2022 09-21 Planning Commission Agenda Packet - Canceled (lack of quorum)Meeting canceled due
to lack of quorum
City of Federal Way
PLANNING COMMISSION
September 21, 2022
6:00 p.m.
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
City Hall
City Council Chambers
a. Planning Commission Meeting of September 7, 2022
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
5. COMMISSION BUSINESS
a. Review of proposed revisions to the Comprehensive Plan Economic
Development Chapter, Policies
6. STAFF BUSINESS
a. Manager's Report
7. NEXT MEETING
a. October 5, 2022 — Regular Meeting
8. ADJOURNMENT
Planning Commission meetings are held in -person.
To request accommodation to attend or to provide public comment virtually, please contact Kari Cimmer at 253-835-2629 or
koric@cityoffederalway.com, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 20, 2022.
Commissioners
Lawson Bronson, Chair Wayne Carlson, Vice -Chair
Tim O'Neil Hope Elder
Diana Noble-Gulliford Tom Medhurst
Jae So Anna Patrick, Alternate
Vickie Chynoweth, Alternate Vacant, Alternate
K.901 - Document ReviewlPlanninglPlanning Commission Document.02022 09 September 2P2022 09-21 Planning Commission Agenda. does
Page 1 of 23
City Staff
Keith Niven, Planning Manager
Kari Cimmer, Admin & Permit Center Supervisor
253-835-2629
www.citvotLederalway.com
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PLANNING COMMISSION
September 7, 2022
6:00 p.m. City Hall
MEETING MINUTES
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Bronson called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Commissioners present: Lawson Bronson, Hope Elder, Tim O'Neil, Wayne Carlson, Diana Noble-Gulliford,
and Vickie Chynoweth.
Chair Bronson excused Commissioners So, Medhurst, and Patrick.
City Staff present: Planning Manager Keith Niven, City Attorney Kent van Alstyne, and Admin & Permit
Center Supervisor Kari Cimmer.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner O'Neil moved to approve the August 17, 2022 minutes as submitted. Second by Commissioner
Elder.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
No Public comments.
5. COMMISSION BUSINESS
Planning Manager Niven introduced the Fourth Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan Economic
Development (ED) chapter and included the changes to the primary approaches to enhance our local
economic development.
Mr. Niven proceeded with presenting the eleven Economic Development, Chapter Goals.
Commission discussion followed and resulted in the request to include the following concepts to the
ED Goals:
1. To work with Federal Way property owners to provide jobs for following generations.
2. To promote an approach where City officials and local business owners work together to bolster
our commercial zones safety, walkability, and cleanliness.
3. To explore options to simplify the permitting process for targeted projects.
Planning Commission Minutes Page 1 September 7, 2022
Page 2 of 23
6. MANAGER REPORT
At the next meeting, the Policies section of the Economic Development chapter will be reviewed.
At the October 5, 2022 meeting, Mr. Niven will brief Commissioners regarding the 2023 annual code
amendments, including various housekeeping code amendments and annual comprehensive plan
amendments.
Commissioners were invited to join Commissioner Medhurst at the Sound Transit meetings, if
interested in attending. Senior Planner Skadsen is hosting a South Station stakeholder meeting public
meeting will be held on Thursday, Sept. 15 from 5:00 p.m. — 6:30 p.m. at Todd Beamer High School.
7. NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be held at 6:00 p.m. on September 22, 2022.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Carlson moved that the meeting be adjourned; Second by Commissioner O'Neil.
The meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.
Attest:
Approved by Commission:
Kari Cimmer, Admin & Permit Center Supervisor Date
Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 September 7, 2022
Page 3 of 23
CITY OF
Federal Way
Centered an Opportunity
DATE: 21 September 2022
MEMORANDUM
To: Federal Way Planning Commission
FROM: Brian Davis, Director
Keith Niven, AICP, CEcD, Planning Manager -
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
253-835-7000
www.citvoffederalway.com
Jim Ferrell, Mayor
SUBJECT: Response Memo — Economic Development Goals conversation
The planning commission received a briefing on the proposed updates to the Economic Development
chapter of the Comprehensive Plan on September 7, 2022. The following represents staff's response to the
comments given by the Commission:
Propose new Goal EDG 13: (rework of previous EDG 3)
Work with Federal Way property owners to provide jobs for the next generation.
