1990

2015

CITYof federal way

25th

Anniversary

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS • 2015

Yesterday.Today.

Tomorrow.

Yesterday.Today.

Tomorrow.

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Looking back:Federal Way’s first council member recalls city’s beginning

It was March of 1989 and the residents of Federal Way had just voted to incorporate after several previous attempts. Thirty-seven people decided to run for the seven positions on the new City Council. A primary whittled the field to 14 and in September the seven of us were sworn in with a full audience at Decatur High School’s cafeteria/performing arts center. There was a sense of enthusiasm and anticipation as the new council was asked to autograph the evening’s programs. One by one, each of us were sworn in. I had selected to run in Position 1 so I could be the very first Council member officially sworn in.

Oct. 1989-Feb. 28, 1990 (city’s first day)

We announced our first official organizing meeting with 10 cent copies run off at the Safeway store and hand delivered to the newspapers. The meeting in the now Berkshire Hathaway building, found the council sitting on seven folding chairs we were able to find in that then-empty space. Agenda: Now what do we do? The Association of Washington Cities put together a guide for new cities and most of us attended the free workshops they conducted for candidates and the public. To start, hire an interim city manager, create committees after electing a mayor and a deputy mayor, etc., getting a moratorium on apartment building and other uncontrolled

development was foremost on our minds and that was accomplished. The county also gave us the fire station near Steele Lake Park to use as our City Hall, and a phone “system” that looked as if someone had yanked it out of an office in the county to use. Some of us bought lightbulbs so we could see our way around in the building, others got donations of a calendar, pens, scratch paper and a full desk setup. Our lone volunteer brought her own folding table and chair.

We hired an interim city manager who helped start other new cities. My committee assignment was to secure insurance for the council and the city, and to create an interim budget. Others worked on land use (the alarming rate of destruction of pristine land for apartments with no attention to adding parks, access, or play spaces within developments was a major factor in the positive vote for incorporation) transportation, public services, etc.

The council met almost every night working on creating a new Comprehensive Plan to be ready and functional on the day following official incorporation. Much of the plan was based on the city of Kirkland’s as we found that city appealing and vibrant. Other contracts had to be arranged, money borrowed, and library and fire district annexations approved. To ensure we followed all city financial laws, we met with representatives of the state auditor’s office and followed their suggestions accordingly, which led to balanced budgets and clean audits.

Why was Feb. 28 selected as the incorporation date? This allowed the new comprehensive plan to go into effect before the end of the building moratorium and allowed the city to collect March taxes. If we had chosen March 1, the city would have had to provide March services with no tax revenue until April.

As a council member, I voted affirmatively on so much of what you see

Mary Gates was the city’s first council member

see looking back, Page 4

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and use today. Many of the capital improvements were often 4-3 votes, and yes, I would vote that way again. Here is a list of some of those:

• Purchase and develop the 83.5 acre Celebration Park

• Build the BPA Trail• Have a robust street overlay program to

have the best streets anywhere• Buy the Dumas Bay Centre• Build the Steele Lake promenade and build

family Funland• Expand the number and improve

neighborhood parks• Protect the Hylebos Park• Support the Red, White and Blues Fourth

of July Festival as a substitute for outlawing fireworks

• Build and own our own police evidence building

• Buy and renovate City Hall to bring police, courts and city staff together for greater efficiency

• Build a 911 dispatch center with other south sound entities

• Cut jail costs by contracting with Pierce County and eastern Washington cities for space

• Build the senior/community center when the county no longer supported the Federal Way pool

• Downtown improvements, such as lighting, banners and flowers

• Low tax rate, no Business and Occupation taxes

• Transportation: We brought money for transportation improvements to Sate Route 99, advocated for the five-floor Transit Center and HOV access to and from Interstate 5, neighborhood safety, such as stoplights on First

and 330th, transit service on weekends, Sound Transit Express bus service

During my term as mayor from 1994-1996, I led the 7-0 council vote to start our own police department in 18 months. No city of our size — our population was 65,000 — in the United States had ever done this before.

I was part of other accomplishments as well, including the motion I made to build light rail to the airport and bringing the national headquarters of World Vision to the city from California and dedicating Sahalie Park.

So as I look ahead at the years to come as the city’s former mayor, here are some things I would like to see for our community:

• Development of the downtown, including the Performing Arts and Conference Center, link light rail extension, quality downtown

housing, restaurants, shopping, offices and family wage jobs

• Maintain, improve and advertise the natural beauty of this very green city, visit the Pacific Rim Bonsai Museum, the Rhododendron Species Garden, Powellswood and the Hylebos.

