State of the City 2026: Mayor touts future plans for Federal Way

Published 10:05 am Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Mayor Jim Ferrell painted a bright future for Federal Way with this year’s “A New Dawn, A New Day” theme for his State of the City address.

The annual event was held Feb. 19 at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center (PAEC) and featured bustling rows of community tables, performances by local musical groups and a speech outlining city updates as well as celebrating the staff who make it all happen.

The speech’s themes focused on ensuring Federal Way is a city that people want to stay in and experience, not just pass through. To achieve this goal, Ferrell focused on infrastructure, safety and the aesthetic experience of accessing city amenities as visitors and residents enter the city via the newly opened light rail station.

The evening’s two biggest announcements focused on catalyzing both physical and community investments.

First, the city is restructuring its permitting process to encourage development and guarantee a smooth application process for builders.

“For many years, our permitting process has been split between Public Works and Community Development. A permit may begin in one department and finish in another, creating extra steps, delays and unnecessary complexity for the people trying to get things done,” Ferrell said.

“In the coming months, we’ll be consolidating all permitting staff in Community Development. One department, one process, one clear line of accountability. This change will create a smoother, faster and more predictable experience for residents, homeowners and businesses alike,” Ferrell said.

In an investment in building community, Ferrell also announced a new activation project in downtown Federal Way. Beginning this May, the Federal Way Farmers Market will now take place on South 316th Street, activating the core anchor points of the PAEC and Town Square Park.

“Last year, I led the effort with the council to purchase the farmers market from the Ehl family,” said Ferrell, adding that they had run the market for two decades.

“The farmers market has been part of the fabric of our community. Now, thanks to this transition, it will continue to thrive for many years to come. This new location will offer greater visibility and a more welcoming space for both vendors and visitors,” Ferrell said.

Next door to the PAEC and above 316th Street, an empty lot has been mostly unused since the demolition of the old Target building. The mayor announced that “our Economic Development and Parks and Recreation teams have partnered to create a new temporary civic plaza” in that space, funded through a federal grant due to the support of Congressman Adam Smith.

“This plaza will activate the site in the near term, while setting the stage for future development at Town Center 3 in the years ahead. It’s a creative way to bring energy and activity to our downtown today while we continue building toward what comes next,”Ferrell said of the project.

The city is also partnering with a nonprofit group that’s supporting the development of a Federal Way Public Market to “explore the long-term viability of a permanent market in our city.”

This space will also be used for a three-day free public festival in June called “Kickin’ It Federal Way” to celebrate the FIFA World Cup.

Town Square Park and the PAEC have also been used for events that are solidifying as annual community traditions, such as the Arts Explosion in May, the Red, White and Blues Festival in July, the Community Festival and Pride celebrations in August, and the annual holiday tree lighting in the winter.

“Our community is a tapestry of cultures and history, families whose roots trace back to the nation’s founding, Native peoples who have called this land home for generations, and immigrants who have arrived more recently in search of opportunity and a better life,” Ferrell said.

“While our nation continues to be a work in progress as a place for everyone, it is essential that Federal Way remains a place where everyone feels welcome, safe and at home. Our diversity is not just a point of pride, it’s one of our greatest strengths, and we build the future of our city together. I want to invite you to help us connect our community even more.”

Other speech highlights focused on investment in transportation improvements, celebration of local and new businesses that have opened in the city this year, and wins around crime and graffiti reduction.

FYI

• The Federal Way Community Festival is now looking for vendors, sponsors and performers for the annual celebration of the many cultures that make up the city and will take place Aug. 8. More information can be found at www.federalwaywa.gov/fw-community-festival.

• The mayor also highlighted a survey being conducted by the Federal Way Diversity Commission that can be accessed at https://engagefw.com/community-engagement-survey.