Before Federal Way was a city, it was a logging community. It’s become home to many business headquarters, including Weyerhaeuser, World Vision, the King county Aquatic Center, Wild Waves Theme Park, PowellsWood Garden, a huge school district and a city with a plethora or lakes and parks.
But as the community looks back on what’s been accomplished throughout the years, the city’s 25th anniversary of Federal Way this week is also a time to think of the future.
What will Federal Way look like 25 years from now, physically, economically and socially? What won’t it have that is here today? City and community leaders answered these questions expressing their hopes for what Federal Way would be like 25 years from now.
Rep. Linda Kochmar
Since I became a part of the community in 1972, I’ve seen Federal Way flourish and become the great community it is today. Our city was built on the backs of small businesses, and it’s important we promote an environment that allows them to thrive and develop.
I envision a future with a thriving downtown and a business environment that continues to support employers and entrepreneurs. Federal Way has a major opportunity with our Weyerhaeuser site to attract companies to plant roots and provide well-paying jobs to the people of Federal Way. Expanding opportunities for business development is key to our city’s future success.
During my years of service, I’ve seen members of our community come together and dedicate their time to making our city successful and a wonderful place to call home. Our passion and willingness to volunteer our time and care for those around us is part of what makes me so proud to represent this resilient community. I’m hopeful we can continue our tradition of volunteerism that keeps our community safe and productive. That is what makes America great, and what makes our city great.
Happy 25 years, Federal Way. And my hopes to 25 more!
Rep. Carol Gregory
Federal Way celebrates its silver anniversary on the cusp of great change, with exciting opportunities ahead if we chart our course well.
We’re located in one of the nation’s most economically important metropolitan areas, yet just an arm’s length away from the natural wonders and creative arts that make the Pacific Northwest unique. We’re a young and energetic city with good schools, a strong economic base, and involved citizens. We can, if we plan wisely, look back on our second 25 years with pride.
Here’s what I foresee:
The Federal Way of 2040 is a vibrant, welcoming community, with mixed housing opportunities –suburban, single-family homes; compact urban neighborhoods within walking distance of schools, businesses and recreation; and affordable apartments for young people and for seniors who can’t wait to retire here.
I see a city that took advantage of the opportunity contained within that challenge of Weyerhaeuser’s departure. In 2040, Federal Way has become the Silicon Valley of the Northwest. Tech startups, biomedical companies, and a dozen other kinds of 21st-century businesses thrive on that iconic Weyerhaeuser campus, and they’re a springboard for countless other businesses, and welcome economic activity.
Those businesses are fed by outstanding schools that feature small classes, well-paid teachers, and involved parents – and they produce the students who further their educations at our new four-year university.
Helping make our inevitable growth and expansion manageable, is a smart transportation infrastructure, with cars, trucks, bikes, busses, light rail and good old feet all coexisting safely and efficiently.
It’s a rosy picture, but it’s within our reach. That’s one of the many great things about America: We can determine our own future, and we have the tools to make it a wonderful one, right here in Federal Way.
Sen. Mark Miloscia
My vision of Federal Way’s future is one of an active and accelerating economic center. Our position as the link between Seattle and Tacoma will be solidified with the connection of light rail between each city and an extensive and sustainable transportation network branching out from there.
This infrastructure will cater to a diverse and family-oriented community with local activities and amenities available for everyone. Federal Way will continue to hold to the highest standards of local government with the goal of being the most ethical, efficient, and effective city in the state.
But how do we get there? We consistently and ambitiously engage the community, involving them in the decisions that affect their neighborhoods and creating buy-in for the quality of our streets and homes. We turn to cutting-edge technology and policies to drive local investment and implement the future of transportation.
Local jobs paired with the latest in mobility (sustainable modes of travel and even self-driving cars) can leverage Federal Way into a destination and a home for thousands from across the world. We have the diversity and ingenuity to make this future real. Let’s not compromise this vision by expecting any less.
King County Councilman Pete von Reichbauer
From a bedroom community to an independent city of its own!
While there have been bumps along the way, it has also been an exciting time of change, and I believe that Federal Way’s best days are still ahead. Nestled between Tacoma and Seattle, Federal Way provides affordable housing, beautiful parks, recreation, and open spaces for all ages. We have an emerging downtown and regularly host high-profile sporting events at the King County Aquatic Center.
The decision of Weyerhaeuser to leave our area has given the city an opportunity to re-brand itself, particularly with a 21st-century company willing to invest in our community.