Propose new Goal EDG 14:
Promote a comprehensive approach working with City departments and business owners to strengthening the
City's business districts as clean, safe, walkable, and attractive environments.
Propose new Goal EDG 15:
Explore models for expediting the permitting process for targeted projects.
Page 4 of 23
CHAPTER FOUR - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
4.0 INTRODUCTION
Economic Development is the creation of wealth from which community benefits are
realized. It is more than a jobs program, it's an investment in growing the local economy
and enhancing the prosperity and quality of life for all residents.
Economic development is a concerted effort on the part of the city to influence the
direction of private sector investment toward opportunities that can lead to sustained
economic growth. Sustained economic growth can provide sufficient incomes for the
local labor force, profitable business opportunities for employers and tax revenues for
maintaining an infrastructure to support this continued growth. There is no alternative to
private sector investment as the engine for economic growth, but there are many public
initiatives that can support and encourage investments where the community feels they
are needed the most.
Economic development is purely and simply the creation of wealth in which community
benefits are created. Federal Way recognizes five primary approaches to enhance local
economic development. They are:
■ Business Retention and Expansion — providing support and assistance to existing
businesses
■ Business Attraction — attracting new business
■ New Business Creation — encouraging the growth of new businesses
■ Placemaking — investing in community assets, inspiration, and potential with the
intention of creating public spaces that promote people's health, happiness, and
well-being.
■ Tourism — according to the World Bank, is estimated to contribute approximately
10 percent of global gross domestic product (GDP), and to is the largest
contributor to employment worldwide.
Based on the City's Economic Development Strategy (Some Assembly Required, 2015),
its mission is "to produce solutions to attract and retain businesses, jobs, and investments,
along with improving the tax base and enhancing the quality of life in Federal Way."
This Chapter identifies the Goals, Policies and Actions the City should take to help guide
Economic Development over the next 20 years.
4.1 EMPLOYMENT
The City's comprehensive plan is required to be consistent with the Growth Management
Act (GMA), Puget Sound Regional Council goals and policies of Vision 2050, and the
King County Countywide Planning Policies (CPPs). As part of the Planning process, the
city is given Growth Targets for Housing and Employment. These Targets are forecasts
that come to each county from the Washington Office of Financial Management. King
ED - 1
Page 5 of 23
County then goes through a process to allocate the county totals to the cities and
unincorporated portions of King County. For the last growth period (2006-2035), Federal
Way was forecast to grow by 14,268 jobs. The forecast for the 2024-2044 period is
20,460. The 2006 to 2018 actual growth and the forecast of the new jobs is illustrated in
Figure ED-1.
Figure ED-1 (Employment Growth Target)
60,000
50,000
i
40,000 /
30,000
20,000 2006 — 2021, the City grew by only 2 jobs
10,000
0
2006 2018 2021 2035 2044
—Actual — — Forecast — — Forecast2
Sources: Job Growth — WA ESD, GMA Targets — King County.
Actual
Forecast 1
2006-2035
Forecast 2
2024-2044
2006
31,616
31,616
2018
31,148
36,588
2021
31,618
41,560
31,618
2035
46,352
41,848
2044
52,078
Much of the reason for the modest increase in employment over the previous
Planning cycle is due to the exodus of the Weyerhaeuser corporate headquarters
to Seattle. Although there have been some recent employment gains (notably:
DaVita, Smith Brothers, and All -City Fence), the City will need to reassess its
strategies moving forward if it expects to reach its Target of growing over 14,000
new jobs in the City in the next 20 years.
In looking at the current clusters of jobs in the City (Figure ED-2), Healthcare,
Education, and Retail are the top 3 employment sectors in the City.
