Nov. 2, 2026

Federal Way Celebrates Opening of $55 Million Operations and Maintenance Facility

We celebrated the opening of our new Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony last Wednesday, Oct. 28. The facility is located at 31130 28th Ave. S., next to Steel Lake Park.

The event included remarks from Mayor Jim Ferrell, other local officials, and city staff. Attendees took self-guided tours of the new space, which includes crew spaces, locker rooms, shops, and fleet maintenance areas.

“The Operations and Maintenance Facility represents more than just the nearly 13 acres and 43,000 square feet of building space,” Mayor Ferrell said. “It’s a state-of-the-art home for our hard-working public works and parks staff, and it’s a culmination of a project that has been decades in the making.”

Built on the site of the city’s original maintenance building and additional properties, the $55 million facility brings together staff, equipment and materials supporting the city’s Public Works and Parks and Recreation departments.

Construction on the facility began in 2024. It expands the city’s capabilities, including in-house fueling and fleet maintenance that were previously provided by outside organizations. The city partnered with Corp Inc. Construction Company and Shive-Hattery on this large project.

“This new Operations and Maintenance Facility is a major piece of 100-year infrastructure that will ensure our city staff can continue to do their work effectively and efficiently,” Mayor Ferrell said. “Giving our employees the space to do their work and the resources they need to thrive will greatly benefit our entire Federal Way community.”

This new facility is an investment in Federal Way’s future and is a large milestone for the city and its community.

Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center Celebrates 35th Anniversary

Last week, the Seattle Sports Commission hosted a celebration of the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center's 35th anniversary.

The Aquatic Center originally opened in 1990 in anticipation of the swimming events for that year's Goodwill Games. Since then, it has welcomed countless major events and brought national and international recognition to Federal Way.

The event celebrated the Aquatic Center's past and recognized founding director Mike Dunwiddie for his instrumental role in the facility's success.

Overcomer Academy Students Visit City Hall

Students from Overcomer Academy visited City Hall last week. More than 30 fourth graders toured the Federal Way Police Department, tried on robes at the Municipal Court, and heard all about what it’s like to run a city from Mayor Jim Ferrell.

Mayor Ferrell Participates in Election Security Forum

Mayor Jim Ferrell participated in an Election Security Forum last week at the Federal Way Library. Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs and King County Elections Director Julie Wise joined Mayor Ferrell as panelists at the event.

Safe and secure elections are essential for a functioning democracy. Protecting every ballot and ensuring they are properly counted is critical to building trust in our electoral system and government.

Featured Upcoming Events

Repair Café at South King Tool Library

on Nov. 7

The City of Federal Way is hosting a Repair Café from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, at the South King Tool Library.

Bring your damaged furniture, broken small household items, dull knives, and torn clothing.

Our fixers will do their best to make your items usable again!

Questions about broken items? Contact South King Tool Library at info@southkingtools.org.

Win Chick-fil-A for a Year at Cops vs. Ballers on Nov. 13

Think you can make a half-court shot? One lucky participant at Cops vs. Ballers will have the chance to win Chick-fil-A for a year with 52 “Be Our Guest” cards, one for each week!

Join the Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) on Friday, Nov. 13, at Todd Beamer High School as officers take on students in a friendly basketball game benefiting the school. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the game starts at 6 p.m.

Suggested admission donations are $5 per person or $20 per family. Raffle tickets are $3 for one, $10 for four, $20 for nine, $50 for 25 or $100 for 55. Cash and card accepted.

Thank you to our raffle prize donors: Barnes & Noble, Billy McHale’s, Bricks & Minifigs, Catapult, Courtyard by Marriott, El Centro Skate, Federal Way Police Guild, Home Depot, Jet Chevrolet, Jimmy Mac’s Roadhouse, Les Schwab, Lowe’s, Round Table Pizza, Secoma Lanes, Tokyo Steakhouse and Wilson Evolution Basketball. More prizes are on the way!

Interested in donating a raffle prize? Contact Tiffany Clemmings or Sarah Montjoy. Bring your family and friends, support the school and cheer for the team you think will win!

Expanded Automated Speed Enforcement Operations Begin Dec. 2

Starting today, Nov. 2, the 30-day speed safety camera warning period will be in effect outside school zone hours. The speed cameras will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

After the warning period, effective Dec. 2, drivers who exceed the posted speed limit of 35 mph will receive an infraction notice by mail.

The speed limit depends on the time of day:

• During School Zone Hours: Drivers who go over 20 mph can get a ticket.
• Outside School Zone Hours: Drivers who go over 35 mph can get a ticket.

Drivers who go over the 20 mph speed limit during school zone hours will still get tickets during the warning period. 

Join Us: Federal Way Employees' 2nd Annual Holiday Food Drive

No neighbor should have to choose between food and other basic needs. For households stretching limited incomes across groceries, housing, utilities, and medicine, food assistance can provide essential breathing room.

City of Federal Way employees are coming together to help, and we invite you to join us. City employees serve this community and this is another way to put that commitment into action.

