11-20-2023 HSC Agenda PacketCommissioners
Katherine Festa, Chair
Kathryn Scanlon, Vice Chair
Vivian Alexander
Cynthia Ricks-Maccotan
Mary Schultz
Ken Stark
Betty Taylor
Aaron Walsh
Grace Ssebugwawo, Alternate
City Staff
Sarah Bridgeford, Community Services Manager
Kim Bachrach, CDBG Humans Services Coordinator
Victoria Banks, Admin Assistant I
www.cityoffederalway.com
253-835-2651
HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
November 20, 2023
5:30 p.m.
*Times are estimates only
Hylebos Conference Room
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
Katherine Festa
Information
10 Min.
3. MEETING MINUTES
a. October 16, 2023
Katherine Festa
Action
5 Min.
4. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMUNITY
SERVICES CHAPTER
Kim Bachrach
Sarah Bridgeford
Discussion
30 Min.
5. ARPA GRANT UPDATE AND DEBRIEF
Kim Bachrach
Sarah Bridgeford
Discussion
20 Min.
6. CDBG PLANNING AND 2025-2029
CONSOLIDATED PLAN TIMELINE
Kim Bachrach
Sarah Bridgeford
Information
10 Min.
7. STAFF REPORT
Kim Bachrach
Sarah Bridgeford
Information
10 Min.
8. COMMISSIONER COMMENT Katherine Festa
Information
10 Min.
9. NEXT MEETING:
a. Regular Meeting
b. December 18, 2023
c. 5:30 pm
d. Hylebos Conference Room
Katherine Festa
10. ADJOURN
e. *Times are estimates only.
Katherine Festa
HSC OCTOBER 16, 2023 Meeting Minutes Page 1
HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
MINUTES
October 16, 2023
COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Ken Stark
Vivian Alexander
Aaron Walsh
Mary Schultz
Betty Taylor
Cynthia Ricks-Maccotan. (Zoom)
Katherine Festa (Zoom)
Gordon Bock in at 6:20 PM
COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT:
Grace Ssebugwawo (Alternate)
Kathryn Scanlon (Vice-Chair)
STAFF PRESENT:
Sarah Bridgeford (Community Services Manager)
Kim Bachrach (Human Services Coordinator)
Patti Spaulding-Klewin (Human Services Coordinator)
CALL TO ORDER:
Commissioner Stark called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 MEETING MINUTES:
Commissioner Shultz motioned to approve September 18, 2023 meeting minutes; Commissioner
Alexander seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
PUBLIC HEARING ON THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE 2023 CDBG ANNUAL
ACTION PLAN:
Staff Report:
Manager Bridgeford presented on the First Amendment to the 2023 CDBG Annual Action Plan.
Financial Impacts:
The City of Federal Way has received $778,309 for program year 2023 in Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, and has additional funds remaining from prior
program years. These funds are a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) and are included in the approved budget. The grant will fully reimburse the
costs incurred by the City in carrying out the projects.
HSC OCTOBER 16, 2023 Meeting Minutes Page 2
Background Information:
The City of Federal Way’s Annual Action Plan (AAP) details the funding strategies for the
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program each year. The City is requesting to
amend the 2023 CDBG Annual Action Plan. The amendments include:
• Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King & Kittitas Counties (Habitat), Minor Home
Repair Program (MHRP), $100,000: Identify Habitat as the subrecipient to implement
the MHRP. MHRP was previously included in the approved 2023 plan as a City operated
program. Habitat applied to become the program operator for the City via a competitive
process and was recommended by the Human Services Commission following the
Commission’s evaluation process.
• Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King & Kittitas Counties (Habitat), Home Repair
Program (HRP), $150,000: Identify Habitat as the subrecipient to implement the HRP
and add it to the 2023 Annual Action Plan. HRP was included in prior year plans as a
City operated program and has remaining funds available. Habitat applied to become the
program operator for the City via a competitive process and was recommended by the
Human Services Commission following the Commission’s evaluation process.
• Multi-Service Center, Villa Capri, add $73,039 to the project utilizing contingency
language in the approved, original plan: Allocate additional funding to the Villa Capri
rehabilitation project as previously identified as a potential option with contingency
language included in the approved plan.
Timeline:
October 16, 2023: Public Hearing by the Human Services Commission
November 21, 2023: Public Hearing and Council consideration
Public Hearing:
Opened: 5:44 p.m.
Closed: 5:44 p.m.
Commission Discussion:
As no public comment was received, staff and commission discussed the normal means for
notification and that there is opportunity for input on how to engage community through the
update to the Citizen Participation Plan; the update will occur in 2024. A question was asked
regarding what the extra funds would be used for and staff responded that this brings the project
closer to full funding so the scope of the project will include more of the rehab in the application.
FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE 2023 CDBG ANNUAL ACTION PLAN:
Commissioner Stark motioned for the Human Services Commission recommend the First
Amendment of the 2023 CDBG Annual Action Plan as written by City of Federal Way staff.
Commissioner Ricks-Maccotan seconded the motion.
Discussion: none
Motion carried, 7-0.
HSC OCTOBER 16, 2023 Meeting Minutes Page 3
PUBLIC HEARING ON THE 2024 CDBG ANNUAL ACTION PLAN:
Staff Report:
Coordinator Bachrach presented on the 2024 CDBG Annual Action Plan
Financial Impacts:
The City of Federal Way’s Annual Action Plan (AAP) details the funding strategies for the
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program each year. AAPs implement the five-
year Consolidated Plan and are required by HUD for any jurisdiction receiving CDBG funds.
2024 is the fifth year of the City’s adopted 2020-2024 Con Plan. The 2024 AAP is based upon
the 2023 allocation of $778,309.
Background Information:
General Proportion of CDBG funds annually: 20% Planning/Administration; 15% Public
Services; 65% Community Economic Revitalization Funding (CERF). Any prior year funds
support capital and economic development projects.
Program Administration: $156,660.00
Public Services: $116,000.00
Program Allocation:
1. Apprenticeship & Nontraditional Employment for Women (ANEW): $12,000.00
2. Federal Way Inclusion Program $30,000.00
3. Orion Employment Services $18,000.00
4. Solid Ground $56,000.00
Community Economic Revitalization Funding (CERF): $446,649.00
Program Allocation:
1. Habitat Minor Housing Repair Program: $100,000.00
2. Habitat for Humanity Home Repair Program: $145,649.00
3. Highline Business Development Programs: $100,000.00
4. El Centro de la Raza Community Mercado: $160,000.00
Timeline:
October 16, 2023: Public hearing
November 21, 2023: Public Hearing and Council consideration
• Submit to HUD with the King County Consortium, dependent on timing of receiving
allocation and other consortium members’ timelines.
• Should the annual allocation be different than anticipated, pro rata adjustments are made
to administration, public services, and CERF projects.
If a significant change, the Citizen Participation Plan and City procurement may require
additional processes and engagement.
HSC OCTOBER 16, 2023 Meeting Minutes Page 4
Public Comment:
Opened: 5:56 p.m.
Closed: 5:56 p.m.
Commission Discussion:
Discussed the purpose of the Citizen Participation Plan, updates made during COVID, and
upcoming update.
2024 CDBG ANNUAL ACTION PLAN:
Commissioner Schultz motioned that the Human Services Commission accept the 2023 CDBG
Annual Action Plan as written by City of Federal Way staff. Commissioner Taylor seconded the
motion. Motion carried, 7-0.
2024 ARPA WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND FINANCIAL LITERACY
APPLICATION DISCUSSION:
The Commission recessed: 5:59 p.m.
The Commission resumed: 6:04 p.m.
• Coordinator Bachrach reminded Commissioners of the $650,000.00 funds available.
Minimum allocation per agency: $150,000.00. Council requested that at least one of the
allocations be for Financial Literacy.
• Commission discussed the merits of all programs to address needs of Federal Way
residents and recommendations for funding
Commissioner Ricks-Maccotan motioned for the following:
Program: Priority Allocation:
FUSION: Workforce Development $175,000.00
YWCA: Financial Literacy/
Workforce Development
$150,000.00
El Centro de la Raza Financial Literacy $150,000.00
Casa Latina Workforce Development $175,000.00
Commissioner Schultz seconded the motion.
Commissioner Discussion: none
Motion carried, 6-1-1.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AD HOC AND SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATES:
Manager Bridgeford reported the next subcommittee meeting is next week and will discuss
goals. Manager Bridgeford reported the Human Services Commission will have access to a draft
Human Services Chapter at the next Commission meeting on November 20, 2023.
Goals will fit within four categories:
1. Funding investment changes
2. Increased access/DEAI focus
3. Grantmaking and Funding
HSC OCTOBER 16, 2023 Meeting Minutes Page 5
4. Collaboration
Commissioner Schultz reported the ad-hoc committee met and shared the next two months will
be intense writing period for all chapters. The final open house will be on February 29, 2024-
location TBD. The theme of the Comprehensive Plan is “Leap Forward”. There will be 16
chapters total with final Council approval in October or November 2024.
STAFF REPORT:
Manager Bridgeford announced that Coordinator Spaulding-Klewin’s last day with the City of
Federal Way is October 18, 2023. Staff and Commissioners shared their appreciation of her.
COMMISSIONER COMMENT:
Commissioner Stark welcomed new Commissioner Bock and invited him to share a bit about
himself.
All Commissioners and staff introduced themselves and welcomed Commissioner Bock to the
work.
NEXT MEETING:
Regular Meeting November 20, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.
Hylebos Conference Room
ADJOURN:
The meeting adjourned at 6:59 p.m.
1
2023 Community Needs Assessment
Table of Contents
Community Profile ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Demographics.................................................................................................................................... 3
Income ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Aging and Disability ............................................................................................................................ 13
Climate Resiliency ................................................................................................................................... 20
Crime ......................................................................................................................................................... 22
Child Abuse and Neglect ............................................................................................................... 22
Domestic Violence .......................................................................................................................... 22
Homicides ......................................................................................................................................... 22
Weapon Safety ............................................................................................................................................ 23
Weapon Safety ................................................................................................................................. 23
Discussion ......................................................................................................................................... 23
Digital Equity ............................................................................................................................................... 24
Discussion ......................................................................................................................................... 25
Education .................................................................................................................................................. 26
School District Report Card ........................................................................................................... 26
Early childhood ................................................................................................................................ 26
Child Care Affordability .................................................................................................................. 27
Educational Attainment .................................................................................................................. 27
Education Discussion ...................................................................................................................... 28
Health ......................................................................................................................................................... 29
Health Insurance .............................................................................................................................. 29
Accessing Care ................................................................................................................................ 29
Food Access ..................................................................................................................................... 30
Mental Health ................................................................................................................................... 31
Substance Use .................................................................................................................................. 32
Causes of Death ............................................................................................................................... 34
COVID-19 .......................................................................................................................................... 35
Health Discussion ............................................................................................................................ 35
2
Homelessness .......................................................................................................................................... 37
McKinney-Vento ............................................................................................................................... 38
Youth and Young Adult Homelessness ....................................................................................... 39
Discussion ......................................................................................................................................... 39
Housing ..................................................................................................................................................... 40
Housing Affordability ...................................................................................................................... 40
Housing Availability......................................................................................................................... 42
Housing Discussion ......................................................................................................................... 42
Language .................................................................................................................................................. 44
Languages Spoken .......................................................................................................................... 44
Language Discussion ...................................................................................................................... 45
Transportation .......................................................................................................................................... 46
Commuting ....................................................................................................................................... 46
Access to Transportation ............................................................................................................... 46
Transportation Discussion ............................................................................................................. 47
Workforce ................................................................................................................................................. 48
Unemployment ................................................................................................................................ 48
Educational Attainment .................................................................................................................. 49
Workforce Discussion ..................................................................................................................... 49
3
Community Profile
The U.S. American Community Survey (ACS) data is utilized throughout the Community
Needs Assessment. The document will primarily rely on 2017-21 for consistency, unless
noted. The ACS data tables are cited throughout in footnotes. Additional data sources are
cited when used.