• Get a fabulous business at the Weyerhaeuser site employing hundereds of people.

• Parlay our location near SeaTac Airport and the nexus of I-5 and Highway 18 into even more corporate presence here

• Get more people involved in the city by serving on one of the many commissions the city formed early in its life. Get to know our neighbors. Build on the diversity of the city. Get to know the industrious and talented people from Ukraine, Korea, Japan, China, Kenya, Ethiopia, etc. who live here.

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Happy 25th Birthday, Federal Way!

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JOIN TODAY! 253-838-2605federalwaychamber.com

Creating Economic Prosperity

in Federal Waysince 1953

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By ALISA O’DONNELL for the mirror

Though the dark, wood exterior is worn from the passage of time, the Brooklake Community Center was the last puzzle

piece in a spread of land locked in the past. City officials and community members alike envision its future as much more than simply preservation.

The city wants to get funding to restore the building and turn it into an interpretive center, providing education on the history of the area and environmental sciences. Currently, Brooklake is used as an event hall, also hosting different classes and card game clubs, said Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell.

The Brooklake property is located on the corner of South 356th Street and Pacific Highway South, adjoining the West Hylebos Wetlands Park. The city came into ownership of the property in March of 2014.

The past: Wild and kind of free

Brooklake’s most infamous period began in 1929, when Mabel Vaughn purchased the

property. Vaughn immediately hired contractors and began construction on the Wagon Wheel Inn. The construction period lasted until about 1934, though the inn was open for business in the early 1930s, said Dick Caster, research specialist for the historical society.

In August, after the city acquired the property, Caster began work on a history of the Brooklake property — an ongoing project made challenging by a lack of primary sources, he said.

The Wagon Wheel Inn was rumored to have been a speakeasy and brothel, Caster said. In 1935 the inn was let to Rickey Ruffo and converted to Rickey’s Club, which continued to build a shady reputation for illegal alcohol — despite the end of Prohibition in 1933 — as well as gambling and prostitution, he noted.

In 1939 an injunction was filed and King County permanently closed the “attractive nuisance,” Caster said.

“Nobody ever gave this place a good reputation,” he said.

The property was idle until the Brooklake Community Center formed and purchased the property in 1943. The community center allowed other clubs, including the Brooklake Community Club, to use the building.

Despite its wild history, the building has also been considered the place where Federal Way began. In 1943 it became the first community center. It was also home to the first library and the site of the first water, sewer and fire districts for the area.

The journey: How the city finally got the property

Federal Way resident Bob Kellogg served as a board member for the property in the early 1990s, working to ensure preservation for the building.

During this time, he suggested the board turn the property over to the city. The city was interested, but when the vote was taken, barely a majority voted in favor of city-ownership. The board needed a super-majority to make such a decision, Kellogg said.

It was disappointing because of all the opportunities and potential Brooklake had, Kellogg said.

“Everything kind of sprouted from that community,” he said. “I thought it was worth saving.”

The fight did not end there, however, and Jerry Knutzen, vice president of the

Brooklake community centerHonoring Federal Way’s heritage and future

see brooklake, PaGe 9

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Federal Way projectsCity ushers in PACC, downtown park, Town Center and high schoolBy ANDREW FICKES for the mirror

Federal Way reaches a monumental milestone on June 20: the 25th anniversary of the city’s incorporation.

And coinciding with the celebration is the planned redevelopment of 21 city-owned acres centered on 20th Avenue and South 316th Street, designed to renew Federal Way’s downtown for the future.

Federal Way School District is also rebuilding Federal Way High School, slated to open and welcome new students in the 2016-2017 school year.

The following provides updates on the progress of the city of Federal Way’s Performing Arts and Conference Center (Town Center 1); Town Square Park (Town Center 2); Town Center on the old Target site (Town Center 3); and the school district’s high school project.

“It’s truly exciting what we’ve been able to do, moving forward together,” Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell said. “An exciting future is in store for Federal Way.”

Performing Arts and Conference Center

In June of last year, the Federal Way City Council approved to move forward with construction of the $32 million, 700-seat Performing Arts and Conference Center.

“This will be a regional facility for artists, performers and dramatic acts,” Ferrell said. “On the business side, it will be a great place for conventions. A hotel will be connected to it and will be complementary to the convention aspect [of the Performing Arts and Conference Center].”

Construction is scheduled to begin this September, with a completion date set for December 2016/January 2017.

Ferrell said up to $19 million of the $32 million will be composed of grant money, and state and federal reimbursement funds. This summer, Ferrell will travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with investors and ensure Federal Way has access to up to $10 million of New Markets Tax Credits, which will further support the cost of the Performing Arts and Conference Center.