ED-2
Page 6 of 23
Figure ED-2 (Employment Sectors)
Indust
Jobs
% of Total
Healthcare & Social Assistance
5,511
177/6
Educational Services
5,169
16%
Retail Trade
3,808
12%
Government
3,304
10%
Accommodation & Food Services
3,224
10%
Arts, Entertainment, Recreation
2,745
9%
Administrative & Support
1,147
4%
Management
1,032
3%
Finance & Insurance
Construction
Professional, Scientific & Tech
Services
Wholesale Trade
Real Estate
Other
1,022
3%
1,001
3%
935
3%
645
2%
635
2%
1,440
5%
Total
31,618
100%
Source: WA ESD
4.2 BUSINESS RETENTION & EXPANSION
Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) is an economic development strategy that
promotes business growth, capital investment, and job creation by connecting local
business owners with the resources they need to succeed. BRE requires proactively
connecting with existing businesses to understand and respond to their needs. Those
connections identify issues, and provide increased opportunities to help existing
businesses expand or, if they are at risk of closing or relocating, stay open and stay in the
community. Too often the sudden closing of a long-time business surprises residents and
local officials alike who assume a business is doing fine simply because the doors remain
open each day.
4.3 BUSINESS ATTRACTION
When Weyerhaeuser moved its corporate headquarters to Seattle in 2014, Federal Way
lost its largest employer and approximately 1,500 jobs (Seattle PI). The campus was sold
to IRG and warehousing/distribution facilities have been built.
Trying to attract a new corporate headquarters to our community is resource intensive
and competitive. A focused and targeted approach is needed to identify and generate
potential business investment leads. There are generally -accepted steps for successful
business attraction efforts. These steps include:
1) Economic Development Website
2) Community and Economic Development Brand
3) Develop a List of Companies to Target
ED-3
Page 7 of 23
4) Contact Prospective Investors
5) Maintain Relationships with Prospective Investors
Although the City currently has an Economic Development website, the page could use
some additional data regarding the City and the local business climate. In addition to
refreshing the City's webpage, Steps 2-5 would need commitment from the City for
Federal Way to compete with other communities for landing a relocated business.
4.4 ECONOMIC GARDENING
Economic gardening is an entrepreneurial approach to economic development that seeks
to grow the local economy from within. Its premise is that local entrepreneurs and
microbusinesses create the companies that bring new wealth and economic growth to a
region in the form of jobs, increased revenues, and a vibrant local business sector.
Economic gardening seeks to focus on growing and nurturing start-up and small local
businesses.
To support the entrepreneurial community, a network of resources needs to be built to
provide access to tools, knowledge, and experience that students and entrepreneurs need
to go from idea to working business in a successful, sustainable manner. Creating a
network that provides access to knowledge and experience; access to finance and funding
opportunities; and, access to low-cost space is vital to the success of small and fledgling
businesses.
4.5 PLACEMAKING
As the global economy has evolved by adding an increasing number of technology -based
and knowledge -sector jobs, cities have expanded their economic development strategies
from solely focusing on transportation access, low costs, tax incentives, etc. to including
the attraction of multi -generational talent by becoming desirable places to live. (Source:
Michigan State University, 2015). Because these workers are mobile and in high
demand, they often decide to live and work in communities with a high quality of place.
According to recent studies of 25- to 34-year old, college -educated workers, the
following factors were considered as part of the employment decision:
Elements of Quality Places:
■ Mixed uses
■ Public spaces
■ Broadband
■ Multiple mobility options
■ Multiple housing options
4.6 TOURISM
■ Preservation of historic structures
■ Community heritage
■ Arts, culture, creativity
■ Recreation & entertainment
■ Green spaces
Source: International Economic Development Council, 2017.
ED-4
Page 8 of 23
According to the Washington Tourism Alliance, in 2019 (prior to declines directly resulting
from the COVID-19 pandemic), Washington State had a total of 110 million visitors, and
direct visitor spending totaled $21.9 billion. On average, visitors spent $60 million per day
in Washington State. Tourism has been long regarded as a vibrant and somewhat simple
economic development tool. Visitors arrive, spend money on food, retail shopping,
accommodations, attractions, and then head home. To capitalize on this revenue -generating
activity, the City needs to understand why people are visiting Federal Way; and, how to
increase the number of these visitors.
