The City of Federal Way-led Business Resiliency and Community Continuity task forces met for the first time last week, in two separate Zoom meetings held by Mayor Jim Ferrell.

More than 40 people participated remotely on Tuesday afternoon as part of the Business Resiliency Task Force.

Business owners were briefed on actions the city has taken to respond to the COVID-19 crisis and were updated on the “Prosperity Beckons” strategy, aimed at building the foundations of a strong, long-term Federal Way economy.

In concert with the Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce, the Business Resiliency Task Force is comprised of businesses and commercial property owners from different sectors representing business large and small across ethnic and gender categories to identify opportunities and solutions for recovery and future resiliency.

Wednesday’s meeting of the Community Continuity Task Force provided a forum for community stakeholders and organizations to identify opportunities to ensure services to at-risk populations and assistance to the entities serving them, along with ensuring overall community mental health during and after the resolution of the virus.

Organizations represented on Wednesday’s Zoom meeting included the Federal Way Chorale, El Centro de la Raza, Fusion, Virginia Mason, Federal Way Symphony, Boys and Girls Club, and Centerstage Theatre, to name a few.

“I’m really encouraged by what I heard during the two task force meetings this week,” Mayor Ferrell said. “Continued communication with our businesses and organizations is something that can help us identify areas where we can assist and provide support as we all work to find the new normal while we emerge from this crisis.”

The task forces are scheduled to meet again next month.