Federal Way mayor reports crime down, business growth at State of the City

Published 10:12 am Friday, February 5, 2016

Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell assured a packed banquet room at Twin Lakes Golf and Country Club on Wednesday that the state of the city is strong.

His indicators?

Progress in city-led development downtown, a 6 percent decrease in crime throughout Federal Way, increased revenue at community centers and new retail and office businesses.

“In the last two years, we have moved Federal Way forward with vision and a deliberate sense of urgency,” Ferrell said. “The people of our community deserve no less.”

In 2015, the city began Town Square Park’s $1.7 million redesign and construction crews broke ground on the city’s $32.7 million Performing Arts and Event Center. Ferrell said the city has secured two-thirds of the center’s construction funding, with $800,000 from the Federal Way Coalition for the Performing Arts fundraising campaign, and there’s work underway to fill that gap.

City officials also completed a Hotel Feasibility Study for a hotel to be located at the former Target site the city purchased for $8.2 million in November 2014.

“The results were positive for Federal Way,” he said. “We are now entering a Request for Proposals stage to solicit a hotelier to build a hotel between the Performing Arts and Event Center and the former Target building.”

While no one answered a Request for Proposal for the remaining property at the former Target site in February, Ferrell said the city plans to put forward another request this fall.

“It is our goal to create an urban village in our downtown, promoting walkability and giving our residents a reason to stay right here in Federal Way,” he said. “Families will be able to enjoy world-class entertainment, shopping, a fine meal, and not have to be stuck in traffic for 30 minutes in order to do so.”

Since the city opened a police substation downtown and added new officers, Ferrell said the city is now beginning to see “dividends.” He reported police saw a 6 percent decrease in 2015 in comparison to 2014’s crime statistics. Dramatic reductions included a 30 percent drop in residential burglary, a 25 percent drop in fraud, auto theft is down 19 percent, larceny is down 6 percent and commercial burglary dropped 5 percent.

“In order to change the paradigm in our city, we needed to first invest in ourselves,” Ferrell said, adding that those investments can be seen throughout the business community as well.

Kirkland-based developer MJR purchased multiple office buildings in Federal Way this year and has leased to companies, such as Prominence Health, which opened a facility that is projected to employ nearly 100 people.

“Celebration Center will soon see the opening of Legendary Doughnuts, Chick-fil-A, and a new fitness center… which ironically is near the doughnut shop,” Ferrell joked. “Well played, fitness center. Well played.”

Mark McDonald will likely spur more economic development with his $14.2 million purchase of Center Plaza, formerly known as the Cratsenberg property. According to Ferrell, McDonald has entered into an agreement to build new establishments, such as Mod Pizza.

Ferrell said Cafe Rio is on its way, Honor Coffee will replace the former Starbucks in the Commons Mall, and Red Robin will demolish and rebuild at their current location.

“This past weekend we saw the grand opening of Hong Kong Market, and I am pleased to announce the 7-Eleven Corporation has relocated their regional offices to Federal Way, citing our low cost of business and prime location,” he said.

But one area of economic growth isn’t quite so clear.

While Ferrell said the city has worked closely with Heartland, the company responsible for marketing and selling the Weyerhaeuser property, he told the community to “stay tuned” to what exactly will replace the 425 acres and 800,000 square feet of office space.

The community can also anticipate the results of a city-funded needs assessment that will analyze the “viability” of bringing a university or branch campus to Federal Way.

“This is an incredibly important step and builds on the momentum and interest we have received from schools like Washington State University and University of Washington-Tacoma,” Ferrell said. “We are confident that Federal Way is a perfect location, and a university would be wise to expand to our city.”

In 2015, the city allocated funds toward a temporary day shelter, and with recent state funding secured, Ferrell said Sound Alliance and its partners are now on a “pathway to turn that commitment into a reality.”

“We will never reach our full potential in our country until we arrest the downward cycle and desperate situation of homelessness,” he said. “We must continue to help people claw a way back to self-sufficiency and dignity.”

Ferrell concluded his remarks with the unveiling of the city’s new website, a move that coincides with the city of Federal Way’s re-branding effort. The city has hired Rusty George Creative to assist in this endeavor.

“Whether you are seeking a permit to build, pay court fees, or are simply looking for information, our new website is much more user-friendly and streamlined,” Ferrell said. “I am proud of the direction our community is headed, and I am truly excited for the progress we will continue to make in 2016.”

The city of Federal Way’s website was recently revamped as part of its rebranding initiative. Courtesy of www.cityoffederalway.com