With new businesses expected to open this year, a task force to address airplane noise and continuing plans to keep roads the best in Washington, Federal Way residents have many things to look forward to this year.

This was just part of the message Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell told a packed banquet room during a state of the city address at the Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce luncheon Wednesday.

After making assurances that helping the homeless, funding the Performing Arts and Event Center and addressing public safety concerns continue to be city priorities, Ferrell said the the state of the city is strong. With Ellonos and MOD pizza opening in Federal Way and the possibility of an aerospace company locating on the former Weyerhaeuser site, Ferrell said he’s seen “noteworthy” investment in the city’s economy.

City officials are also tackling airplane noise with the creation of a Safe and Quiet Skies Citizen Task Force. Federal Way resident and former Alaska Airlines pilot Col. Robert Blix will lead the seven-member committee. Blix is involved with Quiet Skies Puget Sound, a regional task force that addresses these issues.

“The expansion of the Sea-Tac Airport and the increased economic development that has driven it can be real positives for our region,” Ferrell said. “However, it must be balanced and weighed with public health, environmental conditions and safety concerns.”

Ferrell also announced the city has been awarded more than $15 million in grants for transportation projects, surface water management and solid waste and recycling. Officials are continuing the asphalt overlay program and have already completed 16 individual projects, with a dozen more planned this year, the mayor said.

When asked about a hotel pad near the Performing Arts and Event Center that was up for bid in early 2016, Ferrell said the city is still in negotiations to sell the property with Cadius Partners.

The mayor said a staircase in front of the hotel is an important part to developing that property so that it can connect the park, Performing Arts and Event Center and Town Center 3, the property of the former-Target site.

“We have worked to achieve positive change in Federal Way, and I have done my level best to lead our city with a sense of purpose,” Ferrell said. “When I look out on this audience, I do not see complacency. I see change agents looking to make a difference. Let us continue to move forward with one unified voice. Let us keep our eyes looking forward to a brighter future. Working together, I know our best days are surely ahead of us.”

For more information about city projects and committees, visit www.ci.federal-way.wa.us.