2024 04 April 03 Planning Commission Agenda PacketPLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
City Hall – Council Chambers
April 3, 2024 – 5:00 p.m.
1.CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2.ROLL CALL
3.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of March 20, 2024
4.PUBLIC COMMENT
None scheduled
5.COMMISSION BUSINESS
a.Responses to Questions Raised on Briefing #1
b.Community Services, Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation, and Economic
Development Chapter Pre-Hearing Briefing
6. STAFF BUSINESS
Manager’s Report
7.NEXT MEETING
April 17, 2024 5:00pm – Regular Meeting
8.ADJOURNMENT
Planning Commission meetings are held in-person.
To request accommodation to attend or to provide public comment virtually, please contact Samantha Homan at
253-835-2601 or samantha.homan@cityoffederalway.com, no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 2, 2024.
Commissioners City Staff
Tom Medhurst, Chair Keith Niven, Community Development Director
Vickie Chynoweth, Vice Chair Samantha Homan, Office Manager
Diana Noble-Gulliford www.cityoffederalway.com
Lawson Bronson
Tim O’Neil
Anna Patrick
Jae So
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PLANNING COMMISSION
Meeting Agenda Table of Contents
City Hall – Council Chambers
April 3, 2024 – 5:00 p.m.
1.Planning Commission Minutes March 20, 2024… page 3
2.Commission Business Item A: Responses to Questions Raised on Briefing #1… page 5
3.Commission Business Item B: Community Services, Arts, Culture and Historic
Preservation and Economic Development Chapter Pre-Hearing Briefing
a.Community Services
i.Staff Memo… page 7
ii.Chapter (clean)… page 9
iii.2023 Community Needs Assessment… page 18
b.Arts, Culture, and Historic Preservation
i.Staff Memo… page 67
ii.Chapter (clean)… page 69
c.Economic Development
i.Staff Memo… page 82
ii.Chapter (redline)… page 84
iii.Chapter (clean)… page 99
PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
City Hall – Council Chambers
March 20, 2024 – 5:00 p.m.
1.CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chair Medhurst called the meeting to order at 5:00pm
2.ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Diana Noble-Gulliford, Anna Patrick, Lawson Bronson, Vickie
Chynoweth, Tom Medhurst
Excused: Tim O’Neil, Jae So
City Staff Present: Community Development Director Keith Niven, Senior Planner Evan
Lewis, Planning Manager Jonathan Thole, City Attorney Kent Van Alstyne, Office Manager
Samantha Homan
3.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Planning Commission Meeting of February 21, 2024
Commissioner Noble-Gulliford moved to approve the minutes as written
Second by Commissioner Bronson
Motion Passes 5-0
4.PUBLIC COMMENT
None scheduled
5.COMMISSION BUSINESS
a)Natural Environment, Shoreline, and Climate & Resiliency Chapter Pre-Hearing Briefing
Community Development Director Keith Niven gave a briefing on the proposed
amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, specific to Natural Environment and Shoreline
chapters, prior to the Planning Commission Public Hearing on these chapters, scheduled
to begin in August 2024. Adoption of these amendments is anticipated during the October
and November City Council meetings. Commissioners were given both a redline version
and clean version of each chapters proposed changes. An implementation appendix is
scheduled to be presented to the Planning Commission during the June 5 meeting.
Natural Environment: The focus on this chapter was to provide clarification to existing
polices and removing redundancies to make the Chapter more concise. This Chapter
includes a new vision statement along with formatting changes to the chapter. Key
changes include removing the Growth Management Act (GMA) and Countywide Planning
Policies (CPP) as it is covered in the Introduction Chapter; Shoreline was also removed
from this chapter and placed in the Shoreline Chapter. The Environmental Stewardship,
Private Property Rights, Water Resources, Wellhead Protection Areas, Streams and
Lakes, Frequently Flooded Areas, Wetlands and Geologic Hazardous Areas sections
were moved into a new section, labeled Critical Areas. Text updates were noted in the
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservations Areas, Noise, and Open Space sections of the
chapter. A majority of the Open Space section was moved to the new Parks Chapter. The
Tree Preservation and Air Quality and Climate Change sections were moved to the new
Climate Chapter. The goals and policies summary sections were also edited with the
majority of goals and policies removed or re-worded in this chapter. No map changes
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were made to this chapter.
Shoreline: The focus on this chapter was to provide clarification to existing polices and
removing redundancies to make the Chapter more concise. This Chapter includes a new
vision statement along with formatting changes to the chapter. Major changes include the
removal of the Compliance in Federal Way, Public Involvement, and Relationship to City
Code sections were removed in their entirety. The Public Access and Recreation Element,
Conservation and Restoration Element, Historic and Cultural Resources Element, and
Circulation Element sections were moved to the Shoreline Use Element section of this
chapter. Text updates were included in the Shoreline Jurisdiction and Shoreline Use
Element. The Shoreline Environments section was retitled Environmental Designations.
The goals and policies summary sections were also edited with the majority of goals and
policies removed or re-worded in this chapter. No map changes were made to this
chapter, but one new map was added.
