Oct. 27, 2025

City Recognizes Henry "Hank" Lazzar Day

At the Oct. 21 City Council meeting, Mayor Jim Ferrell and the City Council officially proclaimed October 12, 2025, as Henry “Hank” Lazzar Day.

Henry recently celebrated his 104th birthday and remains an active, dedicated member of the Federal Way community. For the past 30 years, he has volunteered with the Multi-Service Center’s food bank and still shows up three days a week to serve others.

A World War II veteran, Henry spent 40 years working as a milkman and later drove for Boeing before retiring in the mid-1980s. "He is a true inspiration and a powerful example of lifelong service and community spirit," Mayor Ferrell said.

South King Fire Accepts Grant to Support Marine Team

South King Fire & Rescue was awarded a $50,000 grant from the Gary Sinise Foundation and Amazon during a special appreciation event held last week. The funding will go toward essential equipment upgrades for Fire Boat Zenith, a critical resource for responding to water-related emergencies and ensuring public safety across the region’s waterways.

The event was a celebration of partnership and public service, drawing local leaders and community members together in recognition of first responders. Mayor Jim Ferrell, King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, and State Representative Jamila Taylor joined representatives from the Gary Sinise Foundation and Amazon to express their gratitude and support.

In a show of community spirit, the dignitaries helped serve lunch to South King Fire personnel and officers from the Federal Way Police Department, honoring their dedication and daily sacrifices.

Chopped Charity Challenge Supports Federal Way Students

Last Friday, Bridging A Gap Weekend Feeding Programs (BAG) hosted its third annual Chopped Charity Challenge at Federal Way High School. Two local chefs turned a collection of mystery ingredients into delicious meals.

The mystery ingredients were all food items students might find in a take-home bag packed by BAG volunteers. They included string cheese, minestrone soup, canned chicken, and more!

The night was capped with tastings by five local judges.

BAG is a volunteer-run program that provides food for more than 300 students in need in Federal Way each week. More than 35,000 meals were packed last year alone!

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:

• Juror’s Choice: “Sailing Away” by Penny Firehorse
• Commission’s Choice: “Beatitude” by Angelica Juarez
• People’s Choice: “Only in Seattle” by Sydney McMaster

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!

Mayor Ferrell Attends Good Eggs Breakfast

Mayor Jim Ferrell joined other local officials and leaders at the Good Eggs Breakfast, hosted by King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, last week.

The event featured Seattle Seahawks Vice President of Outreach and External Affairs Mike Flood, who spoke on the history of the team, including his role spearheading the Seahawks staying in Seattle and their outreach in the community to youth, non-profits, veterans, and others.

The reciprocal relationship between the team, the community, and that the "12s” are game changers for the community.

Community Center Hosts Families for Tricks and Treats

Families packed the Federal Way Community Center on Saturday afternoon for the city’s annual Tricks and Treats event, transforming the halls into a lively hub of Halloween excitement. Children arrived dressed as superheroes, witches, ghosts, and favorite movie characters, their buckets and bags ready for candy.

Between trick-or-treat stations, families enjoyed games and other activities. The event, becoming a local tradition, once again brought the community together for a safe, family-friendly celebration of Halloween.

Residents Roll Into Drive-Thru

Recycling Event

Local residents rolled through the South King Tool Library on Saturday for our Drive-Thru Tire and Mattress Recycling event. It was an opportunity to reduce waste and support local sustainability efforts.

In total, residents recycled 124 mattresses and 191 tires at the event, and 4000 pounds of paper were dropped off for shredding and recycling.

Our Environmental Services team hosts recycling events throughout the year. It’s the best way to be sure you are disposing of various items in a way that keeps Federal Way green. Visit our Community Events page to find out when the next recycling event will be hosted in Federal Way.

Featured Upcoming Event

Special Olympics Basketball Volunteer Coaches Needed

We are looking for volunteer coaches to help guide and support our athletes as they develop skills, teamwork, and confidence on the court.

• Practices: Wednesdays & Sundays, evenings at the Federal Way Community Center
• Season Dates: Nov. 12-Feb. 26
• Tournaments: Two weekend competitions

Coaches should enjoy basketball and working with individuals of all abilities. Training and support will be provided.

Contact Sabrina.Bates@FederalWayWA.gov to learn more!

Halloween Safety Tips from FWPD

Halloween is almost here, and the Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) hopes everyone has a fun, spooky, and safe celebration. Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Tricks n’ Treats event at the Federal Way Community Center. It was wonderful to see so many families enjoying the festivities.

As you head out for more community Halloween events or an evening of trick-or-treating, keep these quick safety reminders in mind:

🧛Costume Safety: Choose flame-resistant costumes, keep hems short, and make sure masks don’t block vision. Add reflective tape or carry a flashlight to stay visible.

🚗Drive Carefully: Slow down and stay alert since kids will be out walking and crossing streets.

🍬Trick-or-Treat Smart: Stick to well-lit neighborhoods, visit homes with porch lights on, and always have an adult with young children.

