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3 days ago

Federal Way committee shifts farmers market to prepaid fees, phases out wooden tokens and tightens safety for 2026 season The committee heard staff briefings on 2025 finances and operations for the downtown farmers market and forwarded related budget items to the April 7 consent agenda. Staff said the city will use prepaid booth rental, stop using $10 wooden tokens, outsource donut sales to nonprofits, and adopt a traffic and barrier plan for the street market.

Federal Way's farmers market is undergoing a major transformation for 2026, shifting to prepaid booth rentals and phasing out wooden tokens to streamline operations and enhance safety.

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1 month ago

Federal Way council agrees to draft revised flag policy, will send proposal to committee for review After a legal overview from City Attorney Ryan Culler, Federal Way councilors debated balancing inclusivity with First Amendment risks and agreed by consensus to send a draft flag policy to a council committee, which will solicit commission feedback before the full council votes.

The Federal Way City Council is taking steps to revise its flag policy, balancing community inclusivity with First Amendment protections—what will their final decision look like?

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1 month ago

Federal Way council faces public backlash after contentious special meeting; flags, ICE and conduct dominate public comment Residents packed the Feb. 17 council meeting to press the city about a contentious special meeting, flag policy, ICE presence and council conduct. Speakers split between defending actions taken and urging civility; several asked for transparency, mediation and a retreat.

Federal Way's city council is under fire as residents demand transparency and civility after a contentious special meeting that stirred up debates on flag representation and immigration enforcement.

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1 month ago

Federal Way parks committee advances housing allocation, pool repairs and several parks grants; public urges enforcement of 2% public-art rule The Parks, Recreation, Human Services & Public Safety Committee forwarded multiple items to the Feb. 17 consent agenda, including a $121,813 allocation from Federal Way to a South King County pooled housing fund for a 20-unit project, authorization to solicit bids for Community Center pool repairs funded by a $1.525 million King County grant, a DSHS interlocal for respite services, a 4Culture equipment grant and a conceptual downtown civic plaza update; public commenters urged applying a 2% public-art requirement to capital projects.

Federal Way's parks committee is making waves with plans for pool repairs, affordable housing, and a push for public art funding—what's next for the community?

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1 month ago

Federal Way council removes Martin Moore as council president after debate over student walkout support; Susan Honda elected 4–3 At a Feb. 10 special meeting called under RCW 42.30.080, the Federal Way City Council voted 4–3 to rescind the vote naming Martin Moore council president after debate over a social media post about a student walkout; the council then elected Susan Honda as the new council president.

In a dramatic turn of events, the Federal Way City Council voted 4-3 to remove Martin Moore as council president amidst fierce public debate over his support for a student-led walkout.

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1 month ago

Council extends interfund loan tied to former Target property as developer timeline continues Council approved a resolution extending an existing interfund loan for the former Target site, citing an executed developer agreement and the city's intent to sell the property by Jan. 2027; staff argued internal financing is cheaper than outside borrowing.

The Federal Way City Council just voted unanimously to extend an interfund loan for the former Target property, paving the way for a potential sale by January 2027!

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1 month ago

Sound Transit reports Federal Link in service and affordable housing awards; city, transit coordinate on OMF and road work Public Works reported the Federal Link Extension began revenue service Dec. 6, 2025; Sound Transit issued a notice of intent to award surplus properties for roughly 230 affordable housing units with proposed 2028 ground breaking, and coordination continues on the operations and maintenance facility and nearby closures and roundabout work.

Sound Transit is not just enhancing transit with the Federal Link Extension, but also paving the way for 230 new affordable housing units by 2028—transforming Federal Way's landscape!

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1 month ago

Committee forwards co‑living housing code updates to council first reading The committee forwarded proposed Title 19 amendments to implement Washington's co‑living statute, clarifying definitions, zoning applicability, density and parking rules (including 0.25 spaces per sleeping unit) and directing the ordinance to first reading Feb. 17.

Federal Way is taking a big step towards innovative housing solutions with new co-living code updates that could reshape community living!

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1 month ago

Council narrows federal funding requests to turf fields and city‑center access Economic development staff and consultants recommended two FY27 federal requests: $2 million for turf fields at Celebration Fields and $5 million for the city‑center access transportation project. Council approved the proposed federal legislative priorities unanimously.

Federal Way is gearing up for major improvements with a $7 million funding request for turf fields and enhanced city-center access—will these projects transform our community?

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1 month ago

Federal Way students press council on ICE fears; police say city complies with state law Students from Federal Way High School's Black Student Union asked the council how the city will protect them from potential ICE activity at or near schools. The Federal Way Police Department said it complies with the Keep Washington Working Act and that no ICE operations in the city are known to date.

Federal Way High School students are voicing urgent fears about safety amid potential immigration enforcement near their schools.

