Federal Way to Expand Automated Speed Enforcement Operations | | |
The City of Federal Way is expanding its automated enforcement program to improve safety and reduce speeding in high-risk areas. Beginning in November, existing speed cameras in four school zones will begin operating around the clock, enforcing the posted 35 mph speed limits beyond school hours.
Currently, the cameras operate during designated school hours when flashing beacons are activated, citing drivers traveling faster than the posted 20 mph school zone speed limit. Under the expanded program, cameras will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, enforcing the following posted speed limits: 20 mph during designated school zone hours and 35 mph beyond school hours.
A one-month warning period will begin when the cameras are activated in November. During this period, drivers detected exceeding the posted speed limit will receive warnings rather than citations. Beginning in December, violations captured by the cameras will result in civil infractions of no more than $290 (excluding late fees).
The four automated speed enforcement locations are:
- SW Campus Drive at TAF@Saghalie
- 21st Avenue SW at TAF@Saghalie
- 1st Avenue S at Panther Lake Elementary School
- SW 320th Street at Twin Lakes Elementary School
The expansion is part of the City’s broader Automated Enforcement Program, which also includes school zone speed cameras and red-light cameras at locations throughout Federal Way.
More information, including fact sheets and frequently asked questions, is available on the city website.
Community members with questions about this program can email visionzero@federalwaywa.gov.
| | Mayor Ferrell and City Council Present Proclamations at Meeting | | |
At last week's City Council meeting, Mayor Jim Ferrell and the City Council presented two proclamations recognizing the 30th Anniversary of the Federal Way Police Department and National Voter Registration Day.
Celebrating 30 Years of FWPD: Established in October 1996, the FWPD has spent three decades serving our community with a commitment to public safety and leadership. Council members took turns reading the proclamation, which was accepted by FWPD Chief Andy Hwang and department members.
Recognizing National Voter Registration Day: Councilmember Melissa Hamilton presented a proclamation highlighting the importance of civic participation in building public trust, promoting accountability and ensuring every citizen eligible to vote has the opportunity to have their voice heard. King County Elections Chief of Staff Kendall Hodson accepted the proclamation.
Read the full text of both proclamations on the city website.
| | Old is New Again at Clothing Swap | | |
Black Friday came early this year in Federal Way! Community members packed the South King Tool Library over the weekend for a free clothing swap that allowed them to pick up new used items for their wardrobe. The clothing swap is intended to keep articles in good condition out of landfills and in the hands of the local community.
The South King Tool Library and the City of Federal Way have been collecting items for the last month. The day of the swap featured racks full of used clothes and other apparel.
Any leftover items are now headed to local nonprofits for reuse and recycling, ensuring the positive impact continues long after the doors closed.
| | Halloween Fun Brings Family to Community Center for Tricks and Treats | | |
Costumed families filled the Federal Way Community Center on Saturday afternoon for the city’s annual Tricks and Treats. The event was a chance for dress rehearsal for Halloween, which comes for everyone this Saturday.
Children brought their candy buckets while dressed as superheroes, witches, ghosts and their favorite movie characters. The event featured trick-or-treat stations, games and other spooky activities.
It was a perfect spot for safe Halloween fun!
| | Artists Recognized for Arts Alive Exhibition at the PAEC | | |
The talents of local and regional artists were in the spotlight at this year’s Arts Alive Juried Art Exhibition, as Mayor Jim Ferrell and the City Council formally recognized participating artists during last week's council meeting.
The Federal Way Arts Commission hosts Arts Alive as an annual program that provides a public platform for artists to showcase their work in a professional setting, celebrating the vibrant creativity within our community and beyond.
This year’s submitted pieces are currently on display at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center, where visitors can enjoy the exhibit during open hours. The exhibition features a diverse range of media, styles, and perspectives, reflecting the richness of our local arts scene.
As part of the program, three outstanding works were selected for special recognition and awarded cash prizes:
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Juror’s Choice: “In Quiet Recognition” by Susan Wheeler
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Commission’s Choice: “Held in Stillness” by Susan Wheeler
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People’s Choice: “Intergalactic Coffee Station” by Dimitri Ivanov
Congratulations to all of the artists who participated and contributed to another successful Arts Alive exhibition. Your creativity and vision continue to enrich our community!
| | Operations & Maintenance Facility Ribbon Cutting on Oct. 28 | | | | |
Join us for the opening of our new Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 1 p.m.
The facility is located at 31130 28th Ave. S., next to Steel Lake Park.
The event is free and open to the public and will include remarks from Mayor Jim Ferrell, other local officials, and City staff.
Refreshments will be provided, and attendees can take limited self-guided tours of the facility.
Community members are invited to attend the grand opening and help celebrate this investment in the City’s operations and the employees who maintain Federal Way’s public infrastructure and parks.
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Veterans Day Celebration on Nov. 11
at the PAEC
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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.
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City Accepting Applications for
Arts Commission
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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.
| | Oct. 20. City Council Meeting | | |
Other Recent Meetings:
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 over the coming months. 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 | | |
Repair Café at South King Tool Library
on Nov. 7
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The City of Federal Way is hosting a Repair Cafe on Saturday, Nov. 7, at the South King Tool Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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.
| | Food Waste Reduction Workshop on Nov. 12 | | | | |
The City of Federal Way is hosting a free Food Waste Reduction Workshop on Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Federal Way Community Center at 5 p.m.
Turn food scraps into healthy dishes, learn how to use local all of your 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.
| | Cops vs. Ballers at Todd Beamer High School on Nov. 13 | | | | |
Join the Federal Way Police Department on Friday, Nov. 13, at Todd Beamer High School for a fun, family-friendly night of basketball.
Cops vs. Ballers is a basketball game between FWPD officers and Todd Beamer students, bringing our community together while raising money for the school.
The game tips off at 6 p.m. and doors open at 5:30 p.m. Suggested admission is $5 per person or $20 per family. All proceeds go to Todd Beamer High School.
Wear your school colors, cheer loud, and come out to support our students and community!
Family friendly. Cheer loud. Community strong.
| | Black Jacket Symphony Presents: Bon Jovi's "Slippery When Wet" on Oct. 30 | | | | |
The Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center (PAEC) is hosting The Black Jacket Symphony Presents: Bon Jovi's "Slippery When Wet" on Friday, Oct. 30, at 7:30 p.m.
The Black Jacket Symphony recreates Bon Jovi’s iconic album Slippery When Wet live in its entirety — note for note, sound for sound — plus a full set of Bon Jovi’s greatest hits.
It’s a full night of rock and roll magic — plus a visual experience unlike any other. Fans across the country flock to their shows — and once you see one, you won’t miss another!
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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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Oct. 30: The Black Jacket Symphony Presents: Bon Jovi's "Slippery When Wet"
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Nov. 4: PAEC Presents: Cellogayageum
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Nov. 12: Swan Lake by World Ballet Company
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Nov. 16: Take it to the Limit: The Music & Legacy of the Eagles
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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.
| | Free Trunk or Treat at Pacific Bonsai Museum on Oct. 31 | | | | |
The Pacific Bonsai Museum is hosting a free Trunk or Treat event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31.
Tiny tree trunks meet big Halloween fun! Hear spine-tingling tales about the museum's most spooky bonsai.
Docents will be handing out treats to visitors in Halloween costumes. This ghoulishly good time also includes bonsai-making demonstrations, docent-led tours, a scavenger hunt, and more!
| | 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.
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