Mayor Ferrell Presents Proposed 2027-28 Biennial Budget | | |
At last week's City Council meeting, Mayor Jim Ferrell presented on the proposed 2027-28 Biennial Budget for Council and community to review.
This proposed budget is structurally balanced, includes no new taxes, fully funds reserves, and provides cost-of-living adjustments for staff while continuing to fund essential services for our community. The proposed 2027-28 Biennial Budget is available on the city website.
Finance Director Steve Groom presented on the proposed budget during last week's special meeting/workshop. You can view the meeting on our YouTube channel.
Community members interested in providing their feedback can do so at one of our upcoming budget meetings, which will be held at 5 p.m. at City Hall on the following dates: Sept. 21, Sept. 24, Oct. 6, and Oct. 20. (Additional meetings on Nov. 4 and 17 will be held if needed.)
| | Federal Way Rotary Hosts Food Drive Event | | |
At last Saturday's Federal Way Farmers Market, the Federal Way Rotary hosted an event to cap off its month-long food drive. Mayor Jim Ferrell, city council members, and other local officials joined Rotary members for a celebration of the food drive that included inspiring remarks and fun activities.
Donations will support the Redondo Heights Food Bank Market, Bridging a Gap, and Multi-Service Center's Food Bridge and home deliver programs.
| | Community Connects With Council at Coffee With Council | | |
The Federal Way City Council hosted Coffee with Council at the Federal Way Farmers Market. It was an opportunity for members of the community to connect with their leaders to engage in thoughtful discussion and ask relevant questions.
Thank you to everyone who came out and took the time to interact with our Council members. Your engagement with our city is critical.
| | Taste of Federal Way at the Federal Way Farmers Market on Sept. 26 | | | | |
The Federal Way Farmers Market is hosting the Taste of Federal Way on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market is at its new location, 31510 Pete von Reichbauer Way S in Federal Way.
Participating restaurants will be themed as 'Battle of The Decades' where each restaurant booth will be representing a different decade!
Get ready to enjoy delicious bites from your favorite local restaurants while giving back to the community at the last day of the 2026 market season.
Every ticket sold helps support local nonprofit organizations through partnerships with participating restaurants. Tickets can be purchased for $25 at the information booth at the market and from participating nonprofits.
| | Federal Way Rotary Club Supports FWPD Through BlueBridge | | |
The Rotary Club of Federal Way recently presented the Federal Way Police Department with a $1,500 donation to BlueBridge Alliance following its July 25 Field of Honor: Honoring Our First Responders event.
The event brought community members together to recognize and show appreciation for local police officers and firefighters, with first responder leaders and community partners also in attendance. Proceeds from the event were donated to support BlueBridge Alliance and its partnership with FWPD.
Through BlueBridge Alliance, officers have access to resources that allow them to provide immediate assistance to community members facing critical needs, including food, transportation, shelter, and essential clothing.
The Federal Way Police Department is grateful to the Rotary Club of Federal Way for this generous contribution and its continued commitment to our community. Partnerships like this strengthen the resources available to officers and the residents they serve.
Learn more about BlueBridge Alliance, and how to support it, on the BlueBridge website.
| | Waste Management Food Drive Oct. 5-9 | | | | |
Join your neighbors in fighting hunger in Federal Way by donating at the curb. Waste Management will be accepting food donations as part of your regular garbage pickup Oct. 5-9.
Place your donations in bags and boxes next to your cart by 7 a.m. and Waste Management will take it with them to give to those in need.
Tape the flyer at the link below to your donation and label it as "Food Drive." A Waste Management truck will pick up your donations and deliver them to the Multi-Service Center.
Accepted items are included on page two of the flyer.
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Mayor's Month of Concern Food Drive
on Oct. 12
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Join us on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the Mayor’s Month of Concern for the Hungry Food Drive. It’s a chance to help feed our community!
Food can be donated at the following locations:
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Twin Lakes Fred Meyer: 33702 21st Ave. S.W.
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Safeway: 1207 S. 320th St.
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Dash Point Grocery Outlet: 1618 SW Dash Point Rd.
You can donate all sealed, non-perishable, and unexpired foods.
We also gladly accept diapers, small soaps, shampoos, toothbrushes & toothpaste, unused razors, disposable utensils, and can openers.
| | Make Sure You're Two Weeks Ready When Disaster Strikes | | |
When a major disaster hits, whether it's a storm, earthquake, or other large-scale emergency, essential services may be delayed. Emergency responders could be overwhelmed, and access to basic needs like food, water, and power might be disrupted for days. That’s why it’s important to ask yourself:
Could you and your family manage on your own for 14 days?
Being 2 Weeks Ready means having the supplies, plans, and information you need to stay safe and self-sufficient until help arrives. And it’s easier to get started than you might think.
Here are three simple but powerful steps you can take this week:
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Make a Plan: Think about how your household will communicate and reconnect after a disaster. Know your evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and meeting points. Consider the needs of children, pets, and anyone with mobility or health issues.
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Build Your Emergency Kit: Start with the basics like water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, a first aid kit, medications, and copies of important documents. Don’t forget supplies for pets, chargers for devices, and anything specific to your family’s needs.