Until Nov. 24, we are hosting our second annual Holiday Food Drive in support of the Federal Way Senior Center, the Multi-Service Center, and the Pacific Islander Community Association, three organizations that provide essential food and support to residents across the city.

Where to Donate: Donation bins will be available during business hours at City Hall in main floor lobby.

Suggested Food Donations: Shelf-stable, nutritious, and culturally inclusive foods are especially appreciated.

Visit our Food Drive webpage to learn more about how and what to donate.

Tree Lighting at Town Square Park on Dec. 5

Join us for a FREE holiday celebration at Town Square Park at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5.

Everyone is welcome to enjoy Santa’s big arrival, live music, free cocoa and cookies, and the tree lighting with Mayor Jim Ferrell.

Don’t miss out on this fun evening!

Event Details

Location: Town Square Park

Date: Saturday, Dec. 5

Time: 4 p.m.

Nov. 4 City Council Meeting

What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Wednesday, Nov. 4, 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.

Join Us for Upcoming Public Meetings for the Biennial Budget

Federal Way is updating its Biennial Budget for 2027-28. The public is invited to hear about the process during a series of meetings. The entire calendar is published on the city website and includes meetings in September, October, and November.

Budget presentations and deliberations will take place on the following dates (some are on an as-needed basis): Nov. 4 and Nov. 17.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Veterans Day Celebration on Nov. 11

at the PAEC

Join us for our Veterans Day Celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Performing Arts & Event Center.

The program runs from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.

This year, we will be having the event on 11/11/11, meaning the eleventh day of the eleventh month at the eleventh hour.

We will honor Federal Way area veterans with remarks and performances in collaboration with local organizations.

Jingle Bell Brunch at FWCC on Dec. 5

Santa’s stopping by for breakfast at the Federal Way Community Center.

Join us for Jingle Bell Brunch on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 10 a.m. for a morning of holiday fun, crafts, music, and breakfast with Santa.

All ages are welcome, but most activities and crafts are designed for ages 2-10.

Event Details:

Location: Federal Way Community Center

Time & Date: Saturday, Dec. 5, at 10 a.m.

Admission: $17 Per Person

Cookies with Mrs. Claus at FWCC at Dec. 18

Join us at the Federal Way Community Center on Thursday, Dec. 17, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. for a magical evening with Mrs. Claus. This event is perfect for children ages 2-10 and includes cookie decorating, photo opportunities, cocoa, and music!

Admission is just $5 per person.

PLEASE NOTE: This is one of our most popular events and always sells out fast! Pre-registration is strongly recommended, as day-of tickets may not be available!

City Accepting Applications for

Arts Commission

The City of Federal Way is accepting applications for those interested in serving on the Federal Way Arts Commission.

The Arts Commission serves to bring more free or low cost arts opportunities to the community through musical performances, theater, and visual arts festivals.

Interviews for open positions will be conducted before the end of the year, but applications are being accepted now.

Email CityClerk@federalwaywa.gov or call 253-835-2540 if you have questions. More information available online.

Food Waste Reduction Workshop on Nov. 12

The City of Federal Way is hosting a free Food Waste Reduction Workshop at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Federal Way Community Center.

Turn food scraps into healthy dishes, learn how to use all of your local, in-season produce, and maximize your produce longevity.

All participants will participate in food prep demos and leave with recipes to use at home. All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult to assist with food handling.

PAEC Upcoming Events

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

• Nov. 4: PAEC Presents: Cellogayageum
• Nov. 12: Swan Lake by World Ballet Company
• Nov. 16: Take it to the Limit: The Music & Legacy of the Eagles
• Nov. 21: Sisters Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi's Gold 2026

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

Celebrate a Very Vintage Christmas with the Federal Way Symphony on Dec. 5

Celebrate the holidays with the Federal Way Symphony on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 2:30 p.m. at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center.

Under the direction of Adam Stern, A Very Vintage Christmas features beloved favorites like “White Christmas” and Mel Tormé’s “The Christmas Song.”

The annual City of Federal Way Tree Lighting celebration immediately follows the concert!

Fall Foliage Festival and Plant Sale on Nov. 7 at Rhododendron Garden

The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden is hosting its annual Fall Foliage Festival and Plant Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 7 and 8.

Explore 22 acres of woodland paths filled with fall color, including Japanese maples, deciduous azaleas, rhododendrons, and other seasonal favorites.

Shop for unique plants from the nursery and specialty plant vendors, browse art and handmade goods inspired by nature, and enjoy a children’s scavenger hunt and guided fall-color tours.

Food and beverage vendors will also be on site, offering a variety of options for purchase.

Federal Way Library Hosts Mikki Kendall

on Nov. 19

The Federal Way Library is hosting an after-hours event with best-selling author Mikki Kendall on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 6:30-8 p.m.

Kendall is a writer, diversity consultant, and occasional feminist who talks about intersectionality, policing, gender, sexual assault, and other current events.

Her essays can be found in major publications across the globe. She is the author of Hood Feminism, a New York Times Best Seller.

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. The Federal Way Library is located at 34200 1st Way South in Federal Way.