Although day trips such as hiking through the West Hylebos Wetlands Park or visiting Dash
Point State Park represent a valuable tourism activity, also understanding what brings
people to stay in a hotel in the City is a good way to better understand why people are
visiting Federal Way. A 2021 study funded by the City (Proposed Federal Way Hotel, HVS
Consulting & Valuation), identified the hotel stays in Federal Way were comprised of
Commercial (business travelers) at 43%, Groups (family reunions, sporting or entertainment
events, company trainings, etc.) at 24%, and Leisure (those visiting or passing thru the area)
at 33%.
From the study cited above, business travel represents the largest group of hotel stays in
Federal Way. These travelers chose Federal Way either because of businesses located in the
City, or those located in nearby communities. The sector that represented the lowest cohort
were groups visiting the City for some family, work, or event activity. To increase tourism
in the City, this would be the sector that could be targeted by hosting additional sporting
events, festivals, etc.
As for current tourism assets, the following notable attractions draw people to Federal Way:
Wild Waves and Enchanted Village
The largest theme park in western Washington, Wild Waves offers a variety of rides and
amusements. The water park includes river rides, a maze of water slides, a wave pool, and
more. Enchanted Village, the theme park section of Wild Waves, has an array of rides for
families, kids, and thrill seekers. All summer long, visitors can stop by the Enchanted
Village Stage for special entertainment like live Magic and Mad Science Experiment shows.
Kinky Aquatic Center
The Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatics Center was constructed for the 1990 Goodwill
Games. It has hosted US Olympic Diving Team Trials in 2000 and 2012, NCAA
championships, PAC-12 conference championships, USA Swimming Winter National
championships and Speedo Junior National championships.
Celebration Park
The facility includes: batting fields with evening lights, bleachers, restroom and concession
building, total of eight soccer and baseball fields with evening lights, children's play
structure, trails and pathways connecting to the BPA Trails System and parking for 493
vehicles.
Pacific Bonsai Museum
One of only two museums in the United States solely dedicated to bonsai, and one of only a
handful of bonsai museums worldwide, Pacific Bonsai Museum maintains a collection of
150 bonsai that are among the finest examples of bonsai anywhere in the world. The
ED-5
Page 9 of 23
collection is also the most geographically diverse bonsai collection in the United States,
with trees from Canada, China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and the United States.
Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden
The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden is home the largest collection of
Rhododendron species in the world. Visitors experience a diverse botanical collection in a
forest of Douglas fir, western red cedar, hemlock and other native plants. The garden is also
home to beautiful companion plants, including the famous Himalayan Blue Poppies,
Camellias, Magnolias, Japanese maples, and many rare plants.
PowellsWood Garden
Combines a lush pleasure garden and native woodland within a 40-acre nature preserve.
Dumas Bay Centre & Knutzen Family Theatre
Dumas Bay has three light -filled meeting and banquet rooms, each with stunning views of
Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, plus a few interior meeting rooms for groups or
breakouts. For overnight stays, there are 68 bedrooms plus one fully contained suite. Built
in 1998, the Theatre provides a venue for professional theatre and the symphony. The
theater seats 234 and has shown plays, musicals, and music performers.
The Preforming Arts and Event Center (PAEC)
The Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center represents a new caliber of event space
in South King County. It boasts state-of-the-art acoustics, two audience floors totaling 700
seat capacity, removable orchestra shell, chorus risers, and marley dance floor.
4.7 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GOALS & POLICIES
This section contains the goals and policies of the Economic Development Chapter of the
Comprehensive Plan.
Goals
EDG 1 Sunnort an eauitable and strong local economv with onnortunities for all
to prosper. ,
EDG 2 Help attract, expand, and retain businesses, jobs, and investments that provide
employment and enhance income opportunities for Federal Way residents.
EDG-3
Ge -per- to Campus to pr-evide ;ebs for- the next ge efatie~.Invest in
placemaking spaces and details to help attract businesses to Federal Wad
EDG 4 Promote Federal Way as a business -friendly community. a -ad
ei+hanee the image of Feder -a! Way.
EDG 5 Ensure educational and training opportunities exist to align with future job
growth.
EDG 6 Encourage and fie -support
entrepreneurship opportunities and the growth of local microbusinesses.