Demographics
Population
The City’s population has exhibited notable growth over the years. In 2011, it was home to
88,7871 residents, a number that expanded to 93,9862 by 2016, marking a 6% increase in
population. As of 2021, the City’s estimated population stands at 99,7923, reflecting
continued growth. Important to note is that other population estimates place the City’s
population over 100,000 with the 2023 estimate at 102,0004. This growth has been
accompanied by increasing diversity in several aspects, including race/ethnicity, languages
spoken, and income levels.
Age
Demographic distribution reveals that 23,628
residents were below the age of 18, while
62,634 fell within the age range of 18 to 64 and
13, 350 individuals were aged 65 and over.5
Additional age-related analysis will be included
in the Community Needs Assessment in various
sections, in particular related to employment
and aging.
Race and Ethnicity
While the population increased by 6% between 2016 and 2021, specific racial groups
experienced more significant growth and the White population decreased. Notably, the
Black or African American population increased by 66% with Some other race increasing by
45.4% and Two or more races increasing by 74.5%. The Hispanic population decreased
1 US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2006-2011, Table S0101. Retrieved from
https://data.census.gov on July 25, 2023.
2 US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2012-2016, Table S0101. Retrieved from
https://data.census.gov on July 25, 2023.
3 US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2017-2021, Table S0101. Retrieved from
https://data.census.gov on July 25, 2023.
4 State of Washington Office of Financial Management (2023). April 1, 2023 population of cities, towns,
and counties used for the allocation of selected state revenues. Retrieved from
https://ofm.wa.gov/washington-data-research/population-demographics/population-estimates/april-
1-official-population-estimates.
5 US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2017-2021, Table S0101. Retrieved from
https://factfinder.census.gov on July 25, 2023.
24%
63%
13%
Population by Age Category
Under 18
18 to 64
65 and over
4
slightly from 17% to 16%. This ongoing demographic shift underscores the evolving nature of
the City’s population dynamics and diversity.6
Language Spoken at Home
Among the population age 5 and over, there was an increase of over 5,000 (6%) during this
time period, from 87,728 to 92,860. Those who spoke only English at home increased by 605
(1%) from 58,571 to 59,177, while those who spoke a language other than English at home
increased by over 4,000 (16%) from 29,156 to nearly 33,683.7,8
6 US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2017-2021, Table S0601. Retrieved from
https://data.census.gov on July 25, 2023.
7 US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2012-2016, Table S1601. Retrieved from
https://data/census.gov on August 23, 2023.
8 US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2017-2021, Table S1601. Retrieved from
https://data/census.gov on August 23, 2023.
White
Black or
African
American
American
Indian and
Alaska Native
Asian
Native
Hawaiian
and Other
Pacific
Islander
Some other
race
Two or more
races
ACS 2011-16 54,982 10,244 752 12,782 2,162 6,109 6,861
ACS 2017-21 44,607 16,965 898 14,270 2,195 8,881 11,975
% Change -18.9%65.6%19.4%11.6%1.6%45.4%74.5%
0
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
Race Alone or in Combination
ACS 2011-16
ACS 2017-21
5
Of the nearly 30,000 people over age 5 who speak a language other than English at home,
about 45% spoke English less than very well. Proportions within the above language
groupings varied. Among those who were over age 5, spoke a language other than English
at home, and who spoke English less than very well, the greatest increase was among those
who spoke other languages, from around 456 to 1,415 – an increase of 210% followed by
Asian and Pacific Island languages with an increase of 59%.
Foreign-Born Population
Asian and Pacific
Island language English Only
Other Indo-
European
languages
Spanish Other languages
ACS 2011-16 11,171 58,572 5,516 10,768 1,701
ACS 2017-21 12,118 59,177 6,572 11,112 3,881
% Change 8.5%1.0%19.1%3.2%128.2%
0
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
Language Spoken at Home
ACS 2011-16
ACS 2017-21
Asian and Pacific Island
language
Other Indo-European
languages Spanish Other languages
ACS 2011-16 5,582 2,050 4,041 456
ACS 2017-21 6,255 3,251 4,395 1,415
% Change 12.1%58.6%8.8%210.3%
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
Speak English less than "very well"
ACS 2011-16
ACS 2017-21
6
According to ACS 2017-21, of the nearly 100,000 Federal Way residents, just over 26,000 or
about 26% were foreign-born. About 38%, or just under 10,000, of residents who were
foreign-born were Asian and about 23%, or just over 6,000, were Hispanic. Twenty-four
percent of residents in King County are foreign-born compared to 15% in Washington State
and 14% in the United States.9
Veteran Status
With ACS 2017-21, there were 75,977 people age 18 and over. Of these, 5,052 were
veterans, down from 6,751 (-5%) in ACS 2012-16. During that time, the adult civilian
population increased by over 6%. Over 90% of veterans throughout this time were over age
35.10
Discussion: Community Profile
Federal Way has seen an increasing number of foreign-born persons and those who speak
English less than very well. In addition, about a quarter of those below poverty level speak a
language other than English at home. These Federal Way residents may encounter barriers
when accessing human services programs. This is true particularly if services are not culturally
and/or linguistically familiar for potential program clients who are recent immigrants or do
not speak English well.
Fostering culturally and linguistically appropriate services at human services organizations
removes such barriers by making a client feel safe with help-seeking. This builds trust among
an otherwise skeptical population if they come to trust that an organization respects and
takes into account the client’s cultural context. This can help service providers avoid
miscommunications with clients that could, for example, affect health care decisions. Growing
a culturally responsive and linguistically skilled organization helps to diversify and strengthen
organizational resilience. Such an organization is more open to adapting services to the
changing face of need, and will likely be more nimble in adjusting services to whatever
external forces it may encounter.
9 US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2017-2021, Table S0501. Retrieved from
https://data.census.gov on August 24, 2023.
10 US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2012-2016, Table S2101. Retrieved from
https://data.census.gov on August 24, 2023.
7
Income
Median Household Income
According to American Community Survey data (ACS, 2017-21), the median household
income for a four-person household in Federal Way was $97,41111-a significant 44% increase
over the figure of $67,32612 from ACS 2012-16. These figures contrast with King County
overall, with $164,768 and $121,141, respectively (a 36% increase).
The median household income for a family of four in Federal Way-in both nominal and
adjusted (to 2021) dollars-has grown by 18% from 2017 to 2021 compared to 13% for King
County. However, the median household income for a family of four in King County continues
to far exceed the corresponding figure for Federal Way.13
The average household size in Federal Way is 3.31.14 A family of four making $97,411 in 2021
adjusted to 2023 dollars of $107,272 may continue to find it challenging to make ends meet.
According to the University of Washington Self-Sufficiency Standard, in 2023, a South King
County family of four (two adults with two preschool-aged children) would need an annual
income of $119,216 to be self-sufficient.15 This self-sufficiency wage means that the family can
11 US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2017-2021, Table B19019. Retrieved from
https://data/census.gov on September 21, 2023.
12 US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2012-2016, Table B19019. Retrieved from
https://data/census.gov on July 25, 2023.
13 US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023). CPI Inflation Calculator. Retrieved from https://data.bls.gov/cgi-
bin/cpicalc.pl on September 21, 2023.
14 US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2017-2021, Table S1101. Retrieved from
https://data/census.gov on July 25, 2023.
15 University of Washington, Center for Women’s Welfare, Self-Sufficiency Standard. Retrieved from
https://selfsufficiencystandard.org/washington/ on September 19, 2023.
128,943
164,768
145,826
73,181
97,411
82,763
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
160,000
170,000
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022Income for a Household of 4ACS 5-Year Period Ending 20XX
Household of 4: Median Income in Nominal vs. Adjusted to 2021 Dollars
King County
(nominal)
King County (asjusted
to 2021)
Federal Way
(nominal)
Federal Way
(asjusted to 2021)
8
cover all costs without assistance. These costs include housing, child care, food,
transportation, and health care.
Poverty and Race/Ethnicity
There were over 99,000 people for whom poverty status was determined, an increase of
about 6,000 (6%) over 2016. The following chart breaks this figure down by race alone. 16,17
Of the 99,125 persons for whom poverty status is determined, about 11% or 11,202 had
incomes below the poverty level.18 This is a decrease from the figure of 12,605 (14%).19
28,657 people had incomes below 200% of the poverty level, which is a decrease of about
12% over the same period. 200% of the federal poverty level captures eligibility of a lot of
programs and services and is a good measure to understand access.
16 US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2017-2021, Table S1701. Retrieved from
https://data/census.gov on September 21, 2023.
17 US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2012-2016, Table S1701. Retrieved from
https://data/census.gov on September 21, 2023.
18 US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2017-2021, Table S1701. Retrieved from
https://data/census.gov on September 21, 2023.
19 US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2012-2016, Table S1701. Retrieved from
https://data/census.gov on September 21, 2023.
107,272
119,216 125,981
135,552
126,624
0
25,000
50,000
75,000
100,000
125,000
150,000
Federal Way Median
Income, Family of 4,
Adjusted to 2023
SSS: South King
County
SSS: North King
County
SSS: East King County SSS: Seattle
Federal Way Median Income vs. RegionalSelf-Sufficiency Standards (SSS)
(Family of 2 Adults, 2 Pre-Schoolers)
9
People who identify as having Two or more races or as Black or African American were
overrepresented in the population below poverty level. While those who identify as Two or
more races were 12% of the population for whom poverty level status was determined, they
were 19% of the poverty level population. Similarly, those who identify as Black or African
American were 17% of the population for whom poverty status is determined, they were 24%
of the poverty level population. This overrepresentation was also seen with people
identifying as Some other race or Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race) and nominally for
people identifying as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander alone. Underrepresentation
was seen with people identifying as White alone (40% of population compared to 32% of
poverty level population) and Asian alone (14% of the population compared to 11% of the
poverty level population).