Finally, Ferrell said the City has more than $13 million available that it can loan to itself.

“We can loan this money at a low rate for three years,” Ferrell explained.

Ferrell’s Blue Ribbon Panel said any “funding gap” for the project could be

bonded by the city, and would not impact any existing city services.

The Blue Ribbon Panel also said ongoing operations of the center would generate $3.2 million in spending annually and 29 new jobs.

Town Square ParkWhen Ferrell campaigned to be mayor,

he said a significant part of his platform was supporting the creation of a city park.

Nine years ago the city purchased a four-acre parcel for $4 million. During those years, Ferrell said the lot sat vacant and $2 million to support development of the property sat untouched in an account.

In July of last year, Ferrell said the first iteration of Town Square Park was completed. It is now bustling with activity, but Ferrell said there is still more to come.

“Where once it was just a cyclone fence on 4 acres of a former movie theater site, it is now the center of our downtown,” Ferrell said. “The city has made the decision to utilize the entire four acres. It is slated to open June 2016.”

When fully realized, Town Square Park will include a “great lawn” triple in size.

A walking trail will encircle the “great lawn;” there will be a spray park, playground equipment, a covered area to provide shade, and a permanent holiday tree. There will also be a Veterans’ Memorial in the park.

“This park will be there as long as Federal Way is,” Ferrell said. “[The park is modeled after] Bryant’s Park in New York City, which is on the backside of the New York Public Library.”

Town Square Park had its grand opening

on July 12, 2014. Ferrell said construction of Town Square Park phase 2 will begin June 22.

“[This park] will be the beating heart of a thriving city,” Ferrell said.

Town CenterLast November, the city purchased the

7.4-acre former Target site for $8.2 million.The property, which abuts the future

Performing Arts and Conference Center to the east and is to the north of the Federal Way Transit Center and Town Square Park, is envisioned to become an urban village with residential and retail components, according to Ferrell.

The city has plans to sell the property to a private developer. Ferrell said the city has two interested buyers.

“Later this year, we should be able to select one of the two and move ahead on the sale and then development of the property,” Ferrell explained.

The city’s vision, pending public input, calls for above-market priced apartments with premium retail shops. The design and layout of the center will encourage walkability.

“Creating a vibrant downtown core for our city has been a vision for decades,” Ferrell stated in a news release last November. “Redevelopment of this property combined with the [Performing Arts and Conference Center], Town Square Park and Transit Center creates four contiguous blocks — Town Center is born.”

see PROJeCTs, PAGe 9

A reNDeriNG of town center.

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Paid for by Friends of Carol Gregory

Congratulations to Federal Way on our first 25 years!

To many, many more years of success!

HAPPY 25thCity of

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mschelps.org253.838.6810

Historical Society of Federal Way, was able to help mediate the donation of the property in 2014.

The property was donated by Wendell Kueker on two conditions: The preservation of the historic building and recognition for the longtime caretakers Vern and Vera Frease, Ferrell said. The city also accepted $13,000 in outstanding taxes when it took over ownership.

“Now it’s my job to make the plans to make sure we really honor our heritage,” Ferrell said.

The mayor plans to involve as many community partners as possible in the project.

The future: Preserving history, promoting learning

Knutzen would like to see Brooklake turned into a kind of community museum, where the history of what is now Federal Way can be preserved, he said. The historical society has artifacts that could be displayed in such a museum.

The society also has the content and ability to put together some short videos that could share local history, he said.

“We want to make sure it doesn’t all get lost,” Knutzen said.

Both Ferrell and Knutzen agree Brooklake also has potential as a kind of environmental science exhibit or learning center.

Kellogg always thought the building would make a marvelous nature center, and an environmental science exhibit aligns with Kellogg’s long-time vision.

The Hylebos Wetlands adjoining the property is a small corner of Federal Way’s history that has been preserved and would enhance any kind of learning center located at Brooklake, Knutzen said.

“I’d like to see this designated as a historical landmark,” Ferrell said. To be a

historic landmark, the original building must be preserved, which the city plans to do anyway, Ferrell said. There is, however, some differing of opinion on whether to keep the dance hall — a 1950s addition to the original clubhouse building.

Applications will start at a local level, in King County, then, perhaps, move to a state level. The city hopes to begin this process later in the year, Ferrell said. The next step will be to draw up formal plans and a funding plan. The city can turn its full attention toward Brooklake once it launches its latest project, Town Square Park, in June, Ferrell said.

Though historic landmark designation is not essential, Ferrell hopes gaining it will open opportunity for grants from the county and state to contribute to the preservation.

