City Council Approves Yearlong Data Center Moratorium in Federal Way | | |
At its July 7 meeting, the Federal Way City Council unanimously passed a 12-month moratorium on data centers in the City of Federal Way. The moratorium is intended to allow time for Mayor Jim Ferrell, City staff, and the Council to study the issue and determine the best path forward for the Federal Way community.
The moratorium will prevent acceptance, processing, and approval of all applications related to data centers, and prevent siting, creation, or expansion of data centers citywide for the next year.
The moratorium applies to data centers with a planned capacity in excess of 1 megawatt (mW) or exceeding 4,000 square feet of gross floor area.
More details about the moratorium can be found in the archived broadcast of the July 7 meeting, which begins at this timestamped link. Additionally, City Administrator Brian Davis provided a summary of the Wild Waves Concomitant Agreement.
| | Mayor Ferrell and Council Present Disability Pride Month Proclamation | | |
At last night’s City Council meeting, Mayor Jim Ferrell and the City Council presented a proclamation recognizing July as Disability Pride Month.
Council President Susan Honda and Councilmember Lydia Assefa-Dawson presented the Disability Pride Month proclamation, which recognizes the contributions, achievements, and resilience of people with disabilities.
The full text of the proclamations is available online.
| | City Council Confirms New Department Directors | | |
At the July 7 City Council meeting, the City Council confirmed the appointments of Jason Gerwen as Parks and Recreation Director and Tanja Carter as Economic Development Director. Both were selected and nominated by Mayor Jim Ferrell.
Gerwen has dedicated the past 20 years to the City of Federal Way, most recently serving as Deputy Parks Director since 2021. With extensive experience overseeing parks maintenance and operations, he steps into the director role following the retirement of long-time Director John Hutton.
Carter returns to Federal Way after serving for the past year as Tacoma's Community and Economic Development Director. She previously led Federal Way's Economic Development Department from December 2022 through February 2025.
Bringing more than 20 years of private-sector experience in retail, international trade, and business consulting, Carter returns with a strong background in fostering economic growth and supporting the local business community.
| | Two Federal Way Community Center Members Participate in Special Olympics | | |
Two participants in the Federal Way Community Center's (FWCC) Inclusive Recreation Program represented Washington at last month's Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota, earning multiple medals and top finishes.
Silvie Storbakken competed in three swimming events, winning gold in the 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard breaststroke. She also earned a bronze medal as part of Team Washington's 4x50 freestyle relay.
Randi McDonough competed in three bowling events, earning a bronze medal in women's doubles, an eighth-place finish in women's singles, and fifth place in the team competition with Team Washington.
Storbakken and McDonough were among 40 athletes representing Washington and more than 3,000 competitors from across the country at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
The FWCC Inclusive Recreation Program provides year-round opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in arts, athletics, fitness, life skills, social activities, and community engagement. The program promotes inclusion, independence, and belonging while providing meaningful support and respite for families.
Congratulations to Silvie and Randi on your outstanding performances and for representing Federal Way with pride!
| | Sustainable Airport Master Plans Project Open House Video Now Available | | |
Last month, the Port of Seattle hosted an Open House and Public Meeting at Wildwood Elementary School to share details about the proposed SEA Airport Draft Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) projects.
If you weren't able to attend, you can still learn about the proposed projects and their potential impact on the Federal Way community. We've compiled a video featuring the presentations and project overviews from the meeting.
Watch the video now for a comprehensive overview of the proposed SAMP projects and what they could mean for our community.
| | Ukrainian Students Visit City Hall | | |
A group of students from Rivne, Ukraine, one of Federal Way's Sister Cities, visited City Hall last week. The met with Mayor Jim Ferrell and received tours of the Federal Way Community Center, Municipal Court, and Federal Way Police Department.
The students were part of the U4U Kids Organization and visited Federal Way for three weeks.
| | Federal Way Rotary Hosts Honoring Our First Responders on July 25 | | | | |
The Rotary Club of Federal Way is hosting Honoring Our First Responders on Saturday, July 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 31919 6th Ave. S. in Federal Way.
It's a chance to meet your local heroes, thank them in person, and have some fun with the whole family.
Bring the family, bring your bikes, and come say Thank You" to the people who show up when it matters most.
| | FWPD Commander Buchanan Graduates from FBI National Academy | | |
Congratulations to Federal Way Police Department Commander Kyle Buchanan on graduating from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia!
Commander Buchanan joins an elite group of law enforcement leaders from across the United States and around the world who successfully completed the FBI's prestigious 10-week program focused on advanced leadership, communication, and fitness.
Attendance at the FBI National Academy is by invitation only, reserved for experienced law enforcement professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership within their agencies.
