Sept. 22, 2025

Crime Down 25% in Federal Way Since August 2024

The Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) has released new data showing a major drop in crime across the city. Between August 2024 and August 2025, overall crime fell by 25%, marking one of the most substantial year-over-year improvements in recent memory.

The data highlights significant reductions in several key categories:

• Motor vehicle theft has decreased 55%
• Robbery has decreased 49%
• Commercial robbery has decreased 68%
• Residential burglary has decreased 32%
• Aggravated assault has decreased 33%
• Larceny and theft has decreased 22%

At the same time, proactive enforcement efforts have led to a marked increase in drug-related arrests (up 38%), continuing a trend of intensified focus on narcotics and public health threats.

“We’ve made public safety a top priority, and it’s paying off,” said Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell. “This dramatic drop in crime is a direct result of the hard work of our police officers, strong leadership at FWPD, and support from our community. It also reflects important progress made at the state level, which has helped us re-engage more effectively with criminal activity. We are committed to keeping this momentum going.”

These improvements build on similar gains reported last year, reinforcing a sustained and encouraging downward trend in crime across Federal Way.

FWPD will continue to track and report crime data on a regular basis, with full-year statistics expected in early 2026.

South King County Athlete Breakfast Raises Money for School Sports

On Saturday morning, Mayor Jim Ferrell, along with several members of the City Council, attended the South King County Athlete Breakfast held at Emerald Downs. This special event was hosted by King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer and served as a fundraiser for the South King County Scholar Athlete Fund, a program dedicated to supporting student-athletes in Federal Way and Auburn schools.

The breakfast brought together community leaders, educators, and sports enthusiasts to celebrate, enjoy some breakfast, and contribute to a noble cause. The event featured keynote remarks from Seattle Seahawks General Manager John Schneider, as well as longtime broadcaster and “Voice of the Seahawks” Steve Raible.

The event was not only a celebration of athletic excellence, but also a reminder of the power of community support in helping local youth reach their full potential.

VEG ER Hosts Ribbon Cutting

The City of Federal Way is pleased to welcome Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) ER for Pets to its new location on 320th Street, conveniently situated next to Safeway. In partnership with the Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce, the City celebrated the grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony last week.

VEG ER is a state-of-the-art emergency animal hospital committed to providing immediate, compassionate care for pets—day or night. Open 24/7, 365 days a year, VEG ER is fully equipped to handle urgent veterinary needs whenever they arise. Pet owners can also call VEG ER at any time to speak directly with a veterinarian about emergency concerns.

Performing Arts and Event Center Hosts Make an ImPAECt Fundraiser

Mayor Jim Ferrell joined community members, artists, and civic leaders at the Performing Arts and Event Center (PAEC) for Arts Foundation Federal Way’s annual Make an ImPAECt event last week. It was a celebration of the transformative power of the arts in our city.

In his remarks, the Mayor emphasized the Foundation’s pivotal role in expanding access to the arts for all residents.

“Thanks to the hard work and vision of the Arts Foundation, residents of all ages, from students to seniors, have access to meaningful, enriching arts programming,” said Mayor Ferrell. “The arts are essential, not just to our City’s cultural identity, but to our shared humanity.”

The event highlighted the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to support creative programming, education, and community engagement at the PAEC, helping to make it a true hub of inspiration and entertainment in Federal Way.

“We’re proud to partner with Arts Foundation Federal Way As they continue to bring life to the PAEC and enrich our city through the arts,” Mayor Ferrell said.

Mayor Ferrell Visits Under Construction Maintenance and Operations Facility

Mayor Jim Ferrell visited the City’s new Joint Use Operations & Maintenance Facility last week. The building is currently under construction and expected to be completed in early 2026.

The new facility, which was approved by the City Council in 2024, is located on 28th Avenue South next to Steel Lake Park. It will house Parks and Public Works employees, equipment, vehicles, and tools, and provide support facilities for multiple other city departments.

Federal Way Partners with Tacoma on Community Cleanup

On Saturday, neighbors from Federal Way and Northeast Tacoma came together for a meaningful morning of community service during a Community Clean-Up event along the Federal Way and Tacoma border.

The event was planned and executed as a partnership between the two cities. Over the course of two hours, participants worked side by side, picking up litter, clearing pathways, and helping to beautify the neighborhoods they call home.