With easy access to I-5 and proximity to SeaTac Airport, Federal Way is the 10th largest city in the state and with the extension of light rail, Federal Way will become a hub for the South King County region.
As Bellevue is to Seattle, Federal Way can become to Tacoma and the South Puget Sound area – a destination for businesses and their employees without the high rents, long commutes and missed family time that exists now for far too many citizens of our region. Investment in transportation infrastructure is an investment in our future, and I believe that with this investment we will have an exciting city that is a place for residents to work, rest, play, and to attend multi-cultural events.
Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell
25 years from today … I envision a fully built-out and developed city center in Federal Way by 2040. Town Square Park will be the center and beating heart of a thriving downtown. It will have development all around its four-acre site and it will be the site of many community gatherings throughout the year. Just up the hill, the Performing Arts and Events Center will have a named sponsor and will host conferences, live performances and community events for the entire region, with a captivating view of Mt. Rainier.
The Town Center 3 project (known by another name) will be fully built and will have the look and feel of an urban village that will naturally flow into the properties around it. The city center will also have several high-rise buildings with class-A office space for the dozens of new companies that will have located in our city center. Light rail will have been completed in the prior decade and development will have grown all around it.
Our downtown will be a bustling hub of activity and excitement. Federal Way, which will have well over 100,000 residents, will be a regional leader and destination, due in large part to our university branch campus, health care facilities, our thriving hospitality industry and the major employer in what historians will periodically insist on calling the “Weyerhaeuser
Property.”
At our 50th Anniversary Celebration, at Town Square Park, the elected Mayor, City Council, and many of our previous elected leaders will look forward and discuss the next 50 years.
Councilwoman Susan Honda
The last 25 years have brought many changes to the city of Federal Way. Not only are more people calling Federal Way home but we have new businesses and have have lost some businesses over the years.
In the next 25 years, I see new growth and development for our city. I see a new downtown in which we will have a very active university offering degrees in many areas. I see light rail, from I-5 coming into downtown and continuing to Tacoma.
Downtown will be a place where people gather to shop, eat, and work. I see condominiums with amazing views of Mt. Rainer.
Federal Way won’t be a city where people live and leave to work. We will be able to work from home and be more involved in the community. Every neighborhood will have access to other parts of town by shuttle service. Our roads are crowded and traffic is an issue. To address this issue shuttle service will be provided so that people can leave their cars at home and hop on a shuttle which will go to all parts of the city. In doing this, we will have more bike routes so that people will feel safe riding their bikes around town.
Federal Way will be known for our amazing gardens. From the amazing Rhododendron and Bonsai gardens to our neighborhood gardens to the beautiful and peaceful boardwalk around the Hylebos Wetlands Park. Dumas Bay Center will not only be a place to hold retreats but an arts center where artists of all kinds can gather to create and share.
Federal Way won’t just be a name on the freeway. It will be a destination.
Councilman Martin Moore
25 years from now, I see flying cars and robots serving us at gas stations and restaurants. Just kidding!
I see Federal Way as a community where we place a strong hold on our values and come together to achieve greatness. I see young people coming back to Federal Way to start their families because we are a community for all people with opportunities that lie ahead. We are a community that cares for the most vulnerable but creates opportunities for the next generation through the quality of life we provide and economic development.
We will be a vibrant city that prides itself on green energy by pushing the limits on technology, connecting people to Seattle, Tacoma and Olympia through light rail, providing vehicle charging stations, and making sure our communities are bike and walk friendly because we believe in being a city that promotes healthy living.
Federal Way will be known for promoting diversity. We will continue to hire people with disabilities, promoting government efficiencies and transparency and becomes the best-run city in our state. We are a city that promotes quality of life through its arts and parks.
Federal Way will be a city that has transformed and our downtown will be clearly identified through economic development. I see technology, medical and fortune 100/500 companies coming into our city because they see the value that we place in our higher education, and in our citizens. Additionally, I see developers wanting to build in Federal Way not just because we don’t make our businesses pay a Business and Operation tax, but because they see the value that we place in people. We will be a city where leading by an example is a norm and ending homelessness is a value that we keep close to our hearts and providing housing for all.
We will see a downtown that provides an atmosphere where people can come to shop, relax, work, live and visit with family and friends at Town Square Park over lunch or at night during a concert. I see people living in downtown, shopping and coming together in an outdoor gathering place for the Farmers Market and then swinging by the newly created Roger Freeman Boulevard where we bring the diversity of all our cultures out and participate in the “Federal Way Taste of Culture Celebration” because our diverse population will have grown to 150,000 residents.
