Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell is seeking re-election, according to a March 3 announcement.

Ferrell, 54, has served as mayor since 2014 and is a former King County Deputy Prosecutor. His re-election campaign pledges to build on his record of economic development, reforming and protecting public safety, and investing in the city’s parks, community facilities, and quality of life.

“Over the past year, we have seen Federal Way unite in support of our small business community, stand together to demand social justice and accountability in policing, as well as to find compassionate solutions for homelessness and affordable housing,” Ferrell said. “I am humbled and gratified by the spirit and commitment of the people of this city, and pledge to keep doing my part as we rebuild our economy, step up to improve public safety, and invest in Federal Way’s future.”

Amid the city’s pandemic response and recovery, Ferrell led efforts to distribute over $4.4 million in direct assistance for small businesses, ShopLocalFedWay.com, a one stop directory connecting Federal Way business to residents and patrons, as well as emergency holiday season funding to help small businesses during the COVID-related closures.

As recovery progresses, Ferrell said efforts can be refocused on attracting new jobs to the city, building out a walkable and dynamic Town Square, and continuing to connect communities through light rail and other transit investments.

“Jim Ferrell is a tireless advocate for our community. I have enjoyed working with him to bring good paying jobs to Federal Way,” said Councilmember Greg Baruso, who is also seeking election to his previously appointed position on the council. “His forward thinking and creative approach to green light the Davita project will pay dividends for our city for decades to come.”

For his first term, Ferrell said his main platform was protecting the people of Federal Way, based on his background as a former violent crimes and domestic violence prosecutor. While this is still a priority, Ferrell said, community protection is a multi-layered issue.

“But true public safety means not just hiring more police, but making sure those officers are trained in de-escalation and anti-bias policing and are accountable to the community they serve. We all recognize being a police officer is not an easy job and I’m proud of the work we have done as we seek funding for the deployment of body cameras, hire a more diverse and representative police force, and support needed legislative reforms to rebuild trust,” he said.

At a pivotal point in time defining Federal Way as a city, Ferrell said he wants to jump start the building of public facilities, parks and transit centers, along with matching the housing needed for a growing workforce, families in need of quality, affordable homes, and low-income residents at risk of homelessness.

“We can continue building the Federal Way we all want to call home — with world class parks and community assets — without leaving people behind,” Ferrell said. “A truly diverse, energized city needs safe, affordable housing for all residents, access to childcare, health care and services for all people, as well as recognizing our regional role in addressing the homelessness crisis.”

In the past four years, Federal Way has built more than 600 affordable senior housing units, created a new shelter space for families and expanded both workforce and transit-accessible housing options.

“I’m excited to continue this work,” he said.

Ferrell’s list of endorsers include: King County Executive Dow Constantine, Federal Way City Councilmembers Lydia Assefa-Dawson, Leandra Craft, Greg Baruso, Martin Moore and Hoang Tran; and regional support of the mayors of Auburn (Nancy Backus), Kent (Dana Ralph), Maple Valley (Sean Kelly), Tukwila (Allan Ekberg), Renton (Armondo Pavone), and Pacific (Leanne Guier).

“I am excited for our city to fully reopen and to meet with residents in their neighborhoods, parks, and other public spaces,” said Ferrell. “Federal Way has grown and changed so much over the past decade, and I am excited for the future we can keep building together.”

Ferrell, his wife, and their teenage son live in Federal Way. For more information, visit JimFerrell.org.