768
12,736 10,229
2,131
54,471
6,059 6,834
16,524
862
14,239 16,969
2,163
39,370
8,866 11,897 16,785
0
10000
20000
30000
40000
50000
60000
American
Indian or
Alaska
Native alone
Asian alone Black or
African
American
alone
Native
Hawaiian
and Other
Pacific
Islander
alone
White alone Some other
race alone
Two or
more races
Hispanic or
Latino origin
(of any race)
Race Alone, Persons for whom Poverty Status is Determined
ACS 2012-2016
ACS 2017-2021
1%
14%17%
2%
40%
9%12%
17%
1%
11%
24%
3%
32%
12%
19%20%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
American
Indian or
Alaska
Native alone
Asian alone Black or
African
American
alone
Native
Hawaiian
and Other
Pacific
Islander
alone
White alone Some other
race alone
Two or more
races
Hispanic or
Latino origin
(of any race)
Race/Ethnicity: % of Total Population for Whom Poverty Status is
Determined vs. % of Poverty Level Population
% of Total Population
% of Poverty Level
Population
10
Poverty and Language Spoken at Home
Among the population age 5 and over, there were just under 92,000 people for whom
poverty status was determined according to the ACS 2021.20 About 15% had incomes below
poverty level in 2021, a slight increase from 13% in 2016.21
The number below poverty level who speak only English increased from 4,632 to 6,957, a
change of 50% followed by a 28% increase for persons who speak only Spanish and a 13%
increase for persons who speak other languages.
While overall, those who speak only English had the largest increase in poverty, people who
speak Spanish and other languages continue to be overrepresented in the population below
poverty level.
20 US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2021, Table C16009. Retrieved from
https://data/census.gov on October 2, 2023.
21 US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2016, Table C16009. Retrieved from
https://data/census.gov on October 2, 2023.
4,632
2,916
1,421
2,360
176
6,957
3,735
631 1,102 1,431
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
Speak only English Speak Spanish Speak other Indo-
European
languages
Speak Asian and
Pacific Island
languages
Speak other
languages
Below Poverty Level Age 5 and Over,
Language Spoken at Home
2016 2021
50%
27%
5%8%10%
58%
15%7%14%
6%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
Speak only English Speak Spanish Speak other Indo-
European
languages
Speak Asian and
Pacific Island
languages
Speak other
languages
Language Spoken at Home: % of Overall Population vs. % of
Poverty Level Population
% Below Poverty
% of Total Population Age 5 and Over for Whom
Poverty Status is Determined
11
Food Insecurity and Public Assistance
Additional indicators of economic distress include food insecurity and reliance on public
assistance income.
6,745 of the 36,053 households in Federal Way, 19%, received cash or food assistance.22 This
is a decrease of 576 households from 2016, when 21% of households received assistance.23
While cash and food assistance access may have decreased, it is important to note that food
insecurity continues to be an issue and further, data does not yet account for the change in
March 2023 when pandemic era increases to food assistance, especially for families with
children, ended.
According to Public Health – Seattle and King County, 16% of households in Federal Way
received food stamps, higher than that of King County at 8% and Washington State at 11%.
Food insecurity was similarly higher with 13% of adults in Federal Way reporting food
insecurity compared to 11% in King County.24 DSHS preliminary data for 2021 shows that
21% of all Federal Way residents received food stamps, higher than food stamp access in
Washington State at 15%. Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) was received by
6% of children 0 to 17 compared with 4% in Washington State and 2% nationally.25
Data available through the State of Washington show that 75% of students in Federal Way
Public Schools were eligible for the free- and reduced lunch program (2022-2023 school
year), up from 57% in 2017.26 27 Of note, both of these datasets include the schools eligible
for the Community Eligibility Provision allowing for 100% free lunch; eight schools were
eligible in 2017 with a total 3,897 students enrolled in these schools and five in 2022 with
1,681 enrolled students. Despite a reduction in schools in the Community Eligibility
Provision, a higher percentage of students accessed free and reduced lunch. This is in
contract with neighboring Auburn and Kent districts at 72% and 52%, respectively, in 2022.
Among urban districts in King County, only Highline and Tukwila had higher percentages of
eligible students.
Discussion Income
Federal Way’s median household income has not kept up with inflation or with the median of
the county though in adjusted dollars, the Federal Way figure has grown by 18% compared
22 US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2021, Table B19058. Retrieved from
https://data/census.gov on October 2, 2023.
23 US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2016, Table B19058. Retrieved from
https://data/census.gov on October 2, 2023.
24 Public Health – Seattle & King County, Community Health Indicators, 2021. Retrieved from
www.kingcounty.gov/chi on October 2, 2023.
25 Washington State Department of Social & Health Services, Risk and Protection Profile for Substance
Abuse Prevention in Locale 72. Retrieved from https://www.dshs.wa.gov/ffa/research-and-data-
analysis/community-risk-profiles on October 2, 2023.
26 State of Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (2022). Area Eligibility Data.
Retrieved from https://www.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/child-nutrition/child-nutrition-program-reports.
27 State of Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (2016). Area Eligibility Data.
Retrieved from https://www.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/child-nutrition/child-nutrition-program-reports. .
12
to the King County figure that has grown by 13%. However, Federal Way’s median income
remains significantly lower than King County by $67,357 in 2021.
People of color and people with limited English proficiency are overrepresented in the
poverty level population and among those receiving food stamp benefits. Such signs of
economic vulnerability are evident with the proportion of our area’s public school students
who are eligible for the free and reduced priced lunch program, which is nearly double that
of the entire county.
Economic development, employment training, and income supports may help to address
these issues. The City of Federal Way’s economic development strategy was designed to
bring new businesses and job opportunities to the city. Job training programs such as those
provided through a number of organizations are particularly crucial for training for in-
demand skills and developing small businesses and microenterprises. The community must
continue to develop employment opportunities across all age groups and attract and retain
businesses. Support for basic needs such as food and housing, along with income support,
can provide stability for individuals and families as they pursue skills and job development.
13
Aging and Disability
Aging Population
According to Aging and Disability Services of Seattle-King County (ADS), about 11% of King
County was age 65 and over in 2010. By 2030 this population is projected to be over 18.3%.28
As of ACS 2016-2020, about 13.1% of countywide population is age 65 and over. About
13.5% of the Federal Way population is over the age of 65. 29
While ADS made those projections based on those age 65 and over, the federal Older
Americans Act defines older adults as those age 60 or over. According to ACS 2017-2021,
over 20,335 or about 20.4% of the Federal Way population was age 60 and over. The median
age of city residents was 36.2 up from 36.1 in the ACS 2012-2016. Similarly, over 421,500 or
about 18.8% of the countywide population was age 60 and over, and the median age was
37.1.
The age pyramids below illustrate the contrasts between the Federal Way population and
that of the entire county. According to ACS 2017- 2021 data, in contrast to Federal Way,
greater percentages of the overall King County population are in the early career years of
ages 25 to 39. In contrast, a greater percentage of the Federal Way population is under age
24. About 26.3% of residents countywide are age 25-39, compared with about 21.1% of
Federal Way residents. About 22.7% of residents countywide are under age 24, in contrast
with about 33.1% of Federal Way residents. In most of the age groups listed above, the
differences are around 1-2%. Federal Way generally has a slightly younger population.
28 City of Seattle Aging and Disability Services (2023). Washington State 65+ Population by County,
2000-2030. Retrieved from https://www.agingkingcounty.org/data-reports/age-related-population-
data.
29 US Census Bureau (2021). American Community Survey, 2017-2021, Table S0101. Retrieved from
https://data.census.gov.
14
-10%-5%0%5%10%
Under 5 years
5 to 9 years
10 to 14 years
15 to 19 years
20 to 24 years
25 to 29 years
30 to 34 years
35 to 39 years
40 to 44 years
45 to 49 years
50 to 54 years
55 to 59 years
60 to 64 years
65 to 69 years
70 to 74 years
75 to 79 years
80 to 84 years
85 years and over
2017-2021 Age Distribution of Federal Way Residents
female
male
-10%-5%0%5%10%
Under 5 years
5 to 9 years
10 to 14 years
15 to 19 years
20 to 24 years
25 to 29 years
30 to 34 years
35 to 39 years
40 to 44 years
45 to 49 years
50 to 54 years
55 to 59 years
60 to 64 years
65 to 69 years
70 to 74 years
75 to 79 years
80 to 84 years
85 years and over
2017-2021 Age Distribution of King County Residents
female
male
15
Of the 75,353
adults in Federal
Way, about 13,004
are age 65 and
over. Of these,
3,121, or 24%, live
alone. This
compares with
27.3% countywide
and 26.1% state
and 26.9 %
nationwide.30
The State of
Washington Office
of Financial
Management (OFM) projects significant increases in the older adult population in King
County.31 With Census 2010, the countywide population over age 64 was just under 211,000,
or 10.91% of the county. (For reference, Federal Way’s population over age 64 was just over
9,200, or 10.34% of the city at the time.32) By 2040, King County’s over-64 population will
number over 518,000 and make up nearly 26% of the population. This is a 147% increase
across 30 years.
While OFM does not provide figures at the city level, if Federal Way’s older adult population
experienced growth at the countywide rate, it would number 22,724 by 2040. That is an
increase of 74.8% over the 13,000 estimated in ACS 2016-2020. As housing in the urban core
of Seattle becomes increasingly unaffordable, people may attempt to find housing further
south as they age. Populations on fixed incomes may find South King County—including
Federal Way—as a compromise between the affordability they need and the proximity to the
urban core that they know.
Aging and Income
Of the 13,104 Federal Way residents over age 65, 1,092 (8.6%) had household incomes at or
below poverty level. These households represent nearly 10% of the city’s poverty level
population overall, according to ACS 2016-2020. About 3.1% of older adult households
received some kind of public cash assistance; about 88.6% received Social Security Income
(SSI) and 13.0% received food stamp benefits.33 King County Regional Affordable Housing
30 US Census Bureau (2023). American Community Survey, 2017-2021, Table B09021. Retrieved from
https://data.census.gov. September 11, 2023.
31 State of Washington Office of Financial Management (2022). Projections of the Population Age 65
and Over for Growth Management. Retrieved from https://go.usa.gov/xp5QK. September 11, 2023.
32 US Census Bureau (2023). American Community Survey, 2018-2021, Table S0103. Retrieved from
https://data.census.gov. on September 11, 2023.
33 US Census Bureau (2017). American Community Survey, 2018-2021, Table S0103. Retrieved from
https://data.census.gov.