Climate Change & Resiliency Chapter: Evan Lewis presented on the new Climate Change
& Resiliency Chapter. The GMA is requiring Federal Way to adopt this chapter by 2029,
and Federal Way is voluntarily adopting the chapter in 2024. The intention of the chapter
is to provide a consistent, clear, and actionable framework to guide the City’s climate
change mitigation and resiliency decisions and serves as the foundation for an ongoing
community dialogue around climate change action. The chapter format includes a new
vision statement, GHG Emissions Inventory and Mitigation section, Resiliency section,
Goals and Policies section, and appendices.
6. STAFF BUSINESS
Manager’s Report
Planning Manager Jonathan Thole thanked the commissioners that attended the
Comprehensive Plan Open House. He also welcomed any input about today’s process as
there are more briefings planned.
7. NEXT MEETING
April 3, 2024 5:00pm – Regular Meeting
8. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Bronson moves to adjourn the meeting
Second by Commissioner Noble-Gulliford
Motion Passes 5-0
Meeting adjourned at 6:34pm
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Memorandum
DATE: March 27, 2024
TO: Federal Way Planning Commission
FROM:
Keith Niven, AICP, CEcD
Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Briefing #1: responses to questions raised
At the 20 March 2024 Planning Commission pre-Hearing briafing, the Commission requested some additional
information or revisions to proposed edits ralting to Natural Environment. The following represents staff reponses:
1.Provide a copy of the WRIA 9 and WRIA 10 maps shown at the Commission meeting (see atached).
2.Why is the City not part of WRIA 10?
Response from EJ Walsh (Public Works Director): The City has area in both, but we are only members of
9.Originally we had to make a choice, today we could actually be in both if we wanted to. WRIA 9 is
managed by King County, WRIA 10 is managed by Pierce County, so when we had to pick we stuck with
King County. We have been approached a time or two over the years about joining 10, but when staff has
reviewed there isn’t a significant benefit that the City would see by joining.
3.Natural Environment, Policy NEP 2.1:
Comment: the phrase “unreasonably hinder” was flagged as being vague and not predictable. Staff
suggestion, revise the policy to read:
NEP 2.1 Evaluate proposed amendments to the environmentally critical areas regulations to ensure that
new provisions do not unreasonably hinder consider reasonable use of private property rights.
4.Natural Environment, Policy NEP4.1:
Comment: the proposed edit implies less coordiantion with Lakehaven. Staff suggestion, restore the
proposed deletion to read:
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
253-835-7000
www.cityoffederalway.com
Jim Ferrell, Mayor
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S - 2
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: March 27, 2024
TO: Federal Way Planning Commission
FROM:
Sarah Bridgeford, Community Services Manager
Kim Bachrach, Human Services Coordinator
Layelah Wilson, Human Services Coordinator
SUBJECT: Briefing – Community Services Comprehensive Plan Chapter
BACKGROUND
The Community Services Chapter is a new chapter in Federal Way’s Comprehensive Plan that provides a
consistent, clear, and actionable framework to guide the City’s diversity, equity, access, and inclusion
(DEAI) work as well as social services strategies and investments.
The Community Services Chapter is not a requited element under Washington’s Growth Management
Act. However, it is considered to be essential in planning for human and social infrastructure of the City.
CHAPTER FORMAT
The Community Services chapter is formatted to be consistent with other chapters, building on a solid
foundation from decades of successful grantmaking. It formalizes planning for DEAI and social services
within the City. The format is as follows:
•Introduction & Vision section, provides context and purpose for the chapter and a vision for
community services efforts by the year 2044.
•Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion section, provides context regarding diversity of the
community, regulatory compliance, and best practices for culturally responsive and inclusive
planning and services.
•Social Services & Grantmaking section, provides a summary of the City’s grantmaking model
and community needs based primarily on quantitative data along with qualitative data from varied
community engagement. The needs assessments is incorporated by reference.
•Goals and Policies section, includes three goals that are each advanced by several policies.
Several charts are included in this chapter. Charts may change and images may be added before the final
draft of this chapter with corresponding numbering added.
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
253-835-7000
www.cityoffederalway.com
Jim Ferrell, Mayor
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GOALS AND POLICIES SUMMARY
The following table summarizes the proposed community services goals and policies that define and
implement them.
Goals Summary/Explanation
Goal 1: Integrate diversity, equity,
accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI)
principles and practices into the culture
and operations of the City and accessible
and culturally relevant services.
Policies focus on how the City can engage with the diverse
community, residents, and stakeholders while also ensuring
access to the City and its planning processes and services. It
addresses compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of
1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Goal 2: Support a healthy, safe, and
diverse community in which residents
have access to services to eliminate
poverty and increase resiliency and attain
their maximum level of self-reliance and
well-being.
Policies focus on the City’s strategies for providing social
services to low- to moderate-income residents with a focus on
serving underserved, underrepresented, and underfunded
communities and provide a guide for investment of grant funding
and development.
Goal 3: Work to increase funding to
sufficient and sustainable levels with a
focus on strategic investments.
Policies address the City’s administration of grant programs for
social services, funding levels, and planning.
ATTACHMENTS
A.Draft Community Services Chapter
B.2023 Community Needs Assessment
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CHAPTER TWELVE – COMMUNITY SