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The City of Federal Way announced that preliminary crime data for the first six months of 2026 shows overall crime has decreased by 21% compared to the same period in 2025, continuing a strong multi-year trend of improving public safety throughout the city.
Several major crime categories experienced significant reductions during the first half of 2026, including:
- Murder — down 43%
- Robbery — down 21%
- Residential Burglary — down 51%
- Commercial Burglary — down 47%
- Motor Vehicle Theft — down 54%
These year-to-date reductions are part of a larger, long-term decline in crime across Federal Way. Between 2023 and 2025, several major crime categories experienced dramatic decreases:
- Motor Vehicle Theft declined from 2,305 incidents in 2023 to 471 in 2025 — a reduction of approximately 80%.
- Robbery dropped from 238 incidents to 70 — a 71% reduction.
- Burglary fell from 622 incidents to 250 — a 60% reduction.
- Aggravated Assault decreased from 343 incidents to 228 — a 34% reduction.
These sustained reductions reflect the City's ongoing investments in proactive policing, focused crime-reduction strategies, technology, and strong partnerships across the community.
| | Kiwanis Club of Federal Way Hosts 70th Annual Salmon Bake | | |
Last Friday, the Kiwanis Club of Federal Way hosted its 70th Annual Salmon Bake. The Federal Way summer tradition dates all the way back to 1955 thanks to strong support from the local community.
Baked salmon was prepared by John Hatcher of Café Pacific, and the event featured a local wine and beer garden, live entertainment, a silent auction, and a card wall to help the community come together.
The Kiwanis Club of Federal Way supports youth leadership programs, such as Key Club, scholarships and education funding, community service projects, and partners with local schools to promote youth.
| | Mayor Ferrell Speaks at First Responders Event | | |
Mayor Jim Ferrell had the opportunity to speak at the First Responders Event on Saturday, July 25. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Federal Way, this event honored and recognized our first responders who work for the Federal Way Police Department and South King Fire to serve and protect our community on a daily basis.
"So much of a first responder’s day isn’t about the emergencies that make the headlines, it’s about the small, quiet acts of kindness and care that make a real difference in someone’s life," Ferrell said.
Thank you to all of the first responders who make our city safer!
| | Three Officers Receive Promotions and Mayor and Council Present Proclamation | | |
Mayor Jim Ferrell swore in three Federal Way Police Department officers following their promotions and joined the City Council to present a proclamation to the The Kiwanis Club of Federal Way at the regular City Council meeting on July 21.
Congratulations to Commander RB Blackshear, Lieutenant Chris Mickelsen and Corporal Sarah Montjoy for their dedication and achievements!
Council President Susan Honda and Councilmembers Linda Kochmar and Melissa Hamilton presented a proclamation celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Kiwanis Salmon Bake to the Kiwanis Club of Federal Way.
The full text of the proclamation is available online.
| | Shabu Zone Hosts Ribbon Cutting | | |
Federal Way welcomed a new restaurant to town, Shabu Zone, serving up authentic Asian all-you-can-eat hot pots.
Located on South 320th Street, this new space has a wide variety of flavorful soup bases from Tonkotsu to Sukiyaki, meats ranging from natural pork belly and Akaushi Wagyu Beef Round, and endless toppings to choose from to create your own unique dish.
Come hungry with friends and family to discover your favorite hot pot combination!
| | Mayor Ferrell Attends King County Athlete Fund Event | | |
Mayor Jim Ferrell recently attended the King County Athlete Fund breakfast and auction event at Emerald Downs, hosted by King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer.
Each year, the community comes together to celebrate athletes. An auction was held to raise money for high school sports and student athletes. Special guests included Seahawk legend Jim Zorn and Mariners legend and current manager Dan Wilson.
| | Paris Baguette Hosts Grand Opening at New Location in Federal Way | | |
Paris Baguette held its grand opening on Aug. 21. This neighborhood bakery café features signature cakes, pastries, sandwiches, and coffee. This new bakery is located off Pacific Highway next to Black Bear Diner.
Stop in for a delicious treat or coffee to start your morning!
| | Mayor Ferrell Attends Turtle Marathon | | |
Slow and steady wins the race!
More than 500 participants walked the streets in the greater Seattle area to promote good health, long lasting friendships, and community unity for this year's Turtle Marathon. This event was a partnership between the Federal Way Korean American Association and the Northwest Korean American Association.