🎃Check Your Treats: Inspect candy before eating and throw away anything unwrapped or suspicious.

🔥Fire Safety: Keep candles and Jack-o’-lanterns away from anything flammable, and never leave them unattended.

From all of us at the Federal Way Police Department, have a safe and happy Halloween! 👻

Locker Rooms Re-Open at Federal Way Community Center

After months of construction and care, the newly renovated locker rooms at the Federal Way Community Center (FWCC) are officially open! This major project has transformed the space with new flooring, refreshed tile, upgraded fixtures, cabanas, and fully rebuilt steam and sauna areas.

This long-anticipated project began in February 2024 and has been part of our continued effort to improve the member experience, upgrade aging facilities, and create a more comfortable and efficient space for everyone who visits FWCC.

Learn more about the locker room renovation on the FWCC website and come see the transformation for yourself on your next visit! 

Oct. 21 City Council Meeting

What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Wednesday, Nov. 5, 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 Mending Fair Federal Way Library

on Nov. 8

Join the City of Federal Way, King County Library System, and the Refugee Artisan Initiative for a FREE Mending Fair on Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Federal Way 320th Library.

• Each participant can bring up to TWO articles of clothing.
• Mending is limited to visible mending.
• If you need a garment to be hemmed, you must be able to measure your own inseam. A tape measure will be provided.

Registration is recommended. Please select either the 1-3 or 3-5 timeslot at https://uqr.to/mending11-8.

Community Clothing Swap on Nov. 22

Join us for a free community clothing swap on Saturday, Nov. 22, 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 fall/winter). 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.

Join Us for Plantapalooza on Nov. 15

Join us for Plantapalooza, a community planting event in partnership with the Washington Native Plant Society, on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Spend the day restoring native habitat, learning from plant experts, and connecting with neighbors while giving back to the environment.

Tools, plants, and expert guidance will be provided.

Join us at one of two locations:

• Steel Lake Annex: 2645 S. 312th St, Federal Way, WA 98003
• Celebration Park: 1095 S. 324th Street, Federal Way, WA 98003

Please Take Our Traffic Safety Plan Survey By End of 2025

Whether you walk, bike, drive, or ride the bus, every trip in Federal Way should feel safe. For the first time, the City is asking for your input to help build a new Traffic Safety Action Plan!

This plan uses the Safe System Approach, which recognizes that while crashes can happen, serious injuries and deaths can be prevented.

Now’s your chance to make a difference.

• Tell us which intersections or streets feel unsafe
• Suggest where sidewalks or bike lanes are needed
• Add comments directly to our interactive map

We’re accepting feedback through the end of 2025. Visit our project website to take the survey and learn more.

Let’s work together to make Federal Way safer for all.

City Accepting Applications for Boards and Commissions

The City of Federal Way is accepting applications for those interested in serving on city boards and commissions.

The City is planning to conduct interviews at upcoming council meetings with a focus on filling open positions on:

• Human Services Commission
• Diversity Commission
• Parks Commission
• Steel Lake Management District Advisory Board

View the flyer for application details and more information.

Questions? Email CK@FederalWayWA.gov or call 253-835-2540.

Inside Out 2 for Family Movie Night on Nov. 7

Bring the whole family to Dumas Bay Centre’s Knutzen Theater for a cozy indoor fall movie night! This time we’re showing Disney Pixar's Inside Out 2 along with free popcorn.

Join us Friday, Nov. 7 for family fun. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the movie starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $2 per person.

Dress as your favorite emotion and enjoy FREE popcorn while you watch! Great for all ages to enjoy!

COPS vs. Ballers Basketball Game Nov. 14

Join the Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) as officers go head-to-head with students from local high schools in the COPS vs BALLERS Basketball Game on Friday, Nov. 14, at 6:30 p.m. in the Thomas Jefferson High School (TJHS) gym.

Entry is free, and the night will be packed with excitement, including raffle prizes and good vibes. Bring your friends and family and show your team spirit!

This event isn’t just about basketball, it’s about giving back. Raffle tickets will be available at the game, with all proceeds going directly to support the TJHS basketball program.

The Robert Cray Band at the PAEC

on Nov. 10

Don’t miss The Robert Cray Band at the Performing Arts and Event Center on Monday, Nov. 10, at 7:30 p.m.

The 2025-26 PAEC Presents Season continues as five-time Grammy winner and Blues Hall of Famer Robert Cray returns to the stage with his signature blend of blues, soul, and rock.

Brought to you by FastSigns Federal Way with support from Fanciful Rentals & Johnbuildsv LLC.

PAEC Upcoming Events

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

• Oct. 28: Led Zepagain
• Nov. 1: Take it to the Limit - A Tribute to the Eagles
• Nov. 2: The Black Jacket Symphony Presents: AC/DC's "Back in Black"
• Nov. 10: PAEC Presents: The Robert Cray Band
• Nov. 11: World Ballet Company: The Great Gatsby Ballet

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