During his time at the Academy, Commander Buchanan engaged in graduate-level coursework and leadership training that will directly benefit the Federal Way community as he continues to serve in a leadership role within the department.
Since its inception in 1935, fewer than 58,000 law enforcement professionals have completed the FBI National Academy, making this a truly distinguished achievement.
Please join us in congratulating Commander Buchanan on this outstanding accomplishment. We are proud of his dedication to professional excellence and his continued commitment to serving the Federal Way community!
| | Sample Fresh Food and Local Flavor at the Federal Way Farmers Market | | |
Make plans to visit the Federal Way Farmers Market this Saturday! Browse farm-fresh produce, pick up gorgeous seasonal flowers, enjoy delicious eats from local food trucks, and discover unique products from more than 40 local vendors.
The market is open every Saturday through Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at its new location on South 316th Street between Town Square Park and the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center.
Whether you're stocking up on fresh ingredients, grabbing lunch, or simply enjoying a summer morning, the Federal Way Farmers Market is the perfect place to shop local, support small businesses, and connect with the community.
| | July 7 City Council Meeting | | |
Other Recent Meetings:
What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, July 21, 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 | | Movies in the Park on July 25 | | |
Join us for a fantastic evening at Federal Way's free community movie night at Town Square Park on Saturday, July 25. The showing will include free popcorn for attendees.
On July 25, we will be showing "Superman," a reboot of the classic DC Studios hero, who gets drawn into conflicts at home and abroad, his actions questioned, giving tech billionaire Lex Luthor the opportunity to get the Man of Steel out of the way for good.
Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, and don’t forget to invite your friends and family.
| | Kids Day at Steel Lake Park on Aug. 5 | | Join us for Kids Day on Saturday, Aug. 5, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Steel Lake Park. It's a day packed with games, prizes, stage performances, food, and so much more! | | Community Festival on Aug. 8 | | |
The Federal Way Diversity Commission and the City of Federal Way are excited to host the next iteration of community connection with the Federal Way Community Festival on Saturday, Aug. 8. from 12-4 p.m. at Town Square Park.
Federal Way will come alive with the sights and sounds of one of the most diverse populations in the region as we celebrate the cultures and communities that make Federal Way a vibrant place to live, work, and play.
This family-friendly, free festival will feature kids’ activities, food vendors, an entertainment stage, and exhibitors sharing information about employment opportunities, health care access, financial and educational services, and a variety of other business resources, nonprofit organizations, and area craft makers.
| | National Night Out in Federal Way on Aug. 4 | | | | |
Registration for National Night Out opened last week, and nearly 20 neighborhoods have already signed up to join the fun!
This annual community event brings neighbors together with the Federal Way Police Department, the Mayor, the City Council, city officials, and public safety partners for an evening of connection, conversation, and community spirit.
Whether you are planning a neighborhood gathering or a business event, no matter small or large, now is the perfect time to get involved.
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Take the Diversity Commission's
Community Engagement Survey
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The City of Federal Way Diversity Commission wants to hear from you!
Please take just a few minutes to share your thoughts in this short Community Engagement Survey.
Your feedback will help us reach more in our community and help us to make our city even more welcoming and connected for everyone.
| | Jane Lynch & Kate Flannery in The Trouble with Angels at the PAEC on Aug. 23 | | | | |
The Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center (PAEC) is hosting Jane Lynch and Kate Flannery in The Trouble with Angels on Sunday, Aug. 23 at 5 p.m.
Join Emmy Award-winner Jane Lynch and the hilariously charming Kate Flannery for a raucous night of comedy, song, and unapologetic mischief in The Trouble with Angels.
With powerhouse vocals, razor-sharp wit, and more than a few surprises, these two beloved stars serve up a cocktail of classic tunes, campy banter, and devilish charm.
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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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July 27-31: Mary Gates Children's Theatre Camp Presents: Cinderella
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Aug. 23: Jane Lynch & Kate Flannery: The Trouble with Angels.
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Sept. 17: Queen: It's Kinda Magic
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Oct. 17: ABRA Cadabra - Celebrating the Music & Magic of ABBA
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Oct. 20: An Evening with Celtic Thunder 2026: Celebrate Your Favorite Songs
Visit the PAEC event calendar page for a full list of upcoming events.
| | Take the Federal Way Library's Makerspace Survey Today! | | | | |
The Makerspace at the Federal Way Library opened in 2022, providing access to free-to-use creative tools, machinery and classes.
Since then, the Library has added new equipment, collaborated with the community, and helped people make lots of amazing things in the Library.
Now they want to hear from you!
Take this short, online survey. Your responses will help improve services and access to the Makerspace.
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