EDG 7 Emphasize redevelopment that transforms the City from a suburban bedroom
community to a diverse, jobs -rich urban center.
IN
Page 10 of 23
• x mix of eezx mefeiax, vx ee, recail, a -ad light ind'ustr4al development in the
ar-eaafoeuiadd 3 4 9-
> >
in a park live eampus in East Campus and the Weyeft aeuso. Campus.
EDG 9 Encourage and support the development of recreational and cultural facilities
and/or events that will bring addLLC[C[4ieaal-visitors to Federal Way; and increase
visitor spending.
EDG 10 Encourage cooperative partnerships to address the economic expansion of the
City
EDG 11 Enhance the economic future of the community by encouraging the creation of
jobs that provide a livable wage and reduce income disparity.
EDG 12 Implement infrastructure projects that support new and existing business and
that reinforce the City Center's position as the heart of the community.
Policies
EDP 3 In conjunction with the local business community including the Chamber of
Commerce and communibLgrqupsTactively pursue ties to P, ei fie Rim nations
and -living -wage employers to stiffs late r-eWed business
aetivi �ysupport the local economy.
EDP 5 Promote the continued diversification and sustainability of the local economy
and expand employment opportunities for residents.
jobs within the City r-ela4ive te the nffffiber- of hettsehelds.
EDP 7 Diversify the economic base by encouraging higher- payinglivin wage white
^e"a~ and .o,.hniea jobs while preserving and enhancing the strong retail base.
EDP 8 Promote the redevelopment of existing underdeveloped areas as a means to
sustain the economy and provide jehsemployment opportunities.
EDP 9 Continue to utilize design guidelines and other tools to enhance the inbuilt
environment in order to retain and attract businesses and residents.
ED-7
Page 11 of 23
EDP 10 Continue to implement a streamlined permitting process eens stem with state
and federal fegulafiens to reduce the upfront costs of locating businesses or
redeveloping businesses in the City and seek ways to make the process more
applicant friendly.
EDPII Continue to pursue aggressive public safety programs designed to protect
residents, businesses, and their investments.
EDP 12 Continue to provide a business -friendly tax structure with no business and
eeeupatiefi tax at: employee head tax.
EDP 13 Support existing indtistfiapemployers and the addition of new
targeted employers that contribute to the diversity of the City's employment
base and support other industries in the City.
EDP 14 Be pr-eaefive in eAtfaeting eemmer-eial development with high paying jobs to
Weyer-haeuser- Campus.
EDP 16 Provide and work with paftner-s, stieh as the Fedefal Way Chamb
EDP 17 Promote the eemmunity by wefkiag with the Feder -a! Way Chamber- and the
and in3vestments,
EDP 19 Continue to manage an economic development web page that promotes
business and development opportunities within the community1; provides an
interactive database of information of value to site selectors, businesses, and
developers,, and, involves the paAieip4iea 9provides connections to the
Federal Way Chamber and other business -oriented stakeholder- - gFoup local
resources.
EDP 20 Continue to market the community for, and encourage development of,
businesses in the high-tech sector. This effort will include exploration of
regulatory and/or financial incentives to attract high-tech businesses and
collaboration with regional communities, businesses, and local institutions of
higher education to promote Federal Way and South King County.
EDP 21 ^Support opportunities for employee trainingand education in
Federal Way. to the , „+roue dive -si fi .ation Ra s ,staff .,bill „ of the
lnitiativ
Page 12 of 23
. U
HIM.
Iffilvd-NOMMOM
EDP 24 Consider opportunities to partner with local human -service organizations in
providing human devel ,..v entemployment training programs for
unemployed or under -employed workers.
EDP 25 Implement zoning and provide financial incentives that encourage prioritized
development consistent with comprehensive and subarea plans and orderly,
phased growth.
EDP 26 Actively work to facilitate joint public/private funding of infrastructure.
nt,anee e45,yide ,-ad sub ,o its and pl ling
EDP 29 ActivelyeEncourage redevelopment of the City Center and the creation of a
vibrant Downtown.
EDP 30 Build out the Town Center with a mix of uses such as the Preforming Arts and
Events Center (PAEC), public park, and a mix of residential, commercial,
office, educational, and civic uses.
