Facebook  X  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube

January 27, 2025

Steel Placed for New Maintenance and Operations Facility

This past summer, the City Council approved construction of our new Joint Operations and Maintenance Facility that will house Parks and Public Works employees, their equipment, vehicles, and tools, and provide support facilities for multiple other city departments. The new building, which is currently under construction, is one of the largest capital projects we’ve undertaken here in Federal Way.

 

Construction of the facility hit a major milestone this month as the first steel beams were erected. Construction is currently planned to be completed by February 2026.

Pressure Washing Class Educates Residents on Best Practices

Local residents gathered at the South King Tool Library on Jan. 22 to find out the dos and don'ts of using a pressure washer at their homes. Participants learned how pressure washers can efficiently clean outdoor spaces and eliminate dirt, mold, and mildew.


The class included a chance to ask questions and a live demonstration. The South King Tool Library provides access to tools and training in order to help maintain neighborhoods, build community, and reduce unnecessary consumption with households of all forms including low-income residents and under-served populations.


Classes like this one are offered year round through the City of Federal Way Environmental Sciences department. More information on upcoming classes and events is available on the City's website.

MLK Day Event Video Recap

We hosted our Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Event at the Performing Arts and Event Center on Jan. 18. If you were unable to attend or want to relive the great performances and speeches, watch our event recap now. It features a message from Mayor Jim Ferrell, culturally enriching performances, and a variety of speeches.

 

Click this link to view the memorable moments. You can also watch highlights of the event.

FWPD Officers Rescue More than 100 Cats

We want to recognize our Animal Services officers for rescuing more than 100 cats from an abandoned apartment in October 2024.


Officers were dispatched to a Federal Way apartment complex in response to an animal complaint. Two days earlier, management discovered keys left behind by the former tenants at the leasing office. Upon inspecting the unit, they found numerous cats abandoned by the previous occupants.


The apartment maintenance staff escorted the Animal Services team to the unit, where they discovered 133 cats left without access to food or water. The cats ranged in ages and even included small day-old kittens. This large-scale rescue took the officers eight days to ensure the safe removal of each cat. Many of the animals were in dire need of treatment for various health issues.


Thanks to the efforts of the Tacoma Humane Society, who partnered with us on this case, all the cats were nursed back to health and successfully adopted into new homes. We are also now proud to partner with Burien C.A.R.E.S for animal services needs in our community.


We want to extend a special acknowledgment to Officer Larson, who devoted hundreds of hours to this investigation. Her dedication and compassion ensured the safety and well-being of every animal involved in this case.

City of Federal Way Hosts Business Workshops

Are you a nonprofit, small business, or community-based group seeking funding for your organization, but unsure of how and where to start?


View the City of Federal Way’s recorded grant writing and fundraising series of workshops. 


  • Grant Writing Workshop: Learn how the city structures and finds grants in an easy step-by-step workshop you can use for your organization. The three-part series covers grant writing topics ranging from communicating project ideas to managing grant funding.


  • Fundraising Workshop: If you are looking to fundraise, learn how the city trains teams on structuring fundraising efforts in a way that will help you successfully raise money. The three-part series covers fundraising topics ranging from crafting an "ask" to managing funds.


The videos are recorded live in the Federal Way Council Chambers at City Hall and include subtitles. Videos will also be available in Spanish, and we hope to expand the language offering soon.


Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your strategies, there's something for everyone. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your funding efforts and make a lasting impact in your community!

Featured Upcoming Event

Bloodworks Blood Drive Jan. 30

The City of Federal Way is partnering with Bloodworks Northwest to host a blood drive at City Hall on Thursday, Jan. 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.


Did you know it takes 1,000 donors a day to maintain a safe and reliable blood supply in the Pacific Northwest? Make a one-hour appointment for the blood drive today.


Walk-ins may be available, but spots are limited.

Make an Appointment

Enrollment Fee Waived at Federal Way Community Center until Jan. 31

Ready to prioritize your health and wellness this year? The Federal Way Community Center is here to help you kick off 2025 with a special offer!


Join us this January, and we’ll waive the $50 enrollment fee on monthly memberships!


Visit the Federal Way Community Center to sign up and save — this exclusive offer is only available for in-person enrollment and ends January 31, 2025! Don’t miss out!

Sign Up Now!

Jan. 21 City Council Meeting

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

State of the City Scheduled for Feb. 13

SAVE THE DATE. Mayor Jim Ferrell's annual State of the City Address will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, 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.

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 Cafe (1108 S. 322nd Place) 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.
View Event Details

Food Preservation Workshop Feb. 19

Join the City of Federal Way for a FREE Food Preservation Workshop on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at the Federal Way Community Center at 5 p.m.


Learn about ways to reduce food waste, then prepare your own take-home container of Kimchi. All materials provided, no experience necessary. Space is limited, reserve your spot now!

 

Email recycle@federalwaywa.gov with questions.

Reserve Your Spot

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.


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.

Buy Tickets Now

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.

Buy Tickets Now

PAEC Upcoming Events

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


  • Jan. 29: Albert Cummings
  • Feb. 8: Crash Test Dummies
  • Feb. 16: Matt Dusk Sings Tony Bennett
  • Feb. 23: Sleeping Beauty
  • Feb. 28: Afrique en Cirque by Cirque Kalabanté


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

PAEC Event Calendar

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.

Federal Way Symphony

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. 

Buy Tickets Now