March 3, 2025

Redondo Heights Housing Development Hosts Grand Opening

The Redondo Heights housing development on Pacific Highway hosted its Grand Opening on Feb. 25. Mayor Jim Ferrell was joined by King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, King County Executive Dow Constantine, Representative Jamila Taylor, City Council President Linda Kochmar, City Councilmembers Susan Honda and Jack Walsh, and other project stakeholders to celebrate the opening of the new facility.

Redondo Heights is a partnership between the Multi-Service Center and housing developer Shelter Resources, Inc. to provide 334 new quality affordable housing units and a food bank for Federal Way residents. It is located on part of the transit-oriented development property around the incoming 272nd light rail station.

Multi-Service Center will offer residents on-site resources such as community resource navigation and employment assistance. The food bank will open later this year.

Federal Way Completes Purchase of

Steel Lake Property

The City of Federal Way has completed the purchase of a portion of land on the northwest section of Steel Lake. The property consists of five-and-a-half acres, which sits on the shoreline of Steel Lake and stretches to S. 304th Street.

The majority of the land, including the portion on the lake, is wetlands and is being purchased as a conservation property. Funding for the property came from funds managed by Public Works and Parks and Recreation.

The rest of the land will be held for a potential future park. There are no plans to build a new park on the land any time soon, but the City will maintain the chance to do so in the future.



“Waterfront property in any city is a fleeting resource—less and less of it is available over time,” said Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell. “So, when an opportunity to purchase land on water arises, it is in the City’s best interest to make the most of it. We are excited about the potential of this property and the areas it will allow residents to access.”

City of Federal Way Installs Plaque Honoring Gold Star Families

The City of Federal Way installed a plaque honoring Gold Star Families at the Veterans Memorial next to the Performing Arts and Event Center last week.

King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer spearheaded and led the efforts to acquire the funding to make this plaque a reality. A Gold Star family is a designation indicating the family has experienced the loss of a loved one—an immediate family member—who died as the result of active-duty military service.

“Gold Star families have experienced great loss and deserve recognition for the challenges they’ve endured,” said Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell. “This plaque honors their loss and provides a quiet space for reflection and mourning.”

An event, which will be open to the public, will be scheduled to formally dedicate the plaque and recognize Gold Star families.

Students from Japan Visit City Hall

Four students from Niigata Seiryo Junior College in Japan visited City Hall earlier this week. They met with Mayor Jim Ferrell, Judge Dave Larson, and Deputy Police Chief Kyle Sumpter to ask questions and learn the ins and outs of working for a city.

The students received a tour of the Police Department and Municipal Court before ending their visit in the Mayor’s Office. The students are part of an exchange program called Niigata Homestay that brings students from Niigata, Japan, to the Federal Way area for a few weeks at a time.

Bricks and Minifigs Hosts Ribbon Cutting

Mayor Jim Ferrell, Council President Linda Kochmar, and Councilmember Susan Honda were on hand as Bricks and Minifigs hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony last week as part of its grand opening festivities. Bricks and Minifigs is a new business in Federal Way off of 320th that buys and sells LEGO sets, pieces, and minifigures.

Bricks and Minifigs is a nationwide chain that includes more than 130 stores across the United States and Canada. You can visit them at 1414 S. 324th St. in Federal Way.

Meet the Mayors of Federal Way and

Des Moines on March 8

Mayor Jim Ferrell will join Des Moines Mayor Traci Buxton at a special event on Saturday, March 8, at Christ Lutheran Church (2501 S.W. 320th St. in Federal Way). Doors open at 10:15 a.m. and refreshments will be provided.

It is an opportunity for residents to meet the mayors, learn about the state of the the cities, and ask questions. The event is hosted by the American Association of University Women.

For more information, contact the host of the event, Diane Hoyer, by email.

City Hosts Food Preservation Workshop

Recently, residents from around Federal Way participated in a food preservation class, learning to make kimchi to extend the life of foods. This class was put on by Federal Way Environmental Services as part of its Green Living workshops.

For more information on upcoming events and workshops, visit our Community Events webpage.

Featured Upcoming Event

Drive-Thru Recycling Event March 8

Join us for our free Drive-Thru Small Appliances and Electronics Recycling and Document Shredding event at the South King County Tool Library (1700 S. 340th St.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 8.

Recycling

• Residents can drop off up to five SMALL appliances for free recycling (examples include microwaves, blenders, toasters, misc. kitchen appliances).
• Free recycling of small to medium-sized electronics (examples include computers, TVs, gaming equipment, cables).

FWPD Chief Hwang Delivers Annual

Chief's Address

Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) Chief Andy Hwang recently delivered the Annual Chief’s Address, bringing department members together to reflect on the past year’s accomplishments, recognize key milestones, and outline the agency’s vision for the future. He emphasized FWPD’s commitment to excellence, highlighting the dedication of both sworn and civilian staff.

A central theme of the address was appreciation for those who serve despite the challenges of law enforcement. Chief Hwang acknowledged the risks officers take daily and personally thanked every FWPD member for their dedication to the Federal Way community.

Chief Hwang discussed FWPD’s continued commitment to professional growth, ensuring new hires receive the tools, training, and support needed for success. He noted that many applicants are drawn to the agency by a strong desire to serve others—a principle at the heart of FWPD’s mission.

Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of purpose, accountability, and a positive agency culture. He highlighted recent achievements and laid the foundation for new goals to strengthen the department and its service to the community. Chief Hwang closed with a reminder of shared responsibility, and he reminded all members of their role in fostering trust, professionalism, and excellence in policing.

As FWPD moves to 2025, its commitment to both its members and the community remains strong, with a continued focus on growth, adaptation, and upholding the highest standards in public safety.

Monthly Park Clean Up Events in Federal Way Begin in March

Give back to your community by volunteering with Federal Way Parks in partnership with Washington Native Plant Stewards! Join us for monthly restoration projects where you’ll help remove invasive plants, plant native species, and enhance our natural areas.

Celebration Park meets on the first Friday of each month and Steel Lake Annex meets on the third Saturday of each month. No experience is needed—just bring your enthusiasm, dress for the weather, and be ready to make a difference!

Sign Up & Learn More:

Spring CERT Basic Course Begins April 9

The Greater Federal Way Community Emergency Response Team will host its Spring CERT Basic Course Wednesday evenings from 5-8:30 p.m. from April 9 through June 4.

CERT teaches residents disaster preparedness and planning, first aid, use of fire extinguishers, and search and rescue.

Training is free! To sign up, email Sharon Green at sharon.green@federalwaywa.gov.

March 4 City Council Meeting

What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, March 4, 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

St. Patrick's Day Flag Raising March 17

Join us for our St. Patrick's Day Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday, March 17, at 12 p.m. at City Hall.

The event, organized by Craig Patrick, will feature Rich Finn of Vox Hiberniae and bagpipers Neil Hubbard and Steve Groom.

Mayor Jim Ferrell and members of the City Council will raise the flag, and two community members will be honored for their contributions to Federal Way.

March of Diapers Drive March 22 at Twin Lakes Fred Meyer

Join us and non-profit Do the Right Thing at the Twin Lakes Fred Meyer (33702 21st Ave. S.W.) on Saturday, March 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mayor Jim Ferrell and City Councilmembers are teaming up with volunteers to collect donations of preemie to size six diapers, pull-ups, baby wipes, and adult diapers for the benefit of local organizations.

For more information, call Do the Right Thing at 253-457-5578 or visit its website.

Repair Café Event March 29

Join us for our free Repair Café on Saturday, March 29, at the South King County Tool Library (1700 S. 340th St.) 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.

Plan to stay during the repair, bring any manual/parts that may help, and be aware there is a limit of only three items for sharpening.

Coffee and Conversation with City Council and School Board on March 22

Join the Federal Way City Council and Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) School Board on Saturday, March 22, for Coffee and Conversation. The event will be held at Ebony & Ivory Coffee from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

All members of the public are welcome to come and share a cup of coffee and conversation in this open house-style meeting.

Doors open at 10 a.m. for you to bring your questions, concerns, and thoughts for the Council and School Board to hear.

We will be collecting donations of personal hygiene items to restock the closet items at FWPS schools.

SAVE THE DATE: Senior Health and Resource Fair on May 15

The Senior Advisory Commission is hosting a free Senior Health and Resource Fair on Thursday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Performing Arts and Event Center.

The event will feature more than 50 vendors from local organizations with special ties to the senior community. All ages – especially seniors – are welcome. Watch the video recap of last year's event for more information.

R.E.S.P.E.C.T. at the PAEC on March 5

R.E.S.P.E.C.T is an electrifying tribute celebrating the music of the legendary Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.

This concert experience takes audiences on a journey of love, tragedy, courage, and triumph. Starring a live band and supreme vocalists, come experience a night of music by one of the greatest artists of all time.

See R.E.S.P.E.C.T. at the Performing Arts and Event Center on March 5 at 7 p.m.

Marty Isenberg's Wes Anderson Playlist at the PAEC on March 21

Step into a world where jazz meets cinema as acclaimed bassist and composer Marty Isenberg takes the stage at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center on Friday, March 21, at 7 p.m.

Drawing inspiration from Wes Anderson’s films, Isenberg’s debut album, The Way I Feel Inside, is a masterful blend of sound and storytelling. Each track unfolds like a scene in a movie, exploring the emotions of wonder, nostalgia, and self-discovery.

Unfiltered Waters Podcast Live at the PAEC on March 25

Unfiltered Waters Podcast is all about getting to know the person beneath the athlete! Come listen to 12-time Olympic Medalist Ryan Lochte, two-time Olympic Medalist Elizabeth Beisel, and three-time Olympic Medalist Katie Hoff as they kick off the Men’s NCAA Swimming Championships with untold stories from their own NCAA experiences, predictions, insights and more at the Performing Arts and Event Center on March 25, at 5:30 p.m.

Get ready for exciting giveaways and special surprises. You never know who or what is going to show up!

PAEC Upcoming Events

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

• March 5: R.E.S.P.E.C.T. - A Celebration of the Music of Aretha Franklin
• March 6: The Black Jacket Symphony Presents the Beatles "Abbey Road"
• March 9: Lights..Camera...Music!
• March 21: Marty Isenberg's Wes Anderson Playlist
• March 22: FWYSO Spring Concert

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

Federal Way Symphony Season

Established in 1983, the Federal Way Symphony has provided our community with high-quality, professional music for more than 40 years.

Performances are held at the Performing Arts & Event Center. The Federal Way Symphony is currently inviting those interested to buy a ticket to attend performances for their current season, titled "Cosmic Melodies."

Visit the Federal Way Symphony website to view their full calendar listing and to purchase tickets.