This is Federal Way – the spirit of our community coming together!
Councilwoman Dini Duclos
In 25 years, my hope is that Federal Way reflects a prosperous and friendly downtown area. Downtown blocks will be walkable; cars are parked off the streets in ample parking areas. People from all over are drawn to Federal Way to live, work, play.
People enjoy a wonderful view corridor focusing on Mt. Rainier and visitors are impressed that the city has established both tall buildings and beautiful views downtown. The Performing Arts and Conference Center will draw people from all around the country.
The Sound Transit link extension reaches Tacoma and commuters fill trains and buses daily. Highway congestion is relieved, reducing commute time for all.
Students use transit to the new Federal Way Community College and a four-year accredited Highline College.
The “business district” is full of new and enticing stores, drawing people of all ages. The new and revitalized Federal Way Mall has expanded to accommodate a diverse population growth. Businesses from all over eagerly seek out our business friendly city.
A strong mayoral form of government with a working City Council assures a financially strong and stable city.
Human Service agencies have reduced the Federal Way poverty level. Federal Way police and fire departments are fully funded, ready and well equipped to serve the community in any and all situations.
People come together annually, in the beautifully maintained downtown park gathering place to celebrate the growth of the city and the gains it has made over time.
Councilman Bob Celski
Having been a resident of Federal Way for 43 years now, I’ve always thought that our city had potential to reach far beyond where it has gone so far. Because of the vision and hard work of our leaders in the first 25 years, we have many accomplishments for which we have reason to be proud. We have come a long way, but our future is even brighter.
Federal Way is blessed with many great assets. We are in a great location – on a major interstate between two notable cities, near the water ports, the international airport, the mountains, the Puget Sound, and a few hours from ocean beaches.
Within our city, we have a variety of wonderful parks and recreation areas, a world-class swimming facility that hosts major events attracting visitors from around the world, and a theme park that attracts fun-seekers from around the region. We have a variety of fine dining and shopping areas throughout the city, an excellent hospital and medical facilities suitable for a growing and aging population.
Our schools continue to produce distinguished graduates who go places, the condition of our streets are the envy of Western Washington, and new employers like DaVita, Progressive Insurance and soon Children’s Hospital which inject a new vibrancy and employment opportunities for our citizens.
Perhaps even more important, our city possesses a spirit of volunteerism and sacrifice for needy purposes. This spirit brings citizens together to populate many worthy causes, from helping the needy and marginalized to keeping our city clean and well groomed. We celebrate our rich diversity with notable cultural events, and honor our armed forces and many veterans in various ways throughout the year.
It is this spirit that drove the Federal Way Coalition for Performing Arts to continue pursuing the establishment of a Performing Arts and Conference Center, an investment being made in our city which will be a driver of economic development going forward.
The center is a cornerstone of the new Town Center which includes the Town Square Park and Town Centers III and IV. This exciting area will be just the beginning of a transformation of our city center, a large area that has endless opportunity for development into a destination for visitors, as well as a place of gathering for our citizens to enjoy city-center type shopping, dining and entertainment.
The vision for Federal Way is endless. It includes many aspects of a modern city, such as a walkable, dense, inter-connected center, mass transit via light rail to help move people in, throughout and out of the city, and a higher education institution somewhere near the town center to add to the vibrancy.
I see a city where business, government, education, non-profits and other support agencies work hand-in-hand to provide for the well-being of all citizens. With continued cooperation and hard work, this can all be accomplished. It will complete Federal Way’s transformation into a destination that we can be proud of, and one that we all want to be a part of. One that turns the potential into reality.
Councilwoman Kelly Maloney
When I think about the future of Federal Way, I think about prosperity for all. I believe we can accomplish this through a shared strategic vision that includes gaining insights from residents about how they would like to see the city grow.
Initiatives and projects that are put in place now have the ability to significantly positively impact high school graduation rates for our students, leading to greater success as students move into adulthood. In 25 years, there may a university campus in the city that will increase opportunities for our citizens to achieve Baccalaureate, Masters and Doctorate level degrees in a variety of disciplines.
By 2040, the city will have attracted fortune 100 and 500 companies through its economic development efforts. Yet, small-to-medium size companies will also flourish.
Public safety will continue to be a priority. Nature activities will also continue to be the highlight of many of our citizens’ days, as will the arts and sports. These will also attract tourists from near and far.
Public transit could equate to light rail servicing the city, with pedestrian avenues and mixed-use buildings in the downtown core, to achieve necessary traffic reductions. Single-family and multi-family homes would still surround the downtown core. The Weyerhaeuser site might be listed on the historical register, and another building, the Performing Arts and Conference – yet to be constructed – will be nearly a quarter of a century old.