EDP 31 Work with the local real-estate community to may -market and promote the
vacanciest in the office buildings in West Campus.
EDP 32 Continue to implement high qttahtyLurban design standards f those are��
EDP 33 Gen4inue te tifilize the SEPA Planned Aefien for- the City Center- so tha4
minimum of e nta
EDP 34 Explore innovative financing techniques stieh as heeal improvement Dis4iets,
Industrial Rever„o Bonds, New Mar - et Tax Gr-edits,nd other- innevative
fnancing too to encourage desired redevelopment.
EDP 35 Reeegnize the impet4anee efSgpport and facilitate local cultural and regional
recreational activities. Y to the eeeaemy, and through the T , dgi-n,. ' �� n a.,:� y
ED-9
Page 13 of 23
EDP 36 Encourage the expansion of existing and development of new multi -purpose
facilities to host cultural and recreational activities, and continue to work with
the lodging providers in order to increase the number of visitors to Federal
Way, thus increasing visitor spending.
EDP 37 Recognize a quality -built environment with civic amenities helps attract the
talented workers who will sustain economic growth.
EDP 38 Develop an environment that fosters respect for all individuals and groups and
promotes equitable employment opportunities.
EDP 39 Emphasize economic development activities in the City Center as a major
regional economic center and retail destination.
—EDP 41Maintain a business climate that supports the retention and expansion of the
city's economic base.
EDP 42 Promote local businesses and locally -produced goods and services.
EDP 43 Support investment in educational, technical, and vocational programs that
enhance the local skilled workforce.
EDP 44 Support and participate in regional economic development planning with the
public and private sectors.
EDP 45 Partner with community agencies and organizations to address income equitX
and employment opportunities within the local economy.
EDP 46 Promote infrastructure projects that enhance the city's quality of life and
business climate.
EDP 47 Use capital facility funds to promote economic vitality in those areas designated
for economic development, concentrations of employment, or mixed -use.
4.8 MAPS
The Major Employment Centers Map (Map ED-1) graphically displays the portions of
the City where employment concentrations should occur.
ED - 10
Page 14 of 23
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Page 15 of 23
CHAPTER 4 — Economic Development: Annotation of proposed edits
GOALS
EDG 1 Support an equitable and strong local economy, w�pportunities for all
to prosper. , diversified and globally foeused
eeeflefiiy.
Deleted existing policy as focusing economic development efforts on attracting globally -
oriented businesses will likely not result in measurable gains in employment for the City.
Replacement goal is intended to direct efforts of the City's economic development
approach to a more equitable outcome as the City should be looking to grow
employment opportunities at all income levels.
EDG 2 Help attract, expand, and retain businesses, jobs, and investments that provide
employment and enhance income opportunities for Federal Way residents.
No changes proposed.
EDG-3
Corporate
Campus
m us to provide jobs for- the next
genet-atio Invest in
placemaking spaces and details to help attract businesses to Federal Way.,.
Seems the ex -Weyerhaeuser campus is already transitioning. Suggested replacing the
existing Goal with one that identifies the value of placemaking.
EDG 4 Promote Federal Way as a business -friendly community. aPd
enhance the image of Fedora! Way.
Modified: the City's role is not to build the brand, rather to promote the city as a
business -friendly community.
EDG 5 Ensure educational and training opportunities exist to align with future job
growth.
The suggestion is to expand the goal to cover workforce training which may be more
tech or trade based.
EDG 6 FeFm- late tools and systems *^ Encourage and enhanee support
entrepreneurship opportunities and the growth of local microbusinesses.
This Goal focuses on entrepreneurships or start-ups. The suggestion is to expand to
recognize the importance of very small (2 or less employees) businesses. These are
different than start-ups. In addition, the City's role is not to develop the systems of
support, but rather to encourage & support.
Page 16 of 23
EDG 7 Emphasize redevelopment that transforms the City from a suburban bedroom
community to a diverse, jobs -rich urban center.
Grammar edit only.
I
"Jill
. M-1
There are no associated policies linked to this Goal. Over the next twenty years, the
City Center and South Station sub area will likely be the focal areas of non-residential
growth.