The building, as it currently stands, is not in danger of immediate ruin, Knutzen said. Careful thought and planning is more important than speed, at the moment.

“It’s important to have a plan,” he said.In five or 10 years the Brooklake property

could be an attraction that draws people to Federal Way and even a fieldtrip destination for other school districts, Knutzen said.

continued from BrooKLAKe, PG 5

Federal Way High School

Thanks to the gracious support of voters who passed a $60 million capital projects levy in November 2012 and the $50 million in savings from the leftover 2007 bond, construction is finally underway on a new high school.

The original Federal Way High School opened in September 1938. Surrounding it, are other additions, each built in a different decade and spread out on the sprawling campus.

“It didn’t tie together well,” said Debra

Stenberg, a spokeswoman for the Federal Way School District. “Students had to walk nearly a quarter of a mile to get to some classes.”

Last fall, 24 portables were moved in to house the students while construction commenced.

Starting in the 2016-2017 school year, the portables will be removed and students will move into the new classroom space.

Additional phases will follow up until winter 2017, which include a new gymnasium, cafeteria and theater space.

“The impact of the new Federal Way High School will be felt in this community for generations,” said Sally McLean, interim superintendent. “We are grateful that voters chose to approve the six-year levy, allowing us to pay for the construction as we go.”

continued from ProJectS, PG 8

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Poverty Bay Cafe1108A S. 322nd Place • Federal Way

(between Safeway & Celebration Park)253-945-0012

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Congratulations Federal Way

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25 YEARS ON THE PATH TO BUSINESS SUCCESS

TAKE THE FEDERAL WAY!

The 25th an-n ive r sa ry of the city

of Federal Way is a time of celebra-tion, recognizing the foundation upon which our city was built and taking a moment to enjoy a shared sense of accom-plishment for our successes. It is also a time to

look ahead, to strategically think about what we want to be as a community.

The pillars of Federal Way are strong—commerce, education, govern-ment, and community.

All are focused on providing services and opportunities to the citizens who live here.

In fact, the Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce has been work-ing to promote economic prosperity throughout the region since 1953.

While our city is relatively young, our commitment to commerce is not – we mean business in Federal Way.

The Chamber is interested in a future that provides infrastructure, connecting us to each other as well as to a global marketplace.

Efficient transportation corridors are

critical to commerce if we are to capital-ize on our strategic location between two working ports.

And if we’d like to stay off the roads, our broadband must be enhanced, allow-

ing us the freedom to connect to the world right here at home.

In the next 25 years, the Chamber expects to see us working to develop business opportunities within medical technology, gaming, arts, and a range of entrepreneurial companies as well as supply chain businesses for region-ally based industries.

Naturally, the Chamber welcomes additional Fortune 500 companies and business headquarters to Federal Way.

Like cities across the country, our community grows as we develop business. Our educators prepare a workforce nimble enough to meet the evolving needs of commerce.

Our government works to create a stable economic climate, making it easy to do business in Federal Way.

And our community is rich with a diverse mix of people taking care to make our hometown safe, affordable, and fun.

Working together for the greater good has gotten us this far.

We are now uniquely positioned to capture that energy and craft a vision for the next 25 years—and beyond.

Because the Chamber knows, when you’re looking for a path to business success, you take the Federal Way.

rebecca martin is the ceo of the greater federal way chamber

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Happy Anniversary,to City of Federal Way!

WHAT FEDERAL WAY MAY BECOME?Community leaders shares hopes for Federal Way’s 50th birthdayFROM STAFF REPORTS

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 of 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 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 KochmarSince 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.

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. 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.

Sen. Mark MilosciaMy 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.

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 can leverage Federal Way into a destination and a home for thousands from across the world.

King County Councilman Pete von Reichbauer

From a bedroom community to an independent city of its own!

While there have been bumps along the see HOPes, PAGe 13

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a community grew up hereBEFORE Pacific Highway South

and I-5 were built, before there

was a Federal Way Shopping

Way, before Weyerhaeuser

built its headquarters here,

we taught the children

of this community.

Happy 25th Anniversary, City of Federal Way. We’re proud of how far

we’ve come together.

way, it has also been an exciting time of change, and I believe that Federal Way’s best days are still ahead. 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 will become a hub for the South King County region – 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.

Councilwoman Susan Honda

I see new growth and development for our city. I see a new downtown in which we will have an 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.

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. In doing this, we will have more bike routes so that people will feel safe riding their bikes around town.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In 25 years, there may be 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.

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Proud to Celebrate the City’s 25th!

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25Great Years

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What’s in a number? This year our country will celebrate its 239th birthday and our state will turn 126.

