Residents attend open house to learn about comprehensive plan

Representatives from several Federal Way departments ringed the 2nd floor of City Hall on Feb. 29, ready to answer community questions about plans for the next 20 years of the city’s future.

Participants were invited to leave post-it note comments at stations if they chose, sharing what made them excited about the future or to express their concerns.

The 2044 vision for Federal Way is for the city to lead South King County as “a livable, vibrant and well-connected community.” The comprehensive plan is a blueprint for development that seeks to do this through “a reimagined City Center and defined Downtown” that become “the heart of the city and a source of pride.”

The vision statement continues to paint a picture: “the natural environment thrives; businesses prosper; abundant housing options meet diverse needs; the community is socially engaged and feels a sense of belonging; and, getting around is convenient and safe.”

Some highlights of the human services draft goals include “integrating diversity, equity accessibility and inclusion (DEAI) principles and practices into the culture and operations of the city and accessible and culturally relevant services,” and to “support a healthy, safe and diverse community in which residents have access to services to eliminate poverty and increase resiliency an attain their maximum level of self-reliance and well-being.”

The open house also had stations for Community Services, Capital Facilities, Utilities and Parks and Recreation.

Former Federal Way Mayor Jeanne Burbidge said at the event that it was great was great to see the “staff so engaged in the process…wanting feedback from the community. It’s so encouraging.” Burbidge was also on the Federal Way City Council for 20 years. When she first moved to Federal Way, Burbidge said she enjoyed she had a young family and that she is inspired “by the young families who in Federal Way who are eager to contribute.”

ShiJuan Haynes is a community member who attended the event as well. She works in curriculum development but also interned with the City of Federal Way last year. That work contributed to the data and visioning that was presented at the open house. For her to see it displayed there, she said: “I really appreciate the work, the thought, the time that they put into doing this.”

Haynes specifically supported with some of the data visualizations related to new land capacity analysis based off of the RDI. She also looked into the research that was completed on “displacement, preservation of existing housing stock, achieving equitable housing outcomes and expanding housing choices.”

Another attendee said of the event: “I think it should be packed! This is where you find out everything about the city.” Marquise Hale is a community member who gives back through his church and is also interested in getting involved with the push for a Public Market in Federal Way. He added that “if you care about the city you should be at city events.”

The next steps for the city’s comprehensive plan include an external review in April, then Land Use and Transportation Commission briefing in June. In August/September, Federal Way community members can look forward to Planning Commission public hearings. If all goes as planned, by October/November 2024, the LUTC will take action, then the council will vote on approval of the comprehensive plan.

Sharon and Ted Gentry get down to the bottom of the new plan for the city with Community Development Director Keith Niven via a map on the floor in City Hall. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / The Mirror