The Turtle Marathon began at Celebration Park and went around Federal Way with a check point at Hanwoori Garden, a perfect spot to symbolize unity!
| | Mayor Ferrell Attends Opening Ceremony for King County Fair | | |
Mayor Jim Ferrell attended the opening ceremony for the King County Fair in Enumclaw alongside other mayors and elected officials from King County.
163 years strong, the fair has moved around the King County area, Seattle, and Renton but is now permanently at home in Enumclaw as the oldest fair in west of the Mississippi River.
This year, the Fair was open from July 16-19.
| | Federal Way Pride Event Aug. 1 | | | | |
Celebrate Pride on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 12-5 p.m. at Town Square Park.
This inclusive event will feature more than 40 vendors and live entertainment. The Federal
Way Farmers Market will be available until 2 p.m. for food options on South 316th Street.
Let's come together as a community and celebrate authenticity, love, and unity. Everyone is welcome!
| | A Learning Experience with Federal Way's Police Department K-9 Team | | | | |
A few months ago, Ethan, a fifth grader, reached out to the Federal Way Police Department for a school project focused on how dogs and humans work together to get important jobs done.
Ethan had the opportunity to meet with Officer Helena Stratton and her K-9 partner, Dexter, to learn more about the teamwork, training, and dedication that goes into being a police K-9 team.
We love seeing students take an interest in the work our officers and K-9 teams do every day. Thank you, Ethan, for your thoughtful questions and for highlighting the incredible partnership between officers and their K-9 partners.
| | Night Construction for Street Preservation Projects Underway | | |
Beginning Monday, July 27, night construction work will occur at two major locations in Federal Way: South 320th Street and 21st Avenue Southwest. Night work has been selected because it allows the project to be completed more safely and efficiently than daytime construction.
During the day, traffic volumes are significantly higher, making it difficult to close lanes without causing major congestion, longer travel delays, and increased safety risks for both drivers and construction crews.
South 320th Street Preservation Project (Between 1st Ave S & Pacific Hwy S)
21st Avenue Southwest Preservation Project (Between SW 320th & SW 339th)
We understand that nighttime construction can be disruptive, and we appreciate your patience while this work is being completed.
| | Federal Way Library Hosts Mending Fair | | |
The Federal Way Library hosted a free Mending Fair in its Makerspace recently, giving community members the opportunity to bring clothing items to be repaired by skilled volunteers and artisans.
Hosted through a partnership between the City of Federal Way, the King County Library System, and the Refugee Artisan Initiative, the mending fair celebrated sustainability, skill-sharing, and community connection while helping extend the life of clothing through repair and reuse.
| | Drive-Thru Recycling Event on Aug. 22 | | | | |
Join us for our free Drive-Thru Recycling Event at South King Tool Library on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. At this event, we are accepting appliances and electronics. We will also have document shredding on site.
Appliances:
- Drop off up to three large items.
- Accepted items: Refrigerator, freezer, stove, washer and dryer, air conditioner, microwave, dehumidifier, and small appliances.
Electronics:
- Free recycling of small to medium sized electronics, including TVs.
- Electronics, gaming equipment, monitors and cables.
| | July 21 City Council Meeting | | |
Other Recent Meetings:
What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, Aug. 11, 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 | | 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 is open and nearly 20 neighborhoods have already signed up to join the fun!
National Night Out events will be held all around Federal Way on Tuesday, Aug. 4.
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.
| | 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.
| | Bloodworks Blood Drive on Aug. 11 | | | | |
The City of Federal Way is partnering with Bloodworks Northwest to host a blood drive at City Hall on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 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.
| | 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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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
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Oct. 24: You Should Be Dancing: A Tribute to the Bee Gees
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.
| | Pacific Bonsai Museum Hosts Branch Out on Sept. 27 | | | | |
The Pacific Bonsai Museum is hosting Branch Out, a fundraiser in support of the museum on Sunday, Sept. 27, from 1-4 p.m.
Branch Out features a stunning selection of Museum bonsai to view and enjoy, plus live jazz by the Michael Glenn Trio.
The afternoon comes alive with performances by a variety of musical performers and a program hosted by dynamic auctioneer Matt Lorch.
It’s a celebration of living art, culture, music, and nature, all benefiting Pacific Bonsai Museum.
| | Federal Way Hawks Football & Cheer Registration Now Open | | | | |
The Federal Way Hawks, Federal Way's longest-running youth football program, has opened tackle football and cheer registration for the 2026 season.
Practices have begun and are Monday through Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at Lakota Park. Roster spots are available for the following levels:
Registration fee is $300. Any questions? Contact Eileen Wilson, Operations Director, at 206-245-0272 via call or text.
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