For many of us, special numbers include our wedding anniversaries and birthdays for our precious children, each year more special than the last!

Federal Way has its own special number to celebrate this year. That number is 25. On Feb. 28, 2015, our city marked its 25th year of in-corporation. We will soon commemorate our silver anniversary with a wonderful series of events at Town Square Park.

We will host a four-day carnival at the for-mer Target location, the future site of Town Center 3, from June 18-21. This carnival will feature a variety of rides and games for the whole family to enjoy, including a six-story Ferris wheel.

On Saturday, June 20, the city will host an anniversary celebration at Town Square Park. The theme of our event is “Celebrating Our Past, Building Our Future.” At 2 p.m., we will kick-off our main event with a special dedication, a performance by the Federal Way Symphony, a mayoral proclamation, as well as remarks by Gov. Jay Inslee.

Throughout the day we’ll have great food, pony rides for the kids, bounce houses, an inflatable obstacle course and a Dunk-a-Cop dunk tank to raise money for the Federal Way Police Department’s “Adopt a Family” pro-gram. We will also host a series of concerts in the evening featuring the Michelle Taylor Band and Kalimba, the West Coast’s premiere Earth Wind and Fire tribute band.

We are fortunate to live in such an outstand-ing community and it is an honor to serve as your mayor. From our beautiful and well-loved parks, to our redevelopment efforts in our downtown, or our very active community service organizations, Federal Way is truly the hidden gem of the greater Puget Sound region. As I reflect on our 25 years as a city, I am re-minded of those who worked so hard to make our community what it is today. Strong wom-en like Shirley Charnell, Mary Gates and our first Mayor Debbie Ertel, were instrumental in the success of Federal Way’s incorporation

effort (as were many, many others).

Recently, I was look-ing at a plaque in my of-fice. On it is the picture of a key figure in our city’s history, former state Rep. Mary-Ann Mitchell, considered by many to be the mother of our city.

I wondered what she would think of us today? Not all of the citizens who worked so hard for our city to come together ran for public office. They didn’t need recog-nition, and sadly many of them are no longer with us today. These pioneers were led by a sense of pride and dedication to our commu-nity. Their contributions will be remembered as we come together to celebrate this June. As proud as we are of our past, now is the time to look to the future with a sense of determina-tion, built on the solid foundation of those who came before us. Federal Way is on the rise.

Next fall we will open the Performing Arts and Event Center, around that same time the Town Center 3 project will be complete. This summer, Phase 2 of the Town Square Park im-provements will begin. The park will re-open in June of next year, and will feature a splash park and more. These developments represent our city’s investment and commitment for the next 25 years.

Federal Way is experiencing steady eco-nomic growth throughout our city. Later this year, Children’s Hospital will open a new $15 million facility, and Progressive Insurance re-cently opened their new claims center on Pa-cific Highway.

Over the next 25 years, I believe we will experience unprecedented growth in our city, bringing in family wage jobs, educational op-portunities, and will create a destination for people in our city and from around our region to enjoy.

Earlier, I asked what’s in a number? Well, perhaps the most important number is 92,800. That’s you. The number of residents we have in Federal Way. Who amongst us will be the next great leader? Who will fol-low in the path of public servants like former Sen. Tracey Eide, Rep. Linda Kochmar, or our Deputy Mayor Jeanne Burbidge? Who will be the next great business owner?

In closing, I would like to leave you with a challenge. As we build the future of Federal Way, get involved! Participate in the public process. Volunteer in our community, either through your church, your children’s PTA, or in a local service club. Run for office. Be engaged. Together, we can ensure Federal Way’s success for the next 25 years and be-yond!

Jim Ferrell is mayor of federal Way. ContaCt:jim.ferrell@cityoffederalWay.com

Looking aheadCommemorating 25 years and beyond

From a bedroom community to its own independent city,

it has been my honor to serve Federal Way.

Congratulations to Federal Way for 25 great years!

As we celebrate our past and build towards our future, I am proud to celebrate its 25th Anniversary. Congratulations to the leaders of Federal Way for their

vision and commitment to developing a city we are proud to call home!

King County District 7Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer

1990 – 2015

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Anniversary

Anniversary Carnival Rides, Food vendors, Entertainment, & More!

June 18–21 at Former Target parking lot adjacent to Town Square Park

Main Event Opens at 10am • Presentation at 2pm Concerts & Movies in the evening

June 20 at Town Square Park

Celebrate Federal Way’s 25th Anniversary!

25thAnniversary_AD_7QuarterX9Eighth.indd 1 5/8/2015 3:30:37 PM