The clean-up was more than just an effort to improve the environment, it was a celebration of regional partnership and shared civic pride.

Mayor and Council Present Proclamation for Constitution Week

At the Sept. 16 Federal Way City Council Meeting, Mayor Jim Ferrell and the Council presented a proclamation recognizing Sept. 17-23 as Constitution Week.

The proclamation was presented by Council President Linda Kochmar to Jan Barber and Elna Aki of the Lakota Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Constitution Week is a time to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution and reflect on the rights and responsibilities it guarantees for all Americans.

You can view the full Constitution Week proclamation on our website.

Featured Upcoming Event

Taste of Federal Way is Sept. 27

The Taste of Federal Way is back and will take place at the Federal Way Farmers Market on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tickets are $25 each and include food tastings from seven local restaurants, plus a drink and dessert.

Tickets will be available for purchase on the day of the event at the Farmers Market, so be sure to come early!

Come enjoy this delicious Federal Way tradition and sample dishes from some of your favorite local spots. Don’t miss it!

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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!

Take the Pumpkin Plunge on Oct. 18

Join us for the Second Annual Pumpkin Plunge at the Federal Way Community Center on Saturday, Oct. 18.

Enjoy a unique pumpkin picking experience in our pools. Swim around with your pumpkins and take one home afterward.

Each participant will choose a floating pumpkin from the pool.

Admission is $10 for youth and $12 for adults. Don’t miss out on this fun and festive event!

Sept. 16 City Council Meeting

Other Recent Meetings:

• Sept. 9 Parks, Recreation, Human Services and Public Safety Committee Meeting
• Sept. 8 Land Use and Transportation Committee Meeting

What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, Oct. 7, 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 Financial Literacy Classes

Begin Sept. 25

The City of Federal Way is partnering with community volunteers and the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University to offer the Bob Towne Financial Literacy Program, a free nine-week course teaching financial skills for Federal Way residents.

The classes will be held every Thursday from Sept. 25 through Nov. 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Federal Way Community Center.

The class is limited to 40 participants. Free child care is available for class participants on a first-come, first-served basis.

Federal Way Farmers Market Open

through Oct. 25

The Federal Way Farmers Market is 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 Sept. 27

Join us for our free Drive-Thru Appliances and Electronics Recycling and Document Shredding event at the South King Tool Library (1700 S. 340th St.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27.

Recycling:

• Residents can drop off up to three large items for free recycling, including refrigerators and freezers, stoves, washers and dryers, air conditioners, microwaves, dehumidifiers, and small appliances.
• Free recycling of small to medium-sized electronics (examples include computers, TVs, gaming equipment, cables).

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.

Fall Festival at the PAEC on Oct. 4

Join the Performing Arts and Event Center for its Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

There will be live music, bounce house fun and games, and local vendors showcasing their crafts and offering food for purchase. Families can also enjoy a variety of craft opportunities, participate in our community art project, and sit for a screening of Disney's "Coco" in the theater.

Free access supported by Arts Foundation Federal Way and 4Culture.

PAEC Upcoming Events

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

• Sept. 29: Electric Elton - A Tribute to Elton John
• Oct. 4: PAEC Fall Festival
• Oct. 11: Mariachi Vargas: El Legado Tour 2025
• Oct. 12: FWS: Celebrating 5 Years with Adam Stern
• Oct. 19: Washington Chamber Ensemble's Fall Sacred Concert

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

Miss Holmes Returns at Centerstage

Oct. 3-26

"Miss Holmes Returns" comes to Centerstage each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Oct. 3-26.

At turns funny, suspenseful, and insightful, this standalone sequel to Centerstage’s highly-praised "Miss Holmes" will keep you guessing and gasping until the very end.

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.

Pacific Bonsai Museum Hosting "Branch Out" Fundraiser on Sept. 28

Pacific Bonsai Museum’s Board of Directors invites you to a fun and festive afternoon in support of the Museum on Sunday, Sept. 28, from 1-4 p.m.

Enjoy stunning bonsai, hear live entertainment, cheers to new friends with delicious bites & libations, and participate in a stirring paddle raise, all in celebration of Pacific Bonsai Museum.