Federal Way has achieved impressively since becoming a city in 1990.
Witness the city’s evaluation by Business Week as one of the three best cities in Washington state to raise a family. I applaud the work of all who have contributed to the quality of life that brought so many here and continues to attract us.
We have far to go in some areas, however. Many have expressed to me the need for and interest in a vibrant downtown, which would serve our residents well and attract visitors. What could provide the feature needed to stimulate development and redevelopment, resulting in a ripple effect throughout the community and the local economy? A facility that would draw people together to share in events, performances, celebrations, conferences, corporate meetings, competitions, festivals, lectures, regional meetings, symposiums — a combination of a performing arts and cultural center/conference center could well accomplish this recognized need.
Envision such a center, surrounded by a mix of restaurants, shops, hotels and galleries, each providing a draw to the others. We want to encourage visitors to our downtown, both Federal Way residents and those from outside the city.
Our city’s Comprehensive Plan has included the integral value of such a facility from our beginnings as a municipality. A performance center has been on our capital facilities list also. Step by step, we have managed to achieve many of our other previous goals, and we constantly work to maintain and improve them — our streets unequaled in quality by most surrounding cities, our excellent and highly accredited police department, our treasured parks, sports fields and popular community center.
A Performing Arts and Cultural Center would stimulate $4.3 million in indirect spending each year — the tax revenue generated by this amount would offset the operating costs of a PACC. This project would not result in a tax increase. And, enhanced downtown development produced by the facility in combination with the conference center component would continue its synergy, building on itself to provide a high level return on the investment. Local businesses would be enhanced, as would the total local economy.
If Federal Way does not use the capital funds available from other sources, the money will go to other cities’ projects, including the planned 2,000-seat PACE in Bellevue. Do you want your tax money to be spent in Bellevue?
Bringing existing events back to our city — Chamber of Commerce Gala/Auction is in Des Moines, Rotary Gala goes to Tacoma, Boys and Girls Club breakfast needs the large space at Emerald Downs in Auburn, etc. — would be a huge plus. Our performing groups, which now are forced to go to other cities, often at Auburn’s large PAC and even to Sumner’s Performing Arts Center, could come home. Students from the Federal Way School District would have a facility deserving of their talents and where they could learn stagecraft skills.
With the current downturn in the economy, the stimulus of capital projects is highly valued, along with the jobs produced. The cost of the proposed facility has already been reduced significantly by the architects involved in the feasibility study; further evaluation is in process. Continuing the planning at this time for making this important investment in our community’s future makes sense.
Jeanne Burbidge,
Federal Way City Council
