Sound Transit Hosts Ribbon Cutting for Transit Station Bus Loop | | |
Sound Transit hosted a ribbon cutting for the new Federal Way Downtown Station Bus Loop on March 26. Mayor Jim Ferrell joined Sound Transit Interim CEO Goran Sparrman, King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, and Sound Transit Board Member and Fife Mayor Kim Roscoe as a speaker at the event.
The opening of the bus loop is the next step toward the full opening of the downtown light rail station next year that will create a transit destination for South King County.
| | City Hosts Free Repair Café for Residents | | |
We hosted our Repair Café at the South King Tool Library on Saturday. Our volunteer repair experts were on-hand to fix damaged furniture and other small household items, sharpen knives, and repair torn clothing for Federal Way residents at no cost.
In total, 114 residents brought 167 items to the event to be repaired or sharpened.
If you were unable to make it to the Repair Café but still have items that need fixing, King County provides a repair business directory of local businesses in 18 different categories that offer repair services for a fee.
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Mayor Ferrell Testifies in Opposition
of HB 1113
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Mayor Jim Ferrell testified before the Washington State Senate Law and Justice Committee in opposition to HB 1113 on March 24. HB 1113 would authorize courts to dismiss a defendant's misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor charge upon the defendant's “substantial compliance” (an undefined term in the bill) with court-ordered conditions.
This legislation would minimize the seriousness of property crimes and the use of illegal drugs, crimes that deeply affect businesses, residents, and overall quality of life. It would also bypass the critical role prosecutors play in ensuring case outcomes reflect both public safety and the interest of victims.
Federal Way joins Auburn, Kent, Renton, and Tukwila in opposing this bill.
| | Aquatic Center Hosts NCAA Swimming & Diving Championships | | |
The Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center hosted the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving National Championships over the last two weeks. Competitors from around the country gathered to determine who was the best in the pool and off the diving board.
Full results for the men’s and women’s competitions are available on the NCAA website.
| | Federal Way Hosts Highline Forum | | |
We were honored to host the Highline Forum last week in our City Council Chambers. The Highline Forum provides Southwest King County cities, school districts, and the Port of Seattle the chance to share information and interact with other government organizations.
The Highline Forum is coordinated by the Port of Seattle and held six times each year at rotating sites. Meeting dates are available on the Port of Seattle website.
Providing residents with the highest quality of life possible in Federal Way is one of our top priorities, and the Highline Forum helps encourage conversations about airplane noise and the spread of ultrafine particles resulting from aviation activity at Sea-Tac Airport.
| | Native Plant Workshop April 5 | | | | |
Join us for a free, informative, and hands-on workshop on native plants on Saturday, April 5, from 2-4 p.m. at the South King Tool Library.
Learn how to incorporate native plants into your landscape, use electric or manual tools, and minimize hazardous waste from gas-powered equipment, herbicides, pesticides, and other contaminants.
Registration is required.
| | FWPD Celebrates Employees of the Year | | |
On March 19, the Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) came together to celebrate the dedication, bravery, and outstanding achievements of the officers, detectives, and civilian staff who went above and beyond in 2024 to serve and protect our community.
Employee of the Year Awards were presented to the following FWPD employees:
- Records Specialist Vanessa McPherson is Civilian Employee of the Year
- Officer Brian Shaw is Officer of the Year
- Detective Richard Adams is Detective of the Year
- Lieutenant Jeff Mundell is Supervisor of the Year
- Public Records Coordinator Staci Alexander is Most Valuable Player
Life-Saving Awards were presented to Officers Michael Wells and Chris Mickelsen for their heroic actions in critical moments. Staff recognitions included the Certificate of Meritorious Service awarded to Animal Services Officer Dayna Larson and the Medal of Valor presented to Lieutenant Kris Durell and Officer Austin Phelps. Larson was also recognized for conducting the highest number of field interviews.
Volunteers Tim Lehnherr, Frank Gabreluk, and Lottie Kinney received the Officer Volunteer Service Hour Awards. Officer William Mann was recognized for making the most DUI arrests, Officer Joseph Halford for filing the highest number of case reports, and Records Specialist Lorielynn Guevarra for processing the highest number of cases.
We are incredibly proud of our dedicated team members who go above and beyond every day to keep Federal Way safe. If you see any of our award recipients, be sure to congratulate them and thank them for their service!
Keep an eye on upcoming newsletters for more about the winners and their stories of success.
| | Planting Trees at Larson Justice Wetland | | |
Over the past year, Public Works staff have been working to plant more than 100 native trees at the Larson Justice Wetland site. The city partnered with Northwest Youth Corps to help prepare the site and plant and maintain the baby trees.
The goals of this project are to increase canopy cover and restore the Riparian Buffer around the wetland, which will help to maintain temperature and keep this habitat healthy.
Watch our short video to learn more.
| | Spring CERT Basic Course Begins April 9 | | | | |
The Greater Federal Way Community Emergency Response Team will host its Spring CERT Basic Course Wednesday evenings from 6-8:30 p.m. from April 9 through June 4.
CERT teaches residents disaster preparedness and planning, first aid, use of fire extinguishers, and search and rescue.
Training is free! To sign up, email Sharon Green at sharon.green@federalwaywa.gov.
| | Road Construction Updates | | |
Construction continues in various locations throughout the city. Please use extra caution and slow down when driving through construction work zones! Click the links below for more information on current projects:
Current Work:
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S. 320th Street/21st Avenue S. Pedestrian Signal: The City’s contractor continues to pour signal foundations and complete related sidewalk work for a new signalized pedestrian crossing on S. 320th Street at 21st Ave S. Work is expected to continue through spring 2025. Temporary lane closures will be required.
