Officers Take Oath of Office at May 20 City Council Meeting | | |
At the Federal Way City Council meeting on May 20, four police officers took the oath of office administered by Mayor Jim Ferrell. Additionally, one officers received a promotion.
The new officers, Ramel Turic, Buddy Stringer, Stephen Heath, and Iain Robertson, are entry-level police officers who recently graduated from the Police Academy and are currently in the Federal Way Police Department's (FWPD) Field Training Program.
Officer Sara Nader was promoted to the rank of police corporal. She has six years of law enforcement experience in addition to serving in the United States Navy. During her time with the FWPD, Sara has served as a Major Crime Scene Team member, Explorer Program Advisor, Valley Civil Disturbance Unit, and Field Training Officer.
“These officers represent the highest standards of integrity and professionalism,” said FWPD Chief Andy Hwang. “We are proud to welcome them to our team and grateful for their commitment to serving our community.”
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Papé Kenworth Hosts Open House and
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
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Papé Kenworth hosted an Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for its brand-new Federal Way location last week. Mayor Jim Ferrell and city staff were on hand to tour the facility and take part in the celebration.
The new facility includes an on-site collision center that is fully dedicated to handle everything from minor repairs to complete rebuilds for all makes and models of heavy-duty trucks. It also features a showroom that sells and leases new and used trucks and other equipment.
| | Mayor Ferrell and Chief Hwang Visit Capitol for Signing of HB 2015 | | |
Mayor Jim Ferrell and Federal Way Police Department Chief Andy Hwang traveled to Olympia last week for the signing of HB 2015. They joined 30th District Representative Kristine Reeves, who was a co-sponsor of the bill, as Governor Bob Ferguson signed it into law.
HB 2015 improves public safety funding by providing resources to local governments and state and local criminal justice agencies. Mayor Ferrell testified to the legislature in support of the bill earlier this year.
| | Mayor Ferrell and City Council Present Proclamation in Honor of Bob Towne | | |
At the Federal Way City Council meeting on May 20, Mayor Jim Ferrell and the City Council presented a proclamation in honor of late community member Bob Towne. His efforts were critical in the development of the free financial literacy program offered to residents by the City of Federal Way.
Going forward, the program will be named in Towne's honor as the "Bob Towne Financial Literacy Program" to recognize his efforts championing this cause.
The proclamation was accepted by Towne's wife, Sheri Towne, and representatives from organizations that have facilitated the financial education program he inspired. In total, 175 Federal Way residents have graduated from the financial literacy program.
| | Japanese Students Visit City Hall | | Thirteen students from Niigata Seiryo Junior College in Japan visited City Hall last week. They visited the Mayor's Office to meet with Mayor Jim Ferrell before receiving a tour of the city's court and police department. The students are part of an exchange program called Niigata Homestay that brings students from Niigata, Japan, to the Federal Way area for a few weeks at a time. | | Federal Way Warriors Rugby Day | | |
Mayor Jim Ferrell was invited to attend the Federal Way Warriors Rugby Day at Saghalie Park on Saturday. It was an opportunity to see kids participating in a fun sport we don’t hear about that often in this part of the world.
The Federal Way Warriors are a local nonprofit that hosts rugby competitions for boys and girls starting at age five through high school. These kinds of opportunities are critical for kids in helping them develop interests and live healthy lives, and they help ensure Federal Way thrives as a diverse community.
| | Arts Explosion at the PAEC May 30-June 1 | | | | |
The Federal Way Arts Commission is excited to announce the third-annual “Arts Explosion” Juried Art Show Festival, taking place from May 30th to June 1st, at the Performing Arts & Events Center.
This vibrant festival will celebrate the diversity of Federal Way, showcasing the talents of both adult and youth artists, while promoting artistic growth and community engagement.
The third-annual Federal Way Arts Explosion Festival brings a juried art competition to both adult and youth artists from around the region.
| | Larson Justice Tree Planting | | |
Over the past year, staff from the City of Federal Way's Environmental Services has been planning and implementing a tree planting at Larson Justice Wetland, a Federal Way Conservation Site, with the goal of planting native wetland trees and shrubs to bolster this unique habitat.
Wetland habitats provide many benefits including flood protection, water purification, wildlife habitat, and carbon storage. Healthy wetlands are important for both humans and wildlife!
Our staff chose native plants suitable to the wetland habitat. These plants do well in consistently wet soil and help with water quality. Native plants filter sediment, absorb excess nutrients, and moderate water temperatures with their shading effect. Some of the plants include pacific willow, red osier dogwood, douglas fir, western red cedar, hemlock, and many other plants that send down strong deep roots and help to ensure the health of the wetland.
