the Salmon release event, where they will learn more about environmental science, salmon, and habitat. Each student will release a salmon fry into the Hylebos.

Press play on the video to see the warm welcome we received from excited students & click the link below to learn more about this program.

Community Park Restoration on Jan. 17 & 18

We are teaming up with the Washington Native Plant Society to give back to our parks! Join us for a Community Park Restoration weekend at Celebration Park and Steel Lake Annex.

Help remove invasive plants, restore native habitat, and make a real impact in Federal Way.

Saturday & Sunday

Jan. 17 & 18

9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Drive-Thru Recycling Event on Feb. 7

Join us for our free Drive-Thru Recycling Event at South King Tool Library on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. At this event, we are accepting scrap metal, holiday lights and electrical cords, styrofoam, and plastic film.

We will also have document shredding on site.

This event is funded in part by a Local Solid Waste Financial Assistance grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology and King County Solid Waste Division.

Jan. 6 City Council Meeting

What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, Jan. 20, 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

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.

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.

Free Financial Literacy Course Offered from Jan. 29 through March 26

The Bob Towne Financial Literacy Program, presented by the City of Federal Way with help from community volunteers and Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, is offering a free nine-week course focused on budgeting, getting out of debt, saving, and building financial confidence.

The upcoming session runs Thursdays from Jan. 29 through March 26, 6:30–8:30 p.m., at the Federal Way Community Center. Free child care is available.



To register, email Bill Vadino or call 253-835-2420.

Compost Workshop on Jan. 24

Join us for a Compost Basics Workshop on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 1-2 p.m. at the South King Tool Library.

This one-hour, hands-on workshop provides participants with an engaging introduction to composting, offering practical insights into compost basics, resources, and more.

This workshop includes demonstrations and real world examples to help re-think waste and reduce environmental impact through composting!

Pre-registration is required to attend.

Mending Fair on Feb. 1

Join the City of Federal Way, King County Library System, and the Refugee Artisan Initiative for a FREE Mending Fair on Sunday, Feb. 1, at the Federal Way Library.

Each participant can bring up to TWO articles of clothing.

Mending is limited to visible mending.

If you need a garment to be hemmed, you must be able to measure your own inseam. A tape measure will be provided.

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:

• Steel 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.

PAEC PRESENTS: The Peking Acrobats

on Jan. 28

Join us for PAEC Presents: The Peking Acrobats on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 6:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts & Event Center.

From towering chair stacks and impossibly precise acrobatics to high-flying flips, foot juggling, and dynamic balancing acts, The Peking Acrobats deliver a spectacle of agility, grace, and show-stopping pageantry.

Brought to you by FastSigns Federal Way.

PAEC Upcoming Events

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

• Jan. 28: PAEC Presents: The Peking Acrobats
• Jan. 30: Epic Queen
• Feb. 14: Songs of Black Folk
• Feb. 27: World Ballet Company: Cinderella
• March 1: PAEC PRESENTS: Mariachi Herencia de México

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