RES 23-845 - Establishing Process for Naming City FacilitiesRESOLUTION NO.23-845
A RESOLUTION of the City of Federal Way, Washington, establishing
a process and criteria for naming city facilities
WHEREAS, the City of Federal Way owns and operates publicly funded facilities as part of
its purpose in delivering essential services to its residents; and
WHEREAS, the City of Federal Way and the land within its boundaries have historical and
cultural significance; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to establish a process and criteria for naming its
property and facilities that includes honors to current or past residents who have offered significant
contributions to the history and future of Federal Way.
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FEDERAL WAY,
RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Naming Policy. The City Council hereby adopts the Naming Policy as attached
hereto as Exhibit A, and hereby incorporated in full by this reference.
Section 2. Severability. If any section, sentence, clause or phrase of this resolution should be
held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or
unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of any other section, sentence,
clause, or phrase of this resolution.
Section 3. Corrections. The City Clerk and the codifiers of this resolution are authorized to
make necessary corrections to this resolution including, but not limited to, the correction of
scrivener/clerical errors, references, resolution numbering, section/subsection numbers and any
references thereto.
Resolution No. 23-845 Page I of 4
Section 4. Ratification. Any act consistent with the authority and prior to the effective date of
this resolution is hereby ratified and affirmed.
Section 5. Effective Date. This resolution shall be effective immediately upon passage by the
Federal Way City Council.
RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FEDERAL WAY,
WASHINGTON this 18th day of July, 2023.
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY:
ATTEST:
qtpfwk &�
SWfIANIE COURTNEY, C , CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
9-2-- Cjt
J. RYAN CALL, CITY ATTORNEY
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK: 07/12/2023
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: 07/18/2023
RESOLUTION NO.: 23-845
Resolution No. 23-845 Page 2 of 4
Exhibit A - Policy on Naming City Property
SECTION 1: PURPOSE
1. This policy outlines the process and criteria for evaluating proposals to name or rename property
owned by the City of Federal Way ("City").
2. The criteria contained within this policy should also be followed in reviewing or preparing the City
of Federal Way's official comments or recommendations to State, Federal, or intergovernmental
boards taking actions regarding geographic names, naming, or renaming.
SECTION 2: SCOPE
1. This policy affects City -owned property only.
2. The following types of City -owned property are included within the scope of this policy (referred to
hereafter as "property" or "properties"):
a. Buildings and structures.
b. Real Property, including open spaces and parks.
3. The process and criteria for naming or renaming properties described in this policy do not apply to
the following types of property:
a. Historically designated properties for which a name has been indicated on a nomination
form and accepted for use on a historic register.
b. Public art installations that have been commissioned and/or accessioned with a title that
serves as the name of the piece.
c. Rights of Way and streets, including infrastructure contained within Rights of Way.
d. Specific rooms within City Hall, which shall be named by the Mayor.
SECTION 3: GENERAL PROCEDURES FOR CONSIDERING NAME CHANGE REQUESTS
1. Naming proposals may be made by the Mayor, a majority of Councilmembers, or the members of
the public via the Mayor's Office.
a. Proposals will be evaluated by Council Committee, who will forward a recommendation to
the full City Council.
b. When a proposal is received, the Mayor armor Council Committee shall seek input from
City Commission(s).
c. Staff shall prepare and present a proposal for signage and other appropriate ways of
publicizing the name of the property along with a cost estimate for the naming or
renaming, as appropriate.
d. Names proposed under this policy shall be presented as a Council Resolution for the
Council's consideration, except where applicable City, State, or Federal regulations
require other specific legislation.
e. Upon appropriation of funding, Staff shall proceed with effecting the renaming.
2. Naming requests from the community shall be submitted to the Mayor's Office, who shall
determine, according to the criteria in this policy, whether the proposal is appropriate for
consideration by Council Committee as described above. Proposals that do not appear to meet
the criteria or do not appear to be of benefit to the City or its residents, may be removed from
further consideration by the Mayor. Requests submitted to the Mayor shall be submitted in writing,
and should, at a minimum, include:
a. A map illustrating the area affected by the proposal;
b. The existing facility name(s) that would be affected;
c. Any known common usage names or nicknames for the area or its elements, including
topographical landmarks;
d. Representative photographs of the area;
Resolution No. 23-845 Page 3 of 4
e. A statement of the criteria in this policy that apply to the request, and how the proposal
meets these criteria; and
f. A summary of public outreach conducted. Applicants must demonstrate the proposal has
received support from a wide range of groups and individuals within City limits. Support
from groups and individuals that collectively represent a narrow focus is not sufficient.
SECTION 4: NAMING CRITERIA
1. The following criteria are to be used by the City Council when considering naming proposals:
a. New names should avoid duplicating or reusing the same or similar name(s) already used
in other locations.
b. Names may be based on location or distinctive, predominant and defining natural or
geological features of an area. Such proposals should be given names that directly reflect
or are contextually related to the history of the site.
c. Common usage names that have developed over time shall be favored. Property may be
given official designations based on common usage by residents of an area, such as
topographical features, nearby schools, or historical plat names.
d. Names of features indicated on general usage maps for fifty years or more should only be
changed when the proposed name is supported by other City policies, priorities, or
initiatives.
2. Property may be given a name based on historical significance if it meets one of the following
criteria:
a. The name is associated with a historically significant event or for events reflecting broad
patterns of Federal Way's history;
b. The name is associated with the lives of persons of citywide significance in Federal Way's
past;
c. The name reflects a distinctive architectural or engineering achievement;
d. The name is related to an existing or proposed registered historic landmark; or
e. The name highlights previously under -documented or poorly understood historical
narratives.
3. Property may be named as part of the City's objective to place the issue of diversity before our
citizens in a positive manner.
4. Property may be named for an individual or organization if that individual or organization has
made a significant direct property or monetary contribution to the City of Federal Way, consistent
with the City's relevant acceptance policies, for purposes of developing that particular building or
facility, and the naming is a stipulation of the donation.
5. Property may be named for individuals who have enhanced the quality of life for Federal Way
residents through outstanding public service, including:
a. Leadership in civic organizations devoted to community improvement;
b. Outstanding humanitarian work, such as assistance for people in the community who live
with disabilities or are members of underprivileged or economically disadvantaged
populations; or
c. Leadership in events and programs that have broadly enriched the quality of life for
Federal Way residents.
6. Portions of named property may have a name other than that of the entire property (e.g., "The
Knutzen Family Theatre" located within Dumas Bay Centre).
Resolution No. 23-845 Page 4 of 4