This project just wrapped up the phase two spring planting (see our team in the photo above) with more than 100 new plants added. If you're interested in planting native plants, follow the link below for a directory of native plant nurseries in Washington State.
| | May 20 City Council Meeting | | |
Other Recent Meetings:
What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, June 3, 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 | | Pride Flag Raising at City Hall on June 2 | | | | |
June is Pride Month in Federal Way! We're excited to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community.
Join us in recognizing and honoring the diverse voices that make our community vibrant and strong.
We will be hosting a Pride Flag Raising Ceremony at City Hall on Monday, June 2, at 9 a.m.
| | Hanwoori Garden Grand Opening June 10 | | |
The Federal Way Korean American Association and the City of Federal Way cordially invite you to attend the Grand Opening Ceremony of Hanwoori Garden. Please join us for a welcome reception prior to the ceremony. Reception begins at 10:30 a.m. followed by the program commencement at 11 a.m.
When: Tuesday, June 10, at 10:30 a.m.
Where: 550 S.W. Campus Dr., Federal Way, WA 98023
General parking is available at the Federal Way National Little League Complex immediately south of the Hanwoori Garden. Reserved and accessible parking is available at the Hanwoori Garden.
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Federal Way Farmers Market Open
through Oct. 25
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The Federal Way Farmers Market will be held at The Commons each Saturday through Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Come and enjoy fresh produce, beautiful flowers, handmade crafts, delicious food vendors, and live entertainment every Saturday!
Plenty of parking is available. WIC, SFMNP, and SNAP are all accepted.
| | Drive-Thru Recycling Event June 7 | | |
Join us for our free Recycling and Document Shredding event at the South King County Tool Library (1700 S. 340th St.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 7.
Bring your metal, styrofoam, and plastic film for recycling and documents for shredding to this FREE drive-thru event.
Questions?: Email recycle@federalwaywa.gov or call 253-835-2771
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SCRAP METAL
- Residents can drop off up to five items for free recycling
- Accepted materials include: Metal Appliances, Metal Furniture, Bikes/Scooters
- NO appliances with freon/refrigerants
STYROFOAM/PLASTIC FILM
- Clean, white Styrofoam blocks
- Packing peanuts must be bagged
- Soft plastic film only (grocery bags, bubble wrap, plastic packaging)
PAPER SHREDDING
- Limit five file boxes or paper bags
| | Special Olympics WA: Volunteers Needed | | | | |
The Special Olympics State Spring Games are coming June 20-22 with events happening in Federal Way, Tacoma, and at the University of Puget Sound.
Thousands of athletes will compete, and more than 2,500 volunteers are needed to help make it all happen!
Need help registering? Email us now!
| | Kiwanis Salmon Bake July 25 | | | | |
The Federal Way Kiwanis Salmon Bake returns
for its 69th year at beautiful Steel Lake Park. This event raises funds to support youth and
community programs throughout Federal Way.
The event will include: a delicious salmon dinner; a beer and wine garden (over 21 only); classic rock with the Max Rensha Band; ice cream from SubZero; a silent auction and a “gift card wall;" booths featuring local nonprofits; and more!
Tickets are available for advanced purchase for $30, which includes the salmon dinner. At the door, entry will be $35 (or $10 for a kids hot dog meal).
| | Mat Pilates at the PAEC Every Monday | | | | |
Start your week with strength and movement at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center’s PAEClates class — a weekly mat Pilates session led by certified instructor Heather Hoffacker.
Held every Monday at 10 a.m., this all-levels class focuses on building core strength, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall wellness through mindful movement. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for registration, check-in and waiver signing. Participants must be 18 or older to attend.
This is a mat-based Pilates class — no machines or reformers — so attendees are encouraged to bring their own mat, water bottle, towel, and comfortable workout attire.
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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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May 30 & June 1: Arts Explosion Arts Festival
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June 3: Gemini Bash with a Touch of Class with Laughs featuring Temptations Revue
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June 7: 2025 Federal Way Youth Symphony Orchestra Annual Concert
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June 14: SWNBF Natural Columbia Classic PRO/AM
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June 22: WCE 13th Annual Concert: Beautiful Dreamer
Visit the PAEC event calendar page for a full list of upcoming events.
| | Something Rotten at Centerstage Theater | | | | |
Centerstage Theatre is putting on Something Rotten! from May 23 through June 15 at the Knutzen Family Theater located at 3200 SW Dash Point Rd.
The musical is set in 1595 where two struggling playwright brothers, Nick and Nigel Bottom, try to outshine Shakespeare by creating the world’s first musical.
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