In his State of the City address, Federal Way Mayor Jack Dovey spoke of 2008’s accomplishments and 2009’s goals during the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce membership luncheon Feb. 4.

• Dovey touted strides made in public safety, including the Safe City program, which has led to 26 surveillance cameras in the downtown core. He said Federal Way police have been recognized for their excellence.

• Tourism fuels economic development in Federal Way because visitors spend money at the city’s restaurants, hotels and businesses. Dovey noted the 2008 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships as an example of success. The city also hosted the U.S. Women’s Triathlon, which attracted 1,000 entrants, and started the annual Buds and Blooms Festival.

• When it comes to fiscal responsibility, the city has earned a clean audit 14 years in a row, Dovey said. The city also saved $80,000 by switching its insurance carrier.

• Graffiti removal efforts results in the clean-up of 600 sites. The city also demolished 16 of 27 buildings deemed unfit, he said. During the recent winter snow storms, the city used 1,000 tons of sand and salt as well as 30,000 gallons of de-icer, resulting in 2,600 employee hours — and clear roads.

• The 2009-2010 budget is $42 million. No layoffs were made. The city added $1 million to its rainy day fund, which now stands at $3.1 million.

• Dovey said the Mayor’s Day of Concern for the Hungry food drive, which collected just over 74,000 pounds of food, was his personal highlight from 2008. Dovey once again challenged Federal Way residents to volunteer in schools, help their neighbors and get involved in the community.