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
0
100,000
200,000
300,000
400,000
500,000
600,000
2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040
Population Forecast: King County, Age 65+
Population Percentage of Total Population
16
Dashboard reports 40% residents age 65 and over are cost burdened, meaning they are
spending between 30%-50% for housing. 34
As the cost of living—including the cost of rent and food—increases, income sources upon
which most older adults rely may not keep up. For example, the Federal Open Market
Committee of the Federal Reserve Bank Board of Governors projected that 2023’s personal
consumption expenditure inflation would be +3.8%.35 Historically, the cost of living
adjustment for Social Security and SSI has not kept pace with cost of living expenses,
averaging 2.7% annual increase from 2016-2020. The Social Security Act ties the annual
COLA to the increase in the Consumer Price Index as determined by the Department of
Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics; therefore, the 2022 increase, the largest since 1981, was
an unprecedented 8.7%. 36
While about 19% of Federal Way older adults were in the labor force, 57.4% received
retirement income. Around 88% had Social Security income. Income sources such as Social
Security and pensions are fixed income. Thus, large portions of Federal Way’s older adult
population rely on fixed income or limited sources such as SSI and public assistance, making
them vulnerable over time.
Aging and Housing
For now, this segment tends to stay in place, relative to the rest of the city’s residents. Over
92% of the Federal Way population over age 64 were living in the same place as they were in
the preceding year. Around 5% were living in a different place in King County. The rest—less
than 5%—came from outside King County. In contrast, over 81% of the general Federal Way
population was living in the same place as they were in the preceding year.37
Not surprisingly, more of the older adult population—71%—resided in owner-occupied units,
in contrast with 54% of the general Federal Way population. About 28% of older adults were
in renter-occupied units, versus 45% of the general population. Median gross rent for older
adults was $1,111, less than the general population’s median at $1,411. However, older
adults spent more of their household income on rental costs. About 70% of older adults
spent 30% or more of their household income on rental costs in contrast with 55% of the
general population38
34 King County (2021) Key Housing Affordability Indicators: retrieved from:
https://kingcounty.gov/en/legacy/depts/community-human-services/housing/affordable-housing-
committee/data#key.
35 Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (2019). March 20, 2019: FOMC Projections.
Retrieved from https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/fomcprojta bl20190320.htm.
36 US Social Security Administration (2023). Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information for 2023
Retrieved from https://www.ssa.gov/cola.
37 US Census Bureau (2023). American Community Survey, 2017-2021 Table S0103. Retrieved from
https://data.census.gov.
38 US Census Bureau, 2023. American Community Survey, 2017-2021 Table S0103. Retrieved from
https://data.census.gov.
17
In contrast, in King County, about 62% of older adults spent 30% or more of their household
income on housing costs, compared to 44% of the general population.39
Aging Services
According to the 2021 Demographic Profile of clients served by Seattle-King County Aging
and Disability Services, over 55,563 clients countywide participated in programs such as
Adult Day Services, Family Caregiver Support, Congregate Meals, Senior Transportation, and
Senior Services. Of these 55,563, nearly 17,848 (32%) were from South King County. This is
less than the 22,090 (38%) from Seattle; and greater than the 5,702 (10%) from East King; or
3,416 (6%) from North King.40
Disability
According to ACS 2017-21,41 of the 97,333 people in the civilian non-institutionalized
population of Federal Way, 16.1% or 15,712 had a disability. Proportions of people with
disabilities varied by race and Hispanic ethnicity.
The greatest number of those with a disability were American Indian and Alaska Native alone,
followed by White alone, and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone.
21 US Census Bureau, 2023. American Community Survey, 2017-2021 Table S0103. Retrieved from
https://data.census.gov.
22Seattle-King County Aging and Disability Services (2013). 2020 Demographic Profile. Retrieved from
https://www.agingkingcounty.org/data-reports/client-profile/
41 US Census Bureau, 2023. American Community Survey, 2013-17, Table S1810. Retrieved from
https://factfinder.census.gov.
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
14%
16%
18%
20%
American
Indian and
Alaska Native
alone
Asian alone Black or
African
American
alone
Hispanic or
Latino (of any
race)
Native
Hawaiian and
Other Pacific
Islander alone
White alone,
not Hispanic
or Latino
Some other
race alone
Two or more
races
Presence of a Disablity by Race/Ethnicity in Federal Way
18
Over 4,500 people age 65 and over had a disability. Those under age 65 with a disability
numbered less than 12,000.
The age group with the greatest proportion with a disability was age 75 and over; around half
of these individuals have a disability.
Older adults were over represented in the disabled population. For example, while those age
75 is 6.7% of the overall population, more than 47% have a disability.
Of the 15,712 Federal Way residents with a disability, ACS 2017-21 shows that the greatest
proportion (8.6%) had an ambulatory difficulty, defined by the US Census Bureau as having
“serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs.”42 Of the 15,712 in this category, 84% were age
35 and over. 36.6% were over age 64.
The ambulatory category is followed by these other categories for which the ACS collects
data:
• Independent living difficulties (52%), defined having difficulty doing errands alone
such as visiting a doctor’s office or shopping because of a as physical, mental, or
emotional problem;
• Hearing difficulties (47%);
42 US Census Bureau, 2017-2021. How Disability Data Are Collected from the American Community
Survey. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/topics/health/disability/guidance/data-collection-
acs.html.
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Under 5 years 5 to 17 years 18 to 34 years 35 to 64 years 65 to 74 years 75 years and over
Presence of Disability by Age in Federal Way
19
• Cognitive difficulties (27%), defined as having difficulty remembering,
concentrating, or making decisions because of a physical, mental, or emotional
problem;
• Self-care difficulties (23%), defined as having difficulty dressing or bathing; and
• Vision difficulties (23%).
The estimated
numbers of Federal
Way residents in
these categories
are shown below.
The sum of all
figures will be
greater than
11,000 as some
ACS respondents
may have indicated
multiple difficulties.
Discussion: Aging
Though the
proportion of older adults in Federal Way is not as great as that of the entire county, needs
particular to seniors and older adults will remain. There are over 13,000 older adults in the
City, with the potential to nearly double that amount by 2040. The scope of needs related to
affordable housing and support services that face this segment will grow as the population
grows.
For older adults in Federal Way that rent, they could experience housing insecurity. Many
older adults are on fixed and/or limited incomes and two thirds of older adults pay more than
30% of their household income on rental costs. They risk having to move out as South King
County rents continue to rise or as developers upgrade existing affordable units and/or
convert them into condominium complexes. This segment of the population will need access
to safe, stable, affordable housing in Federal Way.
Those who age in place must deal with more than the financial risks that come with fixed or
limited income. With 3,000 older adults living alone, there is an ongoing need for support
services that assist them with activities of daily living, food security, and transportation to
medical appointments, to name a few.
Support services for older adults must also address their mental health needs. This is
particularly true for older adults living alone. Companionship, caregiver support, and senior
activities will be crucial for this population.
Discussion: Disability
0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 7,000
Vision
Self-Care
Independent Living
Hearing
Cognitive
Ambulatory
Disabilities Among Federal Way Residents
20
People of all ages in our city have disabilities. The over-75 age group saw the greatest
proportion of those with disabilities. The community should ensure that Federal Way
residents with disabilities are afforded the same opportunities for engagement, enrichment,
and employment as every other resident. By 2040, the Federal Way older adult population
could nearly double if it follows the projections for King County’s aging population. A
growing older adult population that presents with increasing disability over time underscores
the need for the aforementioned support services.
Climate Resiliency
As discussed in Chapter 13: Climate Change, climate change disproportionately effects
marginalized communities including but not limited to low-income, BIPOC, immigrants,
elderly, and people with disabilities.
The U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit can be used to understand and manage climate-related
risks and opportunities of a community. The map below (a part of the toolkit) shows the
overall social vulnerability index by county. This index takes into consideration
socioeconomic status, household characteristics, racial and ethnic minority status, and
housing type and transportation. On a scale of 0 (lowest vulnerability) to 1 (highest
vulnerability), King County has a score of 0.3743, indicating a low to medium level of
vulnerability.The map of King County alone below shows Federal Way to be in the top half of
social vulnerability scored for the county. In this senario, the higher the vulnerabillity score,
the more vulnerable a community is to hazardours events.43
43 U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit, 2020. CDC/ATSDR Social Vulnerability Index (SIV). Retrieved on
November 8, 2023 from https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/placeandhealth/svi/interactive_map.html .
21
Discussion: Climate Resiliency
Executive Orders 128989, 13985, 14008, and 13166 address fair housing laws and take a
step towards climate resiliency, but there is more that can be done by local jurisdictions. As
the globe continues to experience climate change, it is required and will be crucial that the
City provides assistance to residents who are unable to address the effects of climate change
in their lives on their own.
22
Crime
Child Abuse and Neglect
Figures from the 2021 Healthy Youth Survey show that 20.2% of high school aged youth in
South King County have been physically hurt by an adult on purpose. This is compared to the
countywide figure of 18.9%.44
In 2022, 1,395 youth age 0-17 in Federal Way School District boundary were identified as
victims of neglect by Child Protective Services (CPS). This is a rate of 38.77 per 1,000 youth
age 0-17, compared to a ten year high of 39.15 per 1,000 youth in 2018. The 2022 rate is
higher than Washington state’s rate of 35.36 per 1,000 youth. Referrals to CPS came from
mandated reporters, including medical providers, teachers, child care providers, and social
service counselors.45
Domestic Violence
Data is available on state and local levels that can help to form a picture of the scope of the
domestic violence problem in our area. The National Network to End Domestic Violence
(NNEDV) conducts an annual, state-by-state, 24-hour survey of service provided to gauge
needs.46 On September 7, 2022, organizations in Washington served over 1,774 victims of
domestic violence. Over 1,000 were in emergency shelters and transitional housing, while
over 758 received counseling, legal help, and support group services. There were 574
requests for services that were made but went unfulfilled due to the availability of resources.
The victims included adults and children. Also, on that day, domestic violence hotlines
responded to over 500 calls (an average of about 22 calls per hour).
Homicides
According to Seattle and King County Public Health, the homicide death rate in 2021 in
Federal Way was 6.9 per 100,000, compared to 3.3 per 100,000 in King County.47
44 King County Healthy Youth Survey. Abused by an Adult 2021. Retrieved from:
https://kingcounty.gov/en/legacy/depts/health/data/community-health-indicators/healthy-youth-
survey.aspx. On August 30, 2023.
45 Washington State Department of social and Health Services Research and Data Analysis. Community
Outcome and Risk Evaluations July 2023. Retrieved from
https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/rda/riskprofiles/research-4.53-72.pdf on August 30, 2023.
46 National Network to End Domestic Violence, 2022. Domestic Violence Counts Annual Census.
Retrieved from https://nnedv.org/about-us/dv-counts-census. On August 30, 2023.
47 Public Health – Seattle and King County, 2021. City Health Profile: General Health Status in Federal
Way City. Retrieved from https://kingcounty.gov/en/legacy/depts/health/data/city-health-profiles.aspx
on 20 August 2029, 2023.