Federal Way 2040 will be a highly diverse, culturally rich, safe, fun and exciting place to be!
Mayor Jim Ferrell
25 years from today … I envision a fully built-out and developed city center in Federal Way by 2040. Town Square Park will be the center and beating heart of a thriving downtown. It will have development all around its four-acre site and it will be the site of many community gatherings throughout the year. Just up the hill, the Performing Arts and Events Center will have a named sponsor and will host conferences, live performances and community events for the entire region, with a captivating view of Mt. Rainier.
The Town Center 3 project (known by another name) will be fully built and will have the look and feel of an urban village that will naturally flow into the properties around it. The city center will also have several high-rise buildings with class-A office space for the dozens of new companies that will have located in our city center. Light rail will have been completed in the prior decade and development will have grown all around it.
Our downtown will be a bustling hub of activity and excitement. Federal Way, which will have well over 100,000 residents, will be a regional leader and destination, due in large part to our university branch campus, health care facilities, our thriving hospitality industry and the major employer in what historians will periodically insist on calling the “Weyerhaeuser Property.”
At our 50th anniversary celebration at Town Square Park, the elected mayor, City Council, and many of our previous elected leaders will look forward and discuss the next 50 years.
Police Chief Andy Hwang
As the current police chief of Federal Way my vision for the next 25 years isn’t that different from what was envisioned for us 25 years ago by the city’s esteemed founders. My primary goal is what theirs was, to establish, have, and foster a police department that is a part of the community, rather than apart from it.
Along with our short-term efforts, I espouse the same perpetual goals that were firmly established by my forward-thinking predecessors (police chiefs Ron Wood, Anne Kirkpatrick, and Brian Wilson).
The vision we’re continually working toward is one in which policing is done with the community, not something that is done to it. While emerging technologies in policing will be exciting, basic police service will always be best accomplished – now and 25 years from now – one contact at a time, one conversation at a time, one person at a time.
South King Fire and Rescue Chief Allen Church
I have had the honor of serving the community in Federal Way for 37 years, starting as a firefighter here long before the city became a “city.” Back in the late 1970s, this was an unincorporated area looking for a purpose, a direction, and a future.
I am pleased to see that the city continues to move forward since its incorporation 25 years ago. I see nothing but positives for the future, as the community has weathered economic downturns, a change in the form of governmental leadership (from council-manager to strong mayor), the Great Recession, and the difficulties of properly managing growth. The future looks bright, indeed.
What do I see in the future? I see a well-defined downtown core with an active Performing Arts and Events Center, residential living (taxpayer structures with residential above retail) within the core and frame allowing easy access to the ever-expanding Commons mall, and a true designation of the “downtown.”
I see a continued partnership between the fire district, the city, Lakehaven Utilities, and the school district especially as related to emergency management, but also in other areas (such as all the entities partnering to develop expanded training areas on property already owned by the fire district on South 320th).
I see a new fire station in the south end to assist in handling our next wave of growth, as well as a fire/police/utilities training center located on 320th at the entry point to the city, allowing for joint-use, joint training, and emergency management activities from a new and updated location.
I foresee balanced budgets across the communities’ government entities (we have a ways to go, but I am optimistic we will all get there). I see schools meeting the collegiate needs of the next generation, especially as it relates to high tech careers.
I also see an emphasis on vocational education to prepare individuals to immediately enter the workforce prior to college, coupled with new job opportunities within the Greater Federal Way area.
I see transit finally extending here to Federal Way allowing those who have decided to make the downtown core and frame home the ability to travel outside of the city, but even more importantly it will provide those outside the city the ability to travel into the city core to shop (at The Commons mall or in surrounding shops), have fun (especially at Celebration Park or at the new Performing Arts and Conference Center), and to bring added revenue into the city.
Will this all come to pass? Time will only tell. This is just my optimistic view having seen the growth in the community over the past 37 years. The next 25 years could, and I believe will, be fantastic. Let’s enjoy the ride!
Parks Department Director John Hutton
Twenty-five years is quite a milestone and I have been honored to be a city employee for over 23 of those years. I hope that Federal Way becomes the city it can be and I believe we are heading in the right direction.
I would love to see 100 percent graduation rates and more than 25 percent of our residents holding bachelor’s degrees. We need to be a city with completed link extension. I think there will be a university located here.
I envision a city that is healthy and vibrant and proud of its amazing park system and recreation opportunities.