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1 month ago

Federal Way committee forwards privately initiated 320th‑Street comp‑plan amendment for study after mixed public comment The committee voted to send a privately initiated map amendment for a 16‑acre site at S 320th St and 1st Ave S to the Feb. 17 council meeting for docketing and further study after staff said the proposal could be consistent with the city’s comprehensive‑plan vision and residents raised concerns about traffic, wetlands and gentrification.

A crucial vote is set for February 17 that could reshape a 16-acre site in Federal Way from commercial to residential, sparking a heated debate among residents about potential gentrification and wildlife impacts.

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2 months ago

Federal Way committee to forward interlocal agreement to aid Renton during 2026 FIFA World Cup The FedRAC committee voted to forward an interlocal agreement to the Feb. 3 consent agenda to allow Federal Way off‑duty officers to provide reimbursed security support to Renton for a team hotel and practice facility during the summer 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Federal Way's committee has taken a bold step to support Renton's security needs during the 2026 FIFA World Cup by sending off-duty police officers to ensure safety at a key hotel and practice facility.

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2 months ago

Committee approves authorization to accept King County parks levy funds expected to total about $6 million The committee authorized the mayor to execute the 2026–2031 King County parks levy agreement, which staff said is expected to provide about $6 million to Federal Way over five years; councilors asked staff to follow up with King County about the city’s net return and distribution mechanics.

Federal Way is set to receive approximately $6 million from the renewed King County parks levy, but how much are taxpayers really contributing?

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2 months ago

Federal Way swears in officials; Martin Moore elected council president 4–3 Mayor Jim Ferrell and newly elected council members were sworn in Jan. 6; after multiple ballots the City Council elected Martin Moore as council president in a 4–3 vote. Moore immediately postponed committee confirmations to the next meeting.

Federal Way has a new leadership team as Mayor Jim Ferrell and the City Council are officially sworn in, with Martin Moore taking the helm as council president in a nail-biting 4–3 vote!

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2 months ago

Federal Way council unanimously approves two-dock first-responder drone program The council approved a five-year contract to deploy two docked Skydio drones for first-responder use, with the first year funded from state seizure funds. The program drew extended public comment on privacy and data retention before unanimous approval.

Federal Way City Council just greenlit a groundbreaking drone-as-first-responder program, igniting a heated debate on privacy and public safety!

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4 months ago

Federal Way advances commute trip reduction agreements and accepts state technical funding; greenway TIB grant also forwarded The committee forwarded an interlocal to provide CTR technical services to SeaTac ($45,000/year paid to Federal Way), accepted $44,300 in WSDOT CTR technical funding for 2025–27, and advanced a $500,000 TIB grant match for a $1 million City Center Greenway. Staff said funds support employer outreach, surveys, and program administration rather than purchase of vehicles.

Federal Way is making big strides in reducing commute trips and improving air quality with new agreements and substantial funding for sustainable transportation initiatives!

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4 months ago

Committee approves moving downtown substation lease to consent agenda after debate over staffing and signage Councilmembers debated a proposed three‑year lease for the downtown police substation — raising concerns that the facility is not consistently open to the public and that online directions telling people to 'call 911' could create a false sense of security — then voted to forward the lease to the Jan. 6 consent agenda.

The debate over the downtown police substation lease reveals critical concerns about public safety and accessibility just as light rail service approaches.

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4 months ago

Federal Way committee advances plan to join ICAC task force, citing investigator training and digital-forensics support Commander Michael Coffey asked the FedRack committee to approve an interlocal agreement joining the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force; councilmembers pressed for more data on caseloads and wellness safeguards and voted to forward the agreement to the Jan. 6 consent agenda for final approval.

Federal Way is poised to enhance its fight against online child exploitation by joining the ICAC Task Force, gaining vital training and support for its investigators.

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4 months ago

Neighbors report repeated dog attacks and debris at Federal Way address; police say investigation ongoing Residents told the council a property on 2308th Street has been the subject of about 75 police reports and repeated dog attacks; Deputy Chief Sumter said officers seized dogs but lacked evidence to hold some animals and that police and code compliance are continuing investigations.

A local property has sparked outrage with 75 police reports citing aggressive dogs, code violations, and even a body found in the backyard.

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4 months ago

Federal Way council authorizes talks with Wayside United Church to explore for-sale affordable housing Council unanimously authorized staff to negotiate a development agreement with Wayside United Church of Christ to explore building for‑sale affordable housing on church land; councilmember who pulled the item said the city must create pathways for homeownership below current entry prices.

Federal Way's City Council is paving the way for affordable homeownership by partnering with Wayside United Church to explore innovative housing solutions!

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4 months ago

Federal Way council hears finance briefing, approves CDBG plan and mid‑biennium budget amendment; property tax ordinance passes 6–1 On Nov. 5 the council reviewed a monthly financial report, discussed revenue shortfalls and cash balances, approved the 2026 CDBG annual action plan, and passed a mid‑biennial budget amendment. The 2026 property tax levy ordinance passed 6–1; Councilmember McDaniel cast the lone no vote.