23
Weapon Safety
Weapon Safety
King County Public Health reported that in 2020, 51% of firearm deaths in King County were
among South King County residents48. Of all firearm deaths between 2016 and 2020, 83%
were among ages 15-17.
In 2020, King County Public Health reported that only 40% of firearms were stored locked
and unloaded in households with children whereas, 24% of firearms were stored loaded.
Public Health also reported that 26% of adults in Federal Way store firearms in their home,
compared to 19.3% in King County.49
In 2022, there were 55 weapon incidents in Federal Way Schools in the month of October,
according to Washington State DSHS.50 The rate of incidents (2.63 per 1,000 youth) was
higher than the rest of King County (1.52 per1,000 youth).
Discussion
Research has long established that the incidence of child abuse and neglect are generally
underreported. There are many reasons for this, including child victims not understanding
what is abusive/neglectful behavior on the part of adults; perpetrators feeling shame for their
actions, or fearful of the repercussions of their abuse/neglect being discovered; or lack of
understanding of abuse/neglect laws among perpetrators and those around them even as
abuse/neglect is observed. 51 Further, mandated reporters—such as educators, police officers,
social workers who account for most abuse/neglect reports—do not always report
abuse/neglect which they may have observed or noticed. Again, this is for a variety of
individual reasons. The net effect is that child abuse and neglect are generally underreported
nationwide.
Thus, even with data showing a certain number or rate of abuse/neglect victims in the area, it
is safe to say that underreporting happens in Federal Way as well. It is important to provide
continual education and support for mandated reports so that they maintain an
understanding of the nature of abuse/neglect as well as their responsibilities to report.
A supportive community increases its network of resources that help victims recognize
domestic violence and that provide safe avenues to escape such relationships with
perpetrators. This entails community education and outreach, including with segments of the
48 Seattle and King County Public Health. Impact of Firearms in King County, WA July 2022. Retrieved
from https://kingcounty.gov/en/legacy/depts/health/data/firearms.aspx on September 12, 2023.
49 Public Health – Seattle and King County, 2021. City Health Profile: General Health Status in Federal
Way City. Retrieved from https://kingcounty.gov/en/legacy/depts/health/data/city-health-profiles.aspx
, 2023.
50 Washington State Department of social and Health Services Research and Data Analysis. Community
Outcome and Risk Evaluations July 2023. Retrieved from chrome-
extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/rda/riskpr
ofiles/research-4.53-72.pdf on August 30, 2023.
51 Petersen AC, Joseph J, Feit M, editors, 2014. New Directions in Child Abuse and Neglect Research.
Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US). 2, Describing the Problem. Retrieved from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK195982/ .
24
population that could be more vulnerable to isolation (e.g., limited English speaking, recent
immigrants). Generally, all communities need an increase in safe and stable housing options
for victims and their families fleeing a perpetrator.
Availability of firearms to minors can have dangerous consequences. One of the leading ways
that minors access firearms is my taking them from their parents. Safe storage of firearms
limits availability. Unsafe firearm storage can lead to higher rates of accidental shootings and
of youth shootings. Additional programs that encourage safe storage of firearms are needed.
Digital Equity
In Federal Way, 96.6% of households have a computer and 91.3% of households have a
broadband subscription.52 When talking about digital equity, age and income are
considered. 92.9% of residents age 65+ with no children in the household have a computer.
The City’s Broadband Advisory Task Force report identifies that while the City is served by
local high-speed broadband providers and access is an option for most residents, adoption
does not match the availability. As described in the Broadband Advisory Task Force report,
Federal Way residents have access to high-speed broadband. However, there is a lack of
competition with one provider covering the entire city and other providers without that level
of coverage.
52 US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2017-2021, Table S2802. Retrieved from
https://data.census.gov on August 24, 2023.
25
Of the 15,744 households estimated to be eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program
(ACP), a program with eligibility based on income, only 28%, or 4,344, are enrolled.53 It also
identifies that an estimated 3,484 households eligible for the ACP are unconnected.
Discussion
The report identifies affordability, access to devices, and digital literacy as a few potential
reasons. The report recommended the City adopt programs to address elements of access
and digital literacy and to raise awareness of the ACP.
53 Education Superhighway. Retrieved from https://www.educationsuperhighway.org/no-home-left-
offline/acp-data/ on August 24, 2023.
26
Education
School District Report Card
In the 2022-2023 school year, 21,698 students were enrolled in Federal Way School District,
according to the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction54. Of these
students, 34.7% met English Language Arts standards, 22.6% met math standards, and 25.3%
met science standards.
Early childhood
According to the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, in the
2019-20 school year, 48% of Federal Way public school students entering kindergarten were
ready in terms of six domains of development and learning: math, literacy, cognitive,
language, physical, and social-emotional. Readiness in these domains tends to predict a
greater chance of academic success for the student. Federal Way’s figure compares with the
statewide rate of 48.8% for the same period. For reference, Auburn’s rate was 42.5%;
Highline’s was 38.2%; Kent was 46.8%; and Seattle’s was 67.4%.
According to Best Starts for Kids survey data from 2021, respondents in Federal Way
compare with their counterparts in the rest of the county overall on several issues, though
some regional differences are apparent.55
54 Washington State Office of the Superintendent for Public Instruction, 2020. Washington State Report
Card. Retrieved from
https://washingtonstatereportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us/ReportCard/ViewSchoolOrDistrict/100 086 August
1, 2023.
55 King County, 2021. Best Starts for Kids Indicators. Retrieved from
https://kingcounty.gov/en/legacy/depts/community-human-services/initiatives/best-starts-for-
kids/dashboards/bskhs-
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%
Federal Way School District
Auburn School District
Highline School District
Kent School District
Tacoma School district
Seattle School District
Washington State
School Report Card
Met Science Standards Met Math Standards Met English Language Arts Standards
27
• 68.1% of Federal Way respondents displayed an understanding of early childhood
development. This includes responsiveness to and interaction with children during
play. The Federal Way figure compares to the 73.6% seen in King County overall.
Seattle respondents were higher at 76.9%.
• About 89.6% of Federal Way children (infants through 5th grade) in childcare were
in settings in which activities were interesting to them. This is comparable to the
countywide average of 95.8%.
• About 56.6% of South King County children in the same age range indicated that a
family member read, sang, or told stories to them in the preceding week. This is lower
than the 73.6% figure countywide. Seattle respondents were even higher at 82.3%.
• 79.2% of Federal Way children were in childcare settings that had a diversity of
cultural and economic backgrounds. The King County overall rate was 77.7% and
Seattle was lower at 71.2%.
Child Care Affordability
The 2021 Best Starts for Kids Health Survey covered a range of topics related to children in
communities across King County. This includes child care, which is a critical need among low-
income populations, but also a barrier due to cost.
According to BSK survey data, in the 2019-20 school year 27% of Federal Way Public School
students ages 0-5 lived in families that had struggled to afford child care.56
Educational Attainment
According to 2021 U.S. Census data, 86.6% of Federal Way residents age 25 and older have
graduated high school or higher. This is comparable to neighboring cities Kent (86%),
Tukwila (81.5%), and Renton (86.8%) but lower than Seattle (95.6%) and Tacoma (91%).57
In Federal Way, the percent of people who are a high school graduate or higher differs by
race according to U.S. Census data. 95% of people identifying as White alone are a high
school graduate or higher. This is higher than all other races; Black alone have 88.9%, Asian
alone have 87.7%, Two or more races have 87.5%, Hispanic or Latino Origin have 57.3%, and
Some other race alone have 40.3% high school graduate or higher. American Indian or
Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone were also included in the
survey but did not have enough respondents to be measurable.
combined.aspx?shortname=Quality%20child%20care%5c%3a%20children%20from%20diverse%20b a
ckgrounds on August 1, 2023.
56 King County Best Starts for Kids. Best Starts for Kids Indicators. Retrieved from
https://kingcounty.gov/en/legacy/depts/community-human-services/initiatives/best-starts-for-
kids/dashboards.aspx. On August 1, 2023.
57 US Census Bureau, 2017- 2021. American Community Survey, Table S1510. Retrieved from
https://data.census.gov. on August 15, 2023.
28
Education Discussion
Federal Way students are below the state and county averages in academics and graduation
rates and there is an achievement gap between white students and students of color. Federal
Way could use additional services to assist community members in high school completion
and tutoring. Community members would also benefit from additional affordable early
childhood resources.
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Asian alone Balck alone White alone Hispanic or
Latino
Other race Two or more
races
High School Graduation Rate
29
Health
Health Insurance
Indicators of
economic
vulnerability
include lacking
health insurance or
reliance on public
coverage such as
Medicaid. In ACS
2017-2021, of the
98,293 in the
civilian non-
institutionalized
population in
Federal Way, about
31.7%, or over
31,150 were
covered by Medicaid or other means-tested public insurance.58
With ACS 2017-2021, people of color were over represented among the uninsured
population. Black and African American made up 21.7% of Federal Way’s overall (“civilian
non-institutionalized”) population of 98,293, but were 27.1% of the uninsured population of
9,319. Those who identified as Hispanic were 19.3% of the overall population but 23.2% of
the uninsured population. In contrast, White, non-Hispanic people were 34.3% of the
population but 47.1% of the uninsured population.
Accessing Care
According to the Seattle Center Foundation, which has coordinated the Seattle/King County
Clinic for several years, 3,066 patients were served at the event from April 27-30, 2023 at
Seattle Center with over $2.6 million in medical, dental, and vision care59. Their post-event
report noted that 52.0% of all patients were uninsured, while 38.4% had some kind of
coverage, including Medicaid and Medicare. See chart below for reported reasons why
individuals have not accessed care in the past.
Though they accept patients with private insurance and Medicare, community health centers
in the King County area target those who are covered by Medicaid or are under- or
uninsured. Of the 99,621 people in the two zip codes that overlap with Federal Way, over
58 U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2017-2021. Public Health Insurance Coverage by
Type and Selected Characteristics Table S2704. Retrieved from https://data.census.gov on August 25,
2023.
59 Seattle Center Foundation, 2023. Seattle/King County Clinic 2023 Final Report. Retrieved from
https://seattlecenter.org/skcclinic/ on September 11, 2023.
15658
31150
2516
9319
0
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
30000
35000
Medicare Medicaid/Other
Means
VA Uninsured
Federal Way Residents: With Public Health
Insurance or Uninsured
30
18% or about 18,600 were patients as a community health center. This figure is in contrast
with the 10% of the countywide population that were patients at such clinics.60
Food Access
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, “Food security means access by all people
at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life.”61 In a 2023 U.S. Census Bureau
Household Pulse survey, 8.8% of adults answered that they were in a household that there
was either sometime or often not enough to eat in the last 7 days. This can be compared to
60 US Health Resources and Services Administration, 2023. UDS Mapper. Retrieved from
https://udsmapper.org/ on September 11, 2023.
61 U.S Department of Agriculture, 2023. Food Security in the U.S. Retrieved from
https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-u-s/ on August 24,
2023.