EDG 9 Encourage and support the development of recreational and cultural facilities
and/or events that will bring adds visitors to Federal Way; and increase
visitor spending.
Grammar and non -substantive edit.
EDG 10 Encourage cooperative partnerships to address the economic expansion of the
cfty--
New goal.
EDG 11 Enhance the economic future of the community by encouraging the creation of
jobs that provide a livable wage and reduce income disparity.
New goal.
EDG 12 Implement infrastructure projects that support new and existing business and
that reinforce the City Center's aosition as the heart of the communitv.
New goal
2
Page 17 of 23
POLICIES
EDP 1 Cooper -ate with the federal, state, and r-egien's publie jtifisdietiens and pr-iVat-e
efivir-oliffiefital issues.
This policy is too broad and vague to provide value.
This policy is too broad and vague to provide value.
EDP 3 In conjunction with the local business community including the Chamber of
Commerce and community groups, —actively pursue ties to Pacific Rim nations
an4-living-wage eg employ stimulate st;late relatedbuss
aetivitysupport the local economy.
Policy language was expanded to include community groups and the Chamber, and
was redirected from focusing on Pacific Rim businesses to living -wage jobs.
Covered more specifically by EDP 3.
EDP 5 Promote the continued diversification and sustainability of the local economy
and expand employment opportunities for residents.
No changes.
"Better balance" is not measurable. The City has a GMA Growth Target of 11,260
housing units and 20,460 jobs. These targets represent an expectation of growing more
jobs than housing over the next 20 years.
EDP 7 Diversify the economic base by encouraginghigher- pays gliving wage white
"nr and teeh ioa jobs while preserving and enhancing the strong retail base.
Higher wage is a bit ambiguous — terminology has pivoted to "living wage". Also, not
necessary to call out white collar & technical.
EDP 8 Promote the redevelopment of existing underdeveloped areas as a means to
sustain the economy and provide jobsemployment opportunities.
Word Choice.
3
Page 18 of 23
EDP 9 Continue to utilize design guidelines and other tools to enhance the urbuilt
environment in order to retain and attract businesses and residents.
Recognized there are other ways to enhance the built environment than solely design
guidelines. Other ways could include: streetscape standards, architectural standards,
etc. Changed "urban" as there are some different meanings/interpretations to this term
whereas "built" is clear.
EDP 10 Continue to implement a streamlined permitting process eonsistent with state
and fo.- eFa r-egu ations to reduce the upfront costs of locating businesses or
redeveloping businesses in the City and seek ways to make the process more
applicant friendly.
Do not need to state permitting will be consistent with the law. The point is to make it
streamlined & more user friendly.
EDPII Continue to pursue aggressive public safety programs designed to protect
residents, businesses, and their investments.
No change.
EDP 12 Continue to provide a business -friendly tax structurewith ins and
eeeupatien tax et! employee head taX..
Many cities with successful employment sectors have implemented B&O or employee
head tax. The City should not preclude this tool.
EDP 13 Support existing industrial employers and the addition of new industrial
targeted employers that contribute to the diversity of the City's employment
base and support other industries in the City.
Not sure the City is trying to grow industrial jobs. Think the edits are better in line with
the City's current efforts.
The Weyerhaeuser Campus is redeveloping with warehousing and distribution uses.
There is not much the City can do to alter the current trajectory for the reuse of this
property.
The Weyerhaeuser Campus is redeveloping with warehousing and distribution uses.
There is not much the City can do to alter the current trajectory for the reuse of this
property.
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Not clear what "services" were anticipated with this policy and not sure why "Premier
City in the Puget Sound region" is in quotes.
EDP 17 Pr-omote the eomnwnity by working with the Fedefal Way Chambef and the
Covered by EDP 3.
EDP 14 Fundthe pub
ie pertio of pub ie�priy to groups to allow the groups to do a
effective job in marketing the eommnn ty
This policy is too vague.
EDP 19 Continue to manage an economic development web page that promotes
business and development opportunities within the community;-, provides an
interactive database of information of value to site selectors, businesses, and
developers7- and, involves the paFtieip do ^[provides connections to the
Federal Way Chamber and other business -oriented stakeholder- -gr-eupslocal
resources.