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2025 Overlay Program: Starting in April 2025 and continuing through the summer, the City’s contractor, ICON Materials, will be completing pavement overlays in several locations throughout the city. Click on the project information link for maps of the overlay areas.
Upcoming Work: Please see our Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Web Page for upcoming projects.
| | April 1 City Council Meeting | | | | |
What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, April 1, 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 | | Free Financial Literacy Classes | | | | |
The City of Federal Way is partnering with community volunteers and the Dave Ramsay Financial Peace University to offer a free nine-week course teaching financial skills for Federal Way residents.
The classes will be held every Wednesday from April 16 through June 11 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Federal Way Community Center.
Free child care is available for class participants on a first-come, first-served basis.
| | Youth Commission Car Wash April 12 | | | | |
The City of Federal Way Youth Commission is hosting a Car Wash Fundraiser on Saturday, April 12, at the Federal Way Community Center (FWCC) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
All proceeds will support the FirStep Scholarship, established in 2019 to help youth access recreational activities they otherwise couldn't afford.
The scholarship funds one recreational program or a three-month FWCC membership for eligible students in grades 6-12.
Car washes are $8 for cars and $10 for trucks and SUVs.
Come get your vehicle sparkling clean while making a meaningful difference in a young person's life!
| | Parks Appreciation Day April 26 | | | | |
Join us for Parks Appreciation Day on Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to noon.
We will be hosting volunteer events at three different locations, so grab your gloves and help with planting, weeding, and cleanup to make a lasting impact in our green spaces.
Plan to pitch in at one of the following sites:
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Site 1: Brooklake Blueberry Farm (726 S. 356th St.)
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Site 2: Steel Lake Annex (2645 S. 312th St.)
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Site 3: Celebration Park (1095 S. 324th St.)
Pre-register online if you plan to attend!
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Parks & Recreation Summer Program
Guide Now Available
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The Federal Way Parks & Recreation Summer 2025 Catalog is here!
Explore new summer fun with exciting programs, events, and activities for all ages. Printed copies are available in the Federal Way Community Center front lobby and at City Hall as you enter the building!
Registration is now open!
| | Bloodworks Blood Drive April 3 | | | | |
The City of Federal Way is partnering with Bloodworks Northwest to host a blood drive at City Hall on Thursday, April 3, 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. Photo ID is required to donate blood.
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Free Online Food Preservation
Workshop April 10
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Join us for a free online workshop to learn tips for saving food and cutting costs on Thursday, April 10, from 6-7 p.m. This fun, interactive class will cover:
- How to store food to make it last longer
- Purchasing tips
- How to read date labels
The instructor will include a live demo to make a recipe using food scraps and share resources to help with food preservation.
Registration is required.
| | Free Mattress and Tire Recycling and Paper Shredding Event on April 12 | | | | |
Join us for our free Drive-Thru Mattress and Tire Recycling and Document Shredding event at the South King Tool Library (1700 S. 340th St.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 12.
Mattress Recycling
- Residents can drop off up to three mattresses or box springs for recycling.
- All sizes and conditions allowed.
Tire Recycling
- Only car and truck tires accepted.
- Tires can be on or off rims.
Document Shredding
- Limit five file boxes or paper bags per event.
- No pre-shredded paper.
| | Community Clothing Swap May 10 | | | | |
Join us for a free community clothing swap on Saturday, May 10, at the South King Tool Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Drop off your adult clothing, accessories, and shoes, and take home amazing and new-to-you items while helping reduce textile waste.
Items should be clean, usable, and seasonably appropriate (for spring/summer). Items on hangers appreciated. Donations are not required to shop, and all items not claimed will go to local non-profits for reuse and recycling.
| | 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.
| | Earth Day Celebration at the PAEC April 19 | | | | |
The Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center (PAEC) is hosting All the World's a Stage, a free Earth Day Celebration, on Saturday, April 19, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The event is a fun, family-friendly celebration of nature and creativity with hands-on crafts, exciting entertainment, and more!
Bring the whole family and celebrate the beauty of nature, art, creativity, and community.
Paid vendor spots are still available.
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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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April 5: Epic Queen
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April 13: Federal Way Symphony's Lose Yourself in Music
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April 17: BYU-Idaho Symphony Band Presents "Symphonic Soundscapes"
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April 19: All the World's a Stage - Community Earth Day Event
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April 26: State of Ballet Theatre of Ukraine's Swan Lake
Visit the PAEC event calendar page for a full list of upcoming events.
| | Trouble in Mind at Centerstage Theater | | | | |
Centerstage Theatre is putting on "Trouble in Mind" March 28 through April 20 at the Knutzen Family Theater located at 3200 SW Dash Point Rd.
Taking place entirely in a rehearsal space in an old New York theatre, "Trouble in Mind" brings us up close and personal with a group of artists working to open a new Broadway show. Themes of race, class, gender, and whether and when to separate the art from the artist are as poignant and critical now as they were when the show was first written.
General Admission Tickets are $36 in advance (online or over the phone) and $39 at the door. Student, Military, and Senior Ticket discounts are available. More details available online or by phone at 253-661-1444.
| | Fermín’s Great Book of Dreams at Centerstage Theater | | | | |
Centerstage Theatre is putting on "Fermín’s Great Book of Dreams" April 5-19 at the Knutzen Family Theater located at 3200 SW Dash Point Rd.
"Fermín’s Great Book of Dreams" is an original play by local playwright Julieta Vitullo. It tells the story of a young boy who struggles with belief when he doesn’t receive a visit from Ratón Pérez, a mouse that visits children after they lose a tooth and exchanges the tooth for a gift.
Tickets are $15 for all ages (online or over the phone). More details available online or by phone at 253-661-1444.
| | 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.
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