2%
2%1%
1%
1%
1%
0%
0%
0%0%
9%
14%
23%
46%
Barriers to Care The process is difficult to understand
or is too complicated
The wait to get an appointment is too
long
I don't have time to go to the doctor or
dentist
Transportation is difficult
I can't find a health care provider to
take Medicaid/Apple Health or
Medicare
I'm afraid
Doctor, dentist, or clinic hours don't
work with my schedule
I'm undocumented
There aren't enough healthcare
providers where I live
I have a hard time finding childcare
My insurance doesn't cover the
services I need
I have health insurance, bit I still can't
afford costs
No answer
I don't have health insurance and can't
afford costs
31
12.1% nationally.62 Although the Seattle Metro Area experiences less food insecurity than the
national average, more families are receiving food assistance from school (26.1% of Seattle
Metro Area families compared to 18.6% national average).63
In Federal Way 16.9% of households receive food Stamp/SNAP benefits, higher than King
County at 11.2% of households and the national average of 11.4%64.
Mental Health
In a 2023 U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse survey, 797,626 out of 6,050,304 (13%)
individuals in Washington state reported feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge every day in
the last two weeks65.201,633 out of 3,145,412 (5.7%) individuals in the Seattle Metro Area
reported feeling down, depressed, or hopeless nearly every day in the last two weeks66. The
62 U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey, Week 60. Food Scarcity. Retrieved from
https://www.census.gov/data-tools/demo/hhp/#/?s_metro=42660&areaSelector=msa on August 29.
2023.
63 U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey, Week 33. Food Assistance form School. Retrieved from
https://www.census.gov/data-
tools/demo/hhp/#/?s_metro=42660&areaSelector=msa&measures =FOODASSIS&periodSelector=33
on August 29, 2023.
64 U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2017-2021. Food Stamps/Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP). Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/acs/www/about/why-we-ask-each-
question/food-stamps/ on August 29, 2023.
65 U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey, Week 59. Health Table 1. Retrieved from
https://data.census.gov on August 1. 2023.
66 U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey, Week 59. Health Table 2. Retrieved from
https://data.census.gov on August 1. 2023.
0%5%10%15%20%25%30%
Seattle Metro Average
Transgender
Hispanic or Latino (may be of any race)
White alone, not Hispanic
Black alone, not Hispanic
Asian alone, not Hispanic
Two or more races + Other races, not Hispanic
Household Income Less than $25,000
Feeling Down, Depressed, or Hopeless Nearly Every Day in the
Seattle Metro Area
32
percentage of people reporting feeling down, depressed, or hopeless nearly every day do
not change significantly based on racial group in the survey (Hispanic or Latino 2.5%, white
alone 6.3%, black alone 6.8%, Asian alone 2.5%, and two or more races or other races
10.8%). The percentage does increase significantly for those identifying as transgender
(28.5%), and those whose household income is less than $25,000 (21%).
Federal Way’s rate of death by suicide is similar to the surrounding area, according to Seattle
King county Public Health. In Federal Way, 12.8 out of every 100,000 deaths are due to
suicide, compared to 12.3 in King County and 15.9 in Washington State.67
Substance Use
Alcohol use among
minors has been on
a decline in King
County in recent
years, according to
the Healthy Youth
Survey.68 Trends for
use or tobacco,
marijuana, and
other drugs is also
down in recent
years, although not
as dramatically as
alcohol use among
youth.
The number of nonfatal overdoses has increased significantly in Washington in recent years.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in the June 2023 Washington has
seen a 15.27% increase in Emergency Department visits for suspected drug overdoses.69 This
can be compared to the national 0.92 percent increase. The increase in visits is even more
significant for opioids, at a 27.77% increase from June 2022 to June 2023 compared to the
national increase of 0.99%.
67 Public Health – Seattle and King County, 2021. City Health Profile: General Health Status in Federal
Way City. Retrieved from https://kingcounty.gov/en/legacy/depts/health/data/city-health-profiles.aspx,
2023.
68 Healthy Youth Survey. Healthy Youth Survey Data Dashboard 2010-2021. Retrieved from
https://www.askhys.net/SurveyResults/DataDashboard. On September 13, 2023.
69 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. DOSE Dashboard: Nonfatal Overdose Syndromic
Surveillance Data August 24, 2023. Retrieved from
https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/nonfatal/dose/surveillance/dashboard/index.html, 2023.
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2021
Current Alochol Drinking Among Youth in King
County
12th Graders 10th Graders 8th Graders 6th Graders
33
In Federal Way the alcohol-induced death rate in 2016-2020 was 13 per 100,000. This can be
compared to 11.1 per 100,000 in King county and 14 per 100,000 in Washington State.
Opioid-related death rate in Federal Way is 13 per 100,000, compared to 10.3 per 100,000 in
King County and 10.6 per 100,000 in Washington State.70
70 Public Health – Seattle and King County, 2021. City Health Profile: General Health Status in Federal
Way City. Retrieved from https://kingcounty.gov/en/legacy/depts/health/data/city-health-profiles.aspx,
2023.
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Drug and Alcohol Poisoning Deaths in King County
Alcohol Poisoning Other Drug Stimulant Opioid and Stimulant Opioid No Stimulant
34
Causes of Death
In Federal Way the life expectancy at birth is 77.4, compared to 81.3 years in all of King
County, according to Seattle and King county Public Health71. The leading causes of death in
Federal Way are hearth disease (188.2 per every 100,000), cancer (161.5 per every 100,000),
and diabetes-related (113.5 per every 100,000). These are also leading causes of death in all
of King County. Out of every 100,000 residents age 65+, 114 deaths are by fall, compared to
74.8 in King County.
71 Public Health – Seattle and King County, 2021. City Health Profile: General Health Status in Federal
Way City. Retrieved from https://kingcounty.gov/en/legacy/depts/health/data/city-health-profiles.aspx
on September 15, 2023.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
All Cancer Heart Disease Diabetes-Related Alzheimer's Disease Stroke
Causes of Death per 100,000
Federal Way King County Washington
35
COVID-19
As of September 6, 2023, 31,117 Federal Way residents have tested positive for COVID-19
since the beginning of the pandemic, according to King County Public Health72. Of those who
tested positive, 1,378 checked into a hospital with COVID-19, and 253 died from COVID-19.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the health of Seattle Metro Area
residents. Of those surveyed, 8% of individuals reported that they had long-term symptoms
that reduced their ability to carry out day-to-day activities either a little or a lot . This can be
compared to the national average of 6.5%.73 The COVID-19 vaccine is a crucial part of ending
the spread of the virus. 41.5% of Seattle Metro Area residents have received the vaccine, this
is below the national average of 47% according to the U.S. Census Pulse Survey74.
Health Discussion
Many Federal Way residents do not have full health insurance that allows them to receive the
medical care, including preventative care, that they need in order to live healthy lives. There
is a need for increased access to affordable health insurance and/or health services. There is
72 Public Health – Seattle & King County, COVID-19 Data. COVID19_City Updated September 2, 2023.
Retrieved from https://kingcounty.gov/en/legacy/depts/health/covid -19/data/download.aspx, 2023.
73 U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey, Week 59. Health Table 10. Retrieved on August 1. 2023
from https://www.census.gov/data/tables/2023/demo/hhp/hhp59.html
74 U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey, Week 27. Received a COVID-19 Vaccine. Retrieved
from https://www.census.gov/data-
tools/demo/hhp/#/?s_metro=42660&areaSelector=msa&measures=FOODASSIS&periodSelector=33
on August 29, 2023.
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
Positive COVID-19 Cases in Federal Way
36
also a need for increased mental health services, specifically for residents who identify as
transgender, low/moderate income, and people of color. In the graph titled “Feeling Down,
Depressed, or Hopeless Nearly Every Day in the Seattle Metro Area” the percentage of
Hispanic or Latino residents feeling depressed is significantly lower than one would
anticipate. This could be due to a language barrier while taking the survey and/or depression
being stigmatized within the community.
Substance use among youth had been on downward trend in recent years, but the COVID-19
pandemic brought it down significantly. This could be because young people were not in
school in person for quite some time and therefore did not have the amount of exposure to
peer pressure as they would have in person.
Substance use and addiction is seen as a significant problem facing the Federal Way
community in recent years. Specifically, the use of opioids resulted in what is called a national
opioid epidemic. A significant contributor to the opioid epidemic is the over prescribing of
opioids as pain medication and in recent years pharmaceutical companies and drug
manufacturers are beginning to be held accountable for the harm they have caused. As a
result of opioid settlements, City of Federal Way will receive approximately $658,000 over a
period of 17 years to spend on opioid-related expenses.
37
Homelessness
King County Regional Homelessness Authority conducts the annual Point in Time count75,, as
required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It offers a
snapshot of the number of people experiencing homelessness; it does not calculate the
number of persons experiencing homelessness over a year.
For the purpose of the Point-in-Time count, homelessness is defined by the U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development as individuals and families who:
• Are living in a supervised publicly- or privately-operated shelter (including
emergency shelter, transitional housing, and safe havens) designated to provide
temporary living arrangements; or
• Have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for
or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings, including
a vehicle, park, abandoned building, bus or train station, airport, or camping ground.
In the count in 2022 occurred in March of 2022 and found that there were 13,368 individuals
experiencing homelessness in King County. This included 5,748 persons who were sheltered
and 7,620 persons who were unsheltered, meaning on the streets, in vehicles, or in other
places not meant for habitation. The total number of individuals experiencing homelessness
in King County increased by 1,617 individuals since 2020, the last time the count was
conducted (the 2021 count was missed due to COVID-19). While the data is imperfect and is
understood to undercount the number of persons experiencing homelessness. It is a helpful
snapshot to examine trends and changes in the community.
The count does not capture the many people who experience housing instability and
experience homelessness, but are able to resolve it without accessing the homeless service
system and more specifically, shelters or other types of housing for persons experiencing
homelessness. They may be able to resolve homelessness by doubling up (staying with family
or friends), accessing diversion services, or finding alternate housing on their own.
A common rhetoric locally, as expressed generally in relation to homelessness in many
communities, is that the individuals experiencing homelessness within the City are not
residents of Federal Way, but have come to the City from other locations. According to
Colburn and Aldern as well as local homelessness service providers and the count Us In
Report, while some people will be transient and move through multiple communities, most
people experiencing homelessness stay within the community of their last housing and where
they have relationships, services, and connections.
75 King county Regional Homelessness Authority. 2022 Point Int Time Count. Retrieved from chrome-
extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://kcrha.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/PIT-
2022-Infograph-v7.pdfon August 1, 2023.
38
Homelessness
disproportionately
effects people of
color in King
County. The chart
below compares
the general King
County
demographics with
the demographics
of the PIT counts in
2020 and 2022. If
homelessness
equally affected all
demographics, the
gray line (King
County population) would line up closely with the orange and blue lines.