Federal Way's City Council grapples with a $767,000 revenue shortfall while approving crucial funding plans to support housing and community development.

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4 months ago

Sound Transit says Federal Way Link will open Dec. 6; ribbon cutting and street‑fair events planned Sound Transit officials told the Federal Way City Council on Nov. 5 that the Federal Way Link extension will open Dec. 6 with a 9:30 a.m. ribbon cutting at the downtown station, community street‑fair events at each of three new stations, and a community event fund that identifies the Federal Way Black Collective as the partner for the downtown site

Get ready to hop on board as the Federal Way Link extension opens on December 6, featuring a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony and street fair events at all new stations!

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4 months ago

Federal Way public pushes council to reverse limits on ceremonial flag raisings; council schedules further review More than three dozen residents and community leaders urged the Federal Way City Council on Nov. 5 to reverse or revise an Oct. 21 decision narrowing which flags may be raised at City Hall. Speakers — including members of the Diversity Commission, veterans, pastors and nonprofit leaders — called the change harmful to marginalized communities. The 6

The Federal Way City Council faces mounting pressure to reconsider its recent decision limiting flag raisings at City Hall, with community members arguing it undermines inclusion and safety for marginalized groups.

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4 months ago

Federal Way staff outline City Center Access project timeline, closures and coordination with Sound Transit City staff provided a status update on the multi‑phase City Center Access project, noting federal NEPA approval in September 2025, phase‑1 design and right‑of‑way work underway, and coordination challenges with Sound Transit and BPA that will require a roughly 18‑month closure of portions of 23rd Avenue S and S 324th Street. Staff cited a prior $50

The City Center Access project is set to transform Federal Way's traffic flow, but brace yourself for an 18-month closure impacting key streets ahead!

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4 months ago

Land‑use committee advances preservation overlays, roundabout acceptance and Wayside Church talks; approves sign‑code update for council review The Federal Way City Council Land Use & Transportation Committee voted to forward a bundle of transportation and development items to the Nov. 18 council consent agenda, including authorization to finish design and bid for two street preservation projects, acceptance of a compact roundabout, the preliminary 2026 overlay list and a resolution to set

The Federal Way City Council is gearing up for major infrastructure improvements, including two key street preservation projects and exciting developments with Wayside Church!

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5 months ago

Federal Way committee holds extended discussion on whether to allow retail cannabis and how to zone or limit it Councilmember Paul McDaniel led a discussion on nonregressive revenue options, concentrating on letting retail cannabis into Federal Way and on zoning limits. Councilmembers debated revenue potential, public-safety concerns, banking and cash-handling risks, and whether to confine retail to commercial/industrial zones or limit the number of licenses

Federal Way's future hangs in the balance as councilmembers weigh the pros and cons of allowing retail cannabis—could the city embrace new revenue streams or will public safety concerns win out?

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5 months ago

Council forwards ordinances to require sewer hookup when mains are nearby; exceptions for existing homes and technical barriers Council advanced two related code changes on first reading to require sanitary sewer connection for new subdivisions and developments when a sewer main is within 200 feet, and to require connection for failed septic systems when sewer is adjacent. Ordinances include exceptions and a Jan. 1, 2027 effective date.

Federal Way is taking a major step to protect its waterways and curb the use of aging septic systems by requiring new developments and failed septic inspections to connect to nearby sewer mains.

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5 months ago

Council hears public testimony on 2026 CDBG action plan; human services recommendations move to Nov. 5 At a required HUD public hearing, city staff presented the draft 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) action plan, including recommended funding for repair and shelter programs. Staff will accept written comments through Oct. 27 and bring a final action to the Nov. 5 council meeting.

The city is taking significant steps to improve affordable housing and support local nonprofits, but your voice matters—will you make a comment before the final decision on Nov. 5?

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5 months ago

Council advances code changes to classify OMF and light-rail infrastructure; Sound Transit operations framed as industrial use Council advanced amendments to zoning and use tables to treat Sound Transit’s operations-and-maintenance facility (OMF) and light-rail infrastructure as industrial/public-transportation uses in appropriate zones. City staff said edits reflect the facility’s industrial character and include draft notes on noise, emissions and landscaping.

Federal Way's council just took a significant step in shaping the future of Sound Transit, reclassifying operations to better fit the city's industrial framework while addressing noise and environmental impacts.

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5 months ago

Federal Way committee forwards camera contract, multiple grants and program approvals to Oct. 21 consent agenda The Human Services & Public Safety Committee voted unanimously to forward several items — including a Flock license-plate camera agreement, a $1.525 million King County aquatics grant, CDBG action-plan items, arts grants and multiple other grant acceptances — to the Oct. 21 City Council consent agenda for final approval.

The Federal Way City Council is one step closer to approving major funding for public safety, aquatics facilities, and arts programs after a unanimous committee vote!

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