Clarified.
EDP 20 Continue to market the community for, and encourage development of,
businesses in the high-tech sector. This effort will include exploration of
regulatory and/or financial incentives to attract high-tech businesses and
collaboration with regional communities, businesses, and local institutions of
higher education to promote Federal Way and South King County.
No change.
EDP 21 ^ ct Support opportunities for employee trainin ag nd higher education in
Federal Way^r mote the „time diver-sifio do an sust.,inability of the
initiative."
Not clear on what a "University Initiative" is — policy was reworded to look for all
opportunities for post high school education or training.
.P 22 Strive to create working partnerships with institutions of higher- education i
Covered by D' 21.
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Covered by D' 21.
EDP 24 Consider opportunities to partner with local human -service organizations in
providing employment training programs for
unemployed or under -employed workers.
Better word choice.
EDP 25 Implement zoning and provide financial incentives that encourage prioritized
development consistent with comprehensive and subarea plans and orderly,
phased growth.
No change.
EDP 26 Actively work to facilitate joint public/private funding of infrastructure.
No change.
EDP 27 Aefively work with r-e. gfoups of business and pfopefty owners,
ineluding the Feder -al. Way Chambef and othef loeal business ass
Covered by EDP 3.
EDP 28 Continue to look fef oppoftunities to assimilate land in the Gity Gentef in ofde
"Assimilate" is an odd word choice. I believe this policy intended property acquisition for
the City. Given the cost for property acquisition, a better approach for the City is to
improve development regulations. This policy should be further considered as part of
Chapter 7 (Centers).
EDP 29 Actively eEncourage redevelopment of the City Center.
Edited to demonstrate priority.
EDP 30 Build out the Town Center with a mix of uses such as the Preforming Arts and
Events Center (PAEC), public park, and a mix of residential, commercial,
office, educational, and civic uses.
Grammar.
EDP 31 Work with the local real-estate community to reemarket and promote the
vacanciest in the office buildings in West Campus.
Proposed edits to clarify City's role.
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EDP 32 Continue to implementhighquality-urban design standards for these areas.
Removed vague wording.
The SEPA planned action will expire in 1/1/26.
EDP 34 Explore innovative financing techniques ,
hidustfial Revemae Bonds, New Mar - et Tax Credits, and other- innovative
finanei„g toots to encourage desired redevelopment.
Do not need to list tools.
EDP 35 Recognize the i„-<p oFta ee ^fSupport and facilitate local cultural and rem
recreational activities. ate-�V-c�ri^<r<., ,,,,a *�,,n".fie ^;,,R Tax.
Advisory Committee, Arts Ge tnrind I? r-ks Department r<i�g4ln 'L-iAint
Cultural & regional recreational activities are important to bringing visitors to Federal
Way. This policy should end with that.
EDP 36 Encourage the expansion of existing and development of new multi -purpose
facilities to host cultural and recreational activities, and continue to work with
the lodging providers in order to increase the number of visitors to Federal
Way, thus increasing visitor spending.
No change.
EDP 37 Recognize a aualitv-built environment with civic amenities helps attract the
talented workers who will sustain economic growth.
New policy.
EDP 38 Develop an environment that fosters respect for all individuals and groups and
promotes equitable employment opportunities.
New policy.
EDP 39 Emphasize economic development activities in the City Center as a major
regional economic center and retail destination.
New policy.
EDP 41 Maintain a business climate that sunborts the retention and expansion of the
city's economic base.
New policy.
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EDP 42 Promote local businesses and locallv-oroduced goods and services.
New policy.
EDP 43 Support and foster investment in educational, technical, and vocational
programs that enhance the local skilled workforce.
New policy.
EDP 44 Support and participate in regional economic development planning with the
public and private sectors.
New policy.
EDP 45 Partner with communitv agencies and organizations to address income eaui
and employment opportunities within the local economy.
New policy.
EDP 46 Promote infrastructure projects that enhance the city's quality of life and
business climate.
New policy.
EDP 47 Use capital facility funds to promote economic vitality in those areas designated
for economic development, concentrations of employment, or mixed -use.
New policy.
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