KCRHA’s 2019 Count Us In Report noted that families and individuals who were experiencing
homelessness at the time of the survey in King County were predominitely originally from
King County. At the time of their loss of housing, 84% of those surveyed resported being
from King County76. 4% of those who were experiencing homelessness in King county
reported being form Federal Way
McKinney-Vento
McKinney-Vento Education of Homeless Children and Youth Assistance Act is a federal law
ensuring continued enrollment and stability for children and youth experiencing
homelessness. McKinney-Vento enrollment includes a broader definition of homelessness
than most services and Count Us In as it includes persons who are “doubled up”, meaning
staying with friends or families.
• In the 2022-2023 school year, 1,053 students were McKenny-Vento qualified in the
Federal Way School District.77
• Federal Way Public Schools’ overall rate of McKinney-Vento qualified students in
2022-2023 (4.9%) is slightly higher than some regional school districts (Auburn, Kent,
Renton, and Seattle) and lower than other local districts (Highline and Tacoma).
76 King county Regional Homelessness Authority. 2019 Point In Time Count. Retrieved from chrome-
extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://kcrha.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/KING-
9.5-v2.pdf on September 12, 2023.
77 Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Federal Way School District Enrollment. Retrieved
from: https://washingtonstatereportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us/ReportCard/ViewSchoolOrDistrict/100086 .
On August 1, 2023.
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%
American Indian, Alaskan Native, or Indigenous
Asian or Asian American
Black, African American, or African
Hispanic/Latino
Multiple Race
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
White
Race and Ethnicity of Head of Household
King County Population 2022 PIT 2020 PIT
39
Youth and Young Adult Homelessness
Youth and young adults exiting systems of care into homelessness has been of large concern
in the state of Washington in recent years. A report was completed by the Washington State
Department of Social and Health Services that examines youth (ages 12-17) and young adults
(ages 18-24) exiting systems of care in Washington (including inpatient behavioral health,
foster care, and criminal legal systems) from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021.78 The report
found that within 3 months after exiting a system of care, 6% (424 individuals) of youth and
young adults experienced homelessness. Within 12 months after exiting a system of care 15%
(1,097 individuals) of youth and young adults became homeless.
Discussion
The regional Point In Time Count’s method of counting is not perfect, but is considered valid
and is a helpful resource for examining change over time. It is generally understood that the
PIT is an undercount because it is nearly impossible to count those who are not visibly
homeless. For example, someone experiencing homelessness could have a job where they
work a night shift and during the day sleep somewhere such as a car and do not access any
homelessness services. This person could easily be missed in a one-night count. Due to
COVID-19, the method of counting has changed in recent years.
In their recent book Homelessness is a Housing Problem, Gregg Colburn and Clayton Page
Aldern argue that the root cause of homelessness is a lack of housing.79 They say that “when
housing is scarce, vulnerabilities and barriers to housing are magnified. Limited financial
resources, mental illness, addiction, or interpersonal strife, under a specific set of
circumstances, could each precipitate a bout of homelessness.” Colburn and Aldern later go
on to say “In study after study, the most effective treatment for homelessness is housing. In
some cases, this housing comes in the form of rental assistance; in others, it might be a
subsidized housing unit with supportive services.” Taking this argument into consideration,
City of Federal Way should consider increasing the number of housing units and the amount
of housing assistance in order to prevent the further homelessness of residents and
continuing to increase supportive services.
78 Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Data and Analysis Division.
Homelessness Among Youth Exiting Systems of Care in Washington State. Retrieved from chrome-
extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/rda/report
s/research-11-254.pdf. on August 31, 2023.
79 Colburn, Gregg and Aldern, Clayton Page. Homelessness is a housing Problem. University of
California Press, 2022.
40
Housing
Housing Affordability
Housing costs have risen significantly across King County and the broader region. It is
estimated that 156,000 more affordable homes were needed in December 2018 and
244,000 by 2040 to ensure all low-income families in King County have homes costing less
than 30% of their income, the goal for all housing.80
According to Housing and Urban Development, a household is considered to be cost
burdened if they spend more than 30% of the household income on housing. On the CHAS
data based on 2017-2021 ACS 5 -year estimates, 34,955 households are cost burdened in
Federal Way81.
The cost of buying a home continues to rise in Federal Way. The 2021 American Community
Survey 5-Year Estimates reports that the median price of a home without a mortgage in
Federal Way was $371,50082 and the median price of a home with a mortgage in Federal
Way was $389,60083. The median sale price of a home in Federal Way in July 2023 was
80 Regional Affordable Housing Task Force, Final Report and Recommendations for King County, WA.
Retrieved from chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://cdn.kingcounty.gov/-
/media/initiatives/affordablehousing/documents/report/RAH_Report_Print_File_Updated_10,-d-,28,-d-
,19.ashx?la=en&hash=2D2888CA988B7F1B4D8FFDD052BC55F1 on September 12, 2023.
81 Housing and Urban Development Office of Policy Development and Research. Consolidated
Planning/CHAS Data 2017-2021. Retrieved from
https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/cp.html#query_2006-2020 on September 11, 2023.
82 U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Subject Tables. 2017-2021
Financial Characteristics for Housing Units Without a Mortgage S2507. Retrieved from
https://data.census.gov September 11, 2023.
83 U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Subject Tables. 2017-2021
Financial Characteristics for Housing Units With a Mortgage S2506. Retrieved from
https://data.census.gov September 11, 2023.
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Less than
$20,000
$20,000 to
$34,999
$35,000 to
$49,999
$50,000 to
$74,999
$75,000 or more
Percentage of Households that are Cost Burden
Based on Income
41
$607,500, compared to $421,714 nationally84. The median household housing cost in
Federal Way was $1,600 per month in 202185 after subsidies are removed, if any. The graph
below shows the increase in median sale prices of homes in Federal Way and neighboring
years over the last 20+ years according to Zillow.86
While housing costs are lower in Federal Way than many areas in the region, studies show
the cost of commuting can offset lower housing costs. The Center for Neighborhood
Technology calculates that Federal Way households spend an average of 39% of income on
housing and commuting.87
Homeownership is often the largest asset households have, especially when considering low-
to moderate-income households. With median sales prices continuing to rise, lower income
households will continue to be at a disadvantage in overall wealth accumulation as they are
84 Redfin. Federal Way Housing Market July 2023. Retrieved from
https://www.redfin.com/city/6064/WA/Federal-Way/housing-market#agent-insights on September 11,
2023.
85 U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates Subject Tables. 2021 Financial
Characteristics S2503. Retrieved from https://data.census.gov on September 11, 2023.
86 Zillow. Housing Data Home Values. Retrieved from https://www.zillow.com/research/data/ on
September 12, 2023.
87 Center for Neighborhood Technology. Housing and Transportation affordability Index, 2022.
Retrieved from https://htaindex.cnt.org/map/. On September 21, 2023.
$0
$100,000
$200,000
$300,000
$400,000
$500,000
$600,000
$700,000
$800,000
$900,000
20002000200120022003200420052005200620072008200920102010201120122013201420152015201620172018201920202020202120222023Median Sale Price
Federal Way Auburn Renton Tacoma Kent
42
less likely to be able to afford a home in Federal Way. Recent studies have shown that
homeownership may not always be the best way to accumulate wealth if a household can
invest any savings they experience due to rent costs being lower than homeownership. The
caveat is that low- to moderate-income households often cannot afford to invest any housing
costs savings in the stock market via retirement options as they need to use the savings for
regular living expenses. As a result, low- to moderate-income households are at a further
disadvantage financially. This makes a case for looking at homeownership programs and
programs that assist low- to moderate-income homeowners in maintaining their homes.
Rising housing costs and low vacancy rates make finding affordable housing an ongoing
challenge, highlighting the need to preserve affordable housing, maintain the quality of
public- and privately-owned affordable housing, and look at developing new affordable
housing, particularly units affordable to extremely low-income households.
Further, people of color are disproportionately impacted by housing costs and are over
represented in the households that are severely cost burdened with 56% of households
countywide being severely costs burdened compared to 35% of white households. Large
families also face more challenges in finding affordable housing.
Housing Availability
The ACS reports that in 2021 there were 35,047 occupied housing units in Federal Way;
19,653 of which were owner-occupied and 15,394 or which were renter-occupied.
King County Housing Authority (KCRHA) provides several rental housing and rental
assistance programs in Federal Way. In addition to Section 8 Vouchers, KCRHA provides 166
subsidized housing units, 91 rental housing units, and 659 moderate-income housing units,
totaling 916 housing income units for low-moderate income families and individuals.88
Housing Discussion
The City is intentionally collaborating around housing issues across the County, sub
regionally in South King County, and within the City. For instance, the City is participating in
the Housing Interjurisdictional Team as part of the Affordable Housing Committee to focus
on affordable housing in King County.
The City has joined the South King Housing and Homelessness Partners (SKHHP), a
collaborative of nine (9) cities and King County. SKHHP allows South King County jurisdictions
to work together and share resources to address affordable housing and homelessness in
order to increase options for South King County residents and preserve existing affordable
housing.
Additionally, in 2019, the City passed a sales tax allowing the City to collect a portion of the
existing tax to address affordable housing without increasing the tax that residents must pay.
This was an option through SHB 1406, which the Washington State legislature passed in the
spring of 2019. The funds will allow the City to assist in the preservation of existing affordable
88 King County Housing Authority. Housing Options in Federal Way. Retrieved from
https://www.kcha.org/housing/city.aspx?city=federal -way on September 12, 2023.
43
housing, among other potential uses. The funds may also be pooled as part of SKHHP in
order to further leverage the funds and create bigger impact for City residents.
44
Language
Languages Spoken
According to the U.S. Census, only 58%
of Federal Way residents speak only
English.89 The Federal Way Public
School District tracks the primary
language of all students and reports
that the top languages spoken by
students in the district are English,
Spanish, Dari, Ukrainian, Russian,
Pashto, Vietnamese, and Somali.90
Please see the graph to the right for
the breakdown of these languages.
Note the Federal Way Public Schools
includes students that are not Federal
Way residents.
In addition to knowing what languages are spoken in residents’ homes, it is crucial to know
what the language needs are of Limited-English Proficient populations in the community.
Language needs can differ from languages spoken at home because sometimes residents
speak one language at home but are proficient in English. If a resident is proficient in English
but they are offered materials that are translated
into a different language without being consulted
first, they may feel insulted because an assumption
has been made that they are not proficient in
English because it is not their primary language. In
addition to this, translating materials takes time and
resources and it is important to put these towards
translating materials into the languages that are
most helpful for residents.
King County has ranked languages spoken in the
county into three tiers. Based on the number of
persons reporting a language spoken at home other
than English and who do not speak English “very
89 U.S. Census 2021: ACS 1-Year Estimates Subject Tables. Table S1601 Languages Spoken at Home.
Retrieved from:
https://data.census.gov/table?t=Language+Spoken+at+Home&g=160XX00US5323515 on August 31,
2023.