Budgets will continue to be balanced and city government will continue to provide great services to our citizens. A safe city where people want to work, play and raise their family. A place where businesses want to locate and where they thrive.
The current Weyerhaeuser campus will be the home of a major employer who makes the world better and takes great care of its employees. Those employees will choose to live in Federal Way because the schools are great and the quality of life is awesome. I love this city and I want it to be great. We have great people that live and work here who do so much to make it a great place. I believe in my heart that we will get where we all want to be.
Public Works Director Marwan Salloum
Two of the major factors that lent themselves to the city’s incorporation 25 years ago were land use and transportation, in that King County failed to invest adequately in transportation to support the developments they were approving.
Federal Way has spent the past 25 years playing catch-up, successfully attracting grant funding to invest over $230 million improving transportation bottlenecks and traffic safety, most notably on SR-99 corridor, and successfully lobbying at regional, state, and federal levels to improve our access to I-5 and transit.
Major accomplishments to be expected in the next 25 years would include completion of the Triangle project, extension of light rail through Federal Way to Tacoma, and the addition of I-5 access for the city center.
The gradual adoption of cleaner, more autonomous vehicles will eventually lead to safer roadways and better air quality, but increasing congestion will occur as we shift our transportation investments to support bicycling, walking, and transit in alignment with available grant funds.
Interim Superintendent Sally McLean
Embracing the rich cultural dynamics of our families, the city of Federal Way will offer vibrant arts, varied recreational opportunities and a vigorous business community.
Federal Way continues its long tradition of embracing and supporting education, and collectively celebrates a 100 percent graduation rate.
School board President Geoffery McAnalloy
When I think about the community I live in— I see Federal Way as a community with outstanding schools, welcoming neighborhoods and a sense of belonging.
It’s a city with a heart and a community that cares for people and those in need. It’s diverse, it’s vibrant, it’s an authentic suburban city.
What might the city of Federal Way look like or be in the future?
I think we’re on the way to becoming a city that is a leader in meeting regional challenges — transportation, housing, and employment.
With a continued focus on community development that’s environmentally sensitive, our community will expand recreational and cultural activities ensuring that citizens benefit from future growth and development.
I see Federal Way as a great place to learn, work and play – now and into the future.
Chamber CEO Rebecca Martin
As we further establish Federal Way as a business hub, the Chamber looks to connect our workforce, north to south on light rail, and east to west with public transportation.
In the future, our city also will need interconnected trail and walkways with safe bicycle corridors along our major roadways.
To attract the next generation of our workforce, we need to develop locally sourced food venues, which include crafted beers and showcase a variety of musical talent. Managing our city as a destination for fine arts — with business development opportunities for galleries, studios and specialty shops, will welcome not only new business, but also visitors to the area.
Our business environment should encourage a range of entrepreneurial endeavors with financial and other program support.
In the future, development within the city core will be mixed-use and mixed income, anchoring entire neighborhoods where it is possible to live and work without a commute.
Finally, the Chamber believes Federal Way is strategically positioned to explore the supply chain potential between Seattle and Tacoma as well as import and export opportunities through the Northwest Seaport Alliance. This, coupled with enhanced broadband capabilities to capture technology-based industries in our business corridor, will expand our economic base and bring us prosperity in the next 25 years.
Community In Schools Executive Director Tracy Oster
In the next 25 years I believe we are going to make a lot of progress in decreasing the dropout rate. Factors such as zip code, family income, race, English as a second language will no longer decide whether a child receives a quality education and the resources he/she needs to be successful in school.
Our community will embrace families as we become even more diverse. As the region focuses on “cradle to career” goals, when students graduate from high school, they will be ready to move on to the next chapter in their lives. Whether it’s continued education or a career credential, all students have a plan and all students have access to resources to meet their goals. Because Federal Way will be vibrant and economically strong, many of our best and brightest will stay in Federal Way and lead the city into the next 25 years!
Federal Way Historical Society President Diana Noble-Gulliford
Three things I envision for Federal Way:
1. The extension of the West Hylebos Boardwalk, developing an interpretive center at Brooklake and the restoration of the original Brooklake Community Center building that was built about 1929.
2. The full development of the Weyerhaeuser East Campus (400 acres) into office and tech centers, some retail and some residential town homes on North Lake.
3. Annexation of more areas east of I-5 to the city of Federal Way. King County’s lack of road maintenance and services that residents will want can lead to expectations of a higher level of services for the future annexation areas.
State and county policies have already stated that this is the long-term goal and policies.
