Federal Way started off right away in a political quagmire in 2015.

Gov. Jay Inslee was tasked with deciding who would fill late Rep. Roger Freeman’s vacant seat in the 30th District, after the Pierce County Council’s decision ended in gridlock. In January, Inslee ulimately appointed school board member Carol Gregory to fill the position.

The year ended on a positive note, as the city planted its first official holiday tree — a symbol of community unity, rebirth and the possibility of great things to come for Federal Way.

Here is a look back at some of Federal Way’s top stories of 2015:

• In January, the city’s new economic development Director Tim Johnson presented the city’s first economic development strategy to bolster the city’s economy. Among initiatives centered around downtown development, replacing Weyerhaeuser when it leaves in 2016 and rebranding the city, were ideas such as free business licenses, a college branch campus and a focus on the Hollywood filming industry.

• Federal Way High School’s demolition began in January, as construction crews make way for a new $106 million facility. Major construction is expected to continue through 2016.

• The city’s Performing Arts and Event Center garnered nearly 12 headlines this year, from the city’s attempt of vying for federal funding to support the $32.7 million facility, to the hiring of new Executive Director Theresa Yvonne in February and breaking ground on the project in October.

Formerly known as the Performing Arts and Conference Center, the city changed the facility’s name in 2015 during their quest for New Markets Tax Credits to increase their chances of receiving federal funding. As of the end of the year, the city has yet to receive this funding.

• City and Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce officials worked through their disagreement this year over the city’s business district associations proposal.

Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce CEO Rebecca Martin and board chair Lori Santamaria testified against the proposal at a January City Council meeting, stating the associations would stretch the financial resources of the business community, as Business District Associations typically require voluntary dues or taxes. In February, the city and Chamber took steps to restore friendly relations.

• The city also worked through controversial contract negotiations with Centerstage Theatre in May, when city officials decided to terminate it’s contract with the community theater.

The council approved a contract with Centerstage in August. The agreement will run through June 2018. The city will pay a management fee of $82,000 a year through April 2016. The fee will increase to $100,000 from May 2016 through June 2018.

• The city terminated its contractor for Town Square Park in February. The city sent a termination letter to contractor Nakano Associates on Feb. 3 after employees presented $3.4 million improvement plans for Town Square Park, $1.7 million over the city’s budget, at a Federal Way City Council retreat Jan. 31.

In March, the city moved forward with the redesign and upgrades for Town Square Park, approving the first design that inclues a larger lawn, a children’s play area, spray park, restrooms, basketball courts and a walking path.

• South King Fire and Rescue approved a $53 million bond measure in March, which failed by 3 percent in a special election. However, in July the fire board agreed to place a $39 million bond on the Nov. 3 ballot, which voters approved. The funds will provide new equipment and upgrades for the fire district.

• Whether marijuana-related businesses should be allowed in Federal Way also dominated headlines in 2015. In March, the council temporarily banned medical marijuana businesses, and they moved forward with temporarily banning recreational marijuana businesses for the third time in April. City officials put the decision into voters’ hands with an advisory vote in November, when voters said “no” to marijuana businesses in Federal Way.

The council ultimately voted in December to ban marijuana retail stores.

• Homeless advocates urged the City Council to locate a homeless day shelter in Federal Way in February. The project gained momentum throughout the year and by October, the council approved $100,000 in funding for a temporary day shelter in Federal Way.

• Federal Way Public Schools named Tammy Campbell as the district’s new superintendent in April. Many in the community have already lauded Campbell as a strong leader who is bringing about positive change to the district.

• The city celebrated its 25th anniversary in June with a four-day carnival at Town Square Park.

• Mayor Jim Ferrell said Washington State University officials were eyeing a branch campus in Federal Way in July. The council approved a $75,000 needs assesment college study in September.

• The Sound Transit board in July selected Interstate 5 as its preferred route for light rail to Federal Way.