90 Federal Way Public Schools. District Profile July 2023. Retrieved from: https://www.fwps.org/about-
us/district-profile. On September 1, 2023.
English
70%
Spanish
20%
Dari
3%
Ukranian
2%
Russian
2%
Pashto
1%
Vietnamese
1%
Somali
1%FWPS Students
45
well.”91 Translation into tier one is required for all Public Communication Materials, tier two is
recommended, and tier three is encouraged. Please see “King County’s Top Languages”
chart provided by the county for a breakdown of the three tiers.
Language Discussion
Ensuring that social services are accessible to those who need them within the City of Federal
Way is critical. Recently, agencies within the city have prioritized translating materials to
languages other than English and using interpreters when necessary. In addition to the
languages above, there are agencies within the City that target specific demographics that
may be otherwise left out and translate materials accordingly.
Translating funding materials (RFPs, funding announcements, etc.) can also be needed.
Although some forms may be required to be filled out in English, such as tax materials, the
City can eliminate barriers to small agencies led by non-English speakers by providing
funding announcements in language mentioned above.
91 King County. King County’s Top Languages Ranked into Three Tiers 2021 Update. Retrieved from:
https://kingcounty.gov/~/media/elected/executive/equity-social-justice/Immigrant-and-
Refugee/LanguageAccessOrd/Top_Languages_Data_2021_Update.ashx?la=en on September 1,
2023.
46
Transportation
Commuting
According to ACS 202192, 66.1% of the 43,703 Federal Way workers age 16 and older leave
the community to work elsewhere. Only about 33.9% of workers from Federal Way actually
worked in the City, versus the countywide figure of 60% who work in their geographical place
of residence. For Federal Way, this amounts to about 14,700 workers employed within
Federal Way, while 29,000 workers commute outside of the City for work.
About 41.9% or
over 18,300
workers leave
home in Federal
Way for the
workplace during
the peak commute
time (6-9AM). Over
36% of all workers
live in a household
with at least two
vehicles. About
68% of workers
drove to work
alone, and under
6.8% carpooled. Even fewer took public transportation (4.8%). A greater proportion (18%)
worked at home than the proportion that either walked or biked to work (less than 2% total).
These are in contrast to countywide figures, where 46.3% drove to work alone, 4% took
public transportation, 38% worked at home, and 5% walked or biked to work.
About 52% of Federal Way’s workers have a commute of at least 30 minutes with the average
commute at 31.6 minutes. This is in contrast to the countywide figure of 41% with an average
commute of 27.2 minutes.
Access to Transportation
Federal Way is served by King County Metro and Sound Transit by 16 different bus lines (A
Line, 177, 181, 182, 183, 187, 193, 402, 500, 501, 574, 577, 578, 586, 901, and 903). Of these
routes, only one (A Line) was identified as needing reliability investments in a 2022 System
Evaluation by King County Metro93. Metro reported that ridership was maintained through
the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 on routes with higher Opportunity Scores (a number given
based on the concentration of stops within the highest Equity Priority Areas). All of the routes
92 U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2017-2021. Commuting Characteristics Table
S0801. Retrieved from https://data.census.gov on August 1, 2023.
93 King County Metro. 2022 System Evaluation. Retrieved from https://data.census.gov on August 1,
2023.
Drove to Work
Alone
68%
Carpooled
7%
Public
Transportation
5%
Walked or Biked
2%
Taxi
0%
Worked
From
Home
18%
How Federal Way Residents Commuted to Work
47
in Federal Way by King County Metro are considered Opportunity Index Routes and scored
at least a 3.5 out of 5 on their Opportunity Score.
Transportation Discussion
Much of the future of transportation development in Federal Way revolves around the
downtown area. The City’s most recent Comprehensive Plan highlights the redevelopment of
Federal Way’s downtown area by creating a City Center, which is designed to serve as the
social and economic focus of the City. This emphasis is intended to create economic
diversification and encourage public/private partnerships. Within the creation of the City
Center is a four-phase plan referred to as Town Center I, II, III, and IV. This will involve a 17-
acre redevelopment of former big box stores and parking lots into a hub around for social
and economic growth to flourish.
An essential component of this redevelopment is the Federal Way Performing Arts and
Events Center (PAEC), also known as Town Center I. The PAEC is the catalyst project that
helps create a defined urban place around which redevelopment at urban density levels can
occur. The Federal Way PAEC was conceived to fulfill two primary objectives within the City
and do so in a way that creates jobs for low- and moderate-income persons in Federal Way.
Next to the PAEC is Town Center II, where the City opened the roughly 220,000 square-foot
Town Square Park, a family-oriented public recreational space that can also serve as a festival
and entertainment venue. To the immediate east of the PAEC is Town Center III, an 8-acre
area that will be developed into mid- or high-rise mixed use commercial and residential
spaces. To the southeast of the PAEC is Town Center IV, which the City expects will become
transit-oriented development.
Within this area is the future site of a light rail station that, come 2026, will link the City Center
and all of Federal Way with the rest of urban King County. To the north is the future hub of
the City’s partnership with the University of Washington at Tacoma, Highline College, and the
Federal Way Public Schools, which will bring higher education to our city in the coming
school year. South and West from this downtown core is a thriving and growing commercial
retail district, drawing businesses and, with them, jobs.
48
Workforce
Unemployment
The unemployment rate for City of Federal Way residents age 16 and older was 7.2%
according to U.S. Census ACS 2021 data. This can be compared to the county rate of 5.7%
and the national rate
of 6.3%.94 Federal
Way has historically
had higher rates for
unemployment than
King County as
demonstrated by the
table on the right
(note that data is not
available for Federal
Way in 2019). The U.S.
Bureau of Labor
Statistics reports that
unemployment rates
94 U.S. Census 2021 American Community Survey. ACS 1-year Estimates Subject Tables S2301.
Retrieved from:
https://data.census.gov/table?q=S2301&g=01 0XX00US_050XX00US53033_160XX00US5323515 on
August 1, 2023.
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
14%
2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Local Unemployment Rate
Federal Way King County
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
14%
16%
18%
Q1
2018
Q2
2018
Q3
2018
Q4
2018
Q1
2019
Q2
2019
Q3
2019
Q4
2019
Q1
2020
Q2
2020
Q3
2020
Q4
2020
Q1
2021
Q2
2021
Q3
2021
Q4
2021
Q1
2022
Q2
2022
Q3
2022
Q4
2022
U.S. Unemployment Rate
White Black or African American Asian Hispanic of Latino
49
have returned to prepandemic levels as of the fourth quarter of 2022.95
Unemployment rates differ significantly by race and ethnicity in the U.S. The U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics reports that people of color face higher rates of unemployment than people
who are white, as seen in the graph below. In addition to this, people who are white had the
smallest percent change in unemployment rate when COVID-19 hit (the difference is seen
between Q1 2020 and Q2 2020).
Educational Attainment
In ACS 2012, there were nearly 67,659 people age 25 and over. Of these, about 86.6% were
high school graduates or higher, and about 27.2% had a bachelor’s degree or higher. The
percentage of this population with graduate or professional degrees was 8.9%.
Workforce Discussion
As noted above, Federal Way’s labor force also has a lower rate of adult population with
bachelor’s degrees relative to the county at large. This potentially puts our community at a
competitive disadvantage with businesses who may be seeking a more skilled workforce.
With higher unemployment rates among a relatively larger population under age 25 entering
labor participation, and with lower overall educational attainment, Federal Way needs to
build up the skills of its workforce.
95 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unemployment Rate Returned to its Pracademic Level in 2022.
Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2023/article/unemployment-rate-returned-to-its-
prepandemic-level-in-2022.htm#_edn1 on September 1, 2023.
9055
16122 16301
12345
6044
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
14000
16000
18000
Less than 12th grade,
no diploma
High school graduate
or equivalency
Some college or
associate's degree
Bachelor's degree Graduate or
professional degree
Age 25+ Educational Attainment
50
Federal Way needs to improve the skills and education levels of its workers overall, but
particularly the younger segment who are the future of the workforce. Federal Way has a
relatively younger population. Unfortunately, unemployment is higher among younger
people in Federal Way than countywide.
To address educational and labor force disadvantages for Federal Way residents, the
community can pursue arrangements such as the partnership between the City and the
University of Washington at Tacoma, Highline College, and the Federal Way Public Schools.
The partnership—a result of the university initiative included in the City’s adopted economic
development strategy—establishes a higher education initiative to bring educational
opportunities to Federal Way. Three primary educational pathways will initially be offered:
Healthcare, Computer Science/Information Technology, and Teacher Education.
COMMUNITY SERVICES CHAPTER
Vision:
To advance and strengthen equitable, accessible, and culturally responsive community
services so that all individuals and families thrive.
• Focus and Investment of Funds
o Change the City wants to see with services
• Collaboration and Community Engagement
o Broader than grantmaking to include DEAI body of work with policies on both.
• Accessible and culturally relevant services
o Broader than grantmaking to include DEAI body of work with policies on both.
• Grantmaking and Funding
o Implementation of grant program (ethical stewardship of funds)
o Technical assistance
o Sustainable and sufficient funding (local, regional, state, federal)
▪ Analysis and consideration of codified increase to local human services
grant funding
• May have other grantmaking or DEAI related goals.
Draft Goal for Focus and Investment of Grant Funding:
Support a healthy community in which residents have access to services to increase resiliency
and attain their maximum level of self-reliance and well-being.
Add narrative. Through funding investments…
Policies:
Policy: Address basic needs including housing, health, and hunger.
Policy: Promote individual and community safety through prevention, intervention,
and crisis services.
Policy: Promote services that foster stability and self-sufficiency for families and
individuals.
Policy: Monitor changes in local community services needs and priorities in an
ongoing based and adjust the City’s response as appropriate to emerging or critical needs.
Policy: Facilitate opportunities for space for community services.
Draft Goal on Grantmaking and funding:
Work to increase funding to sufficient and sustainable levels with a focus on strategic
investments.
Add narrative
Policy: Implement grantmaking with ethical stewardship and accountability.
Policy: Provide grants that meet the needs and improve quality of life for residents
with low- to moderate-income.
Policy: Continue active participation in local and regional planning efforts related to
human services
Policy: Funding; local as well as regional, state, and federal
Policy: Provide technical assistance to increase accessibility to and outcomes
achieved with grant funding
Implementation – explore codified increases
Draft Goal on Collaboration and Engagement:
Build community partnerships and increase engagement to advance diversity, equity,
accessibility, and inclusion.
Add narrative(will be broader than grantmaking, incorporating DEAI)
Add policies
Draft Goal for Services:
Provide community-informed and data-driven services that are accessible, culturally
responsive, and effective.
Add narrative(will be broader than grantmaking, incorporating DEAI)
Add policies