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Stay Informed: Reliable information is critical during a crisis. Sign up for emergency alerts like Alert King County, and make sure you have ways to receive updates, such as a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
Being prepared isn’t about fear, it’s about empowerment. When you take steps to prepare now, you’re giving yourself peace of mind and the ability to act quickly when it matters most.
Start today by visiting Make It Through or explore detailed local resources through this 2 Weeks Ready guide.
You can’t predict the next emergency, but you can be ready for it!
| | Sept. 15 City Council Meeting | | |
Other Recent Meetings:
What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, Oct. 6, 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): Sept. 21, Sept. 24, Oct. 6, Oct. 20, Nov. 4, and Nov. 17.
| | Upcoming Events and Opportunities | | Mending Fair at Federal Way 320th Library on Oct. 10 | | |
Join the City of Federal Way, King County Library System, and the Refugee Artisan Initiative for a FREE Mending Fair from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, at the 320th Federal Way Library.
Each participant can bring up to TWO articles of clothing. You can register for a timeslot online before you come. Walk-ins welcome as space allows.
- 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.
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City Accepting Applications for
Arts Commissions
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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.
| | Free Financial Literacy Course Offered from Sept. 24 through Nov. 19 | | | | |
The Bob Towne Financial Literacy Program, presented by the City of Federal Way with help from community volunteers and Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, is offering a free nine-week course focused on budgeting, getting out of debt, saving, and building financial confidence.
The sessions are held from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. every Thursday from Sept. 24 through Nov. 19 at Federal Way City Hall, 33325 8th Ave S in Federal Way. This is a FREE course.
To register, email Policy Advisor Bill Vadino or call 253-835-2420.
| | Drive-Thru Shredding Event on Oct. 3 | | | | |
Join us for our free Drive-Thru Document Shredding event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, at El Centro de la Raza (1607 S. 341st Pl. in Federal Way)
Document Shredding
- Limit five file boxes or paper bags per event.
- No pre-shredded paper.
- Arrive with documents in the back of your vehicle. Stay in the vehicle while they are unloaded.
| | Make an ImPAECt at the PAEC on Sept. 24 | | | | |
Join the Arts Foundation Federal Way for an evening dedicated to advancing arts in our region at Make an ImPAECt from 5:30 - 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center, 31510 Pete von Reichbauer Way S in Federal Way.
This free fundraiser spotlights programs and partnerships that bring arts education, cultural events, and creative opportunities to life in our community.
Your contribution will help inspire students through the Arts4Youth program, support local artists, and build a vibrant, inclusive future for the South Sound.
| | Automated Red Light Cameras Public Engagement: We Want to Hear from You! | | | | |
Your feedback could make Federal Way roads safer!
We are exploring the possibility of adding additional automated traffic red light cameras in Federal Way, and we want to hear from you.
Share your thoughts and suggest locations where you think they could improve safety.
This public engagement is NOT related to the FLOCK system. It is related to the City’s automated red light camera program and its related assets.
| | An Evening with Celtic Thunder at the PAEC on Oct. 20 & 21 | | | | |
Join the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center for An Evening with Celtic Thunder on Oct. 20 and 21.
An Evening with Celtic Thunder is more than just a concert — it’s a journey through the group’s incredible legacy.
Featuring a carefully curated setlist of their greatest hits, this show will showcase the powerful harmonies, soaring ballads, and electrifying performances that have made Celtic Thunder a household name.
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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. 17: ABRA Cadabra - Celebrating the Music & Magic of ABBA
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Oct. 20 & 21: An Evening with Celtic Thunder 2026: Celebrate Your Favorite Songs
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Oct. 23: PAEC Presents: Taikoproject
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Oct. 24: You Should Be Dancing: A Tribute to the Bee Gees
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Oct. 30: The Black Jacket Symphony Presents: Bon Jovi's "Slippery When Wet"
Visit the PAEC event calendar page for a full list of upcoming events.
| | Pacific Bonsai Museum Hosts Branch Out on Sept. 27 | | | | |
The Pacific Bonsai Museum is hosting Branch Out, a fundraiser in support of the museum from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27.
Branch Out features a stunning selection of bonsai to view and enjoy, plus live jazz by the Michael Glenn Trio.
The afternoon comes alive with performances by a variety of musical performers and a program hosted by dynamic auctioneer Matt Lorch.
It’s a celebration of living art, culture, music, and nature, all benefiting Pacific Bonsai Museum.
| | Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden Hosts Plant Sale Sept. 30 to Oct. 4 | | | | |
The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden is hosting a fall clearance and rare plant sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept 30 to Oct. 4.
Shop 50% off select plants, including hybrid and species rhododendrons and azaleas, shade perennials and shrubs, hostas, hydrangeas, begonias, tropical rhododendrons, and more.
Come early for the best selection. Rare plants tend to go fast!
| | The Legend of Sleepy Hollow from Centerstage Theatre Oct. 2-25 | | | | |
"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" from Centerstage Theatre comes to the Knutzen Family Theatre each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Oct. 2 through Oct. 25.
Step into the eerie woods of Sleepy Hollow, where laughter will give way to gasps of fright in this exciting adaptation of the most enduring Halloween tale in Northeast American literature.
Get swept up in the secrets and suspense of Washington Irving’s incredible story and see for yourself…if you dare.
General Admission Tickets are $40 in advance (online or over the phone) and $43 at the door. Student, Military, and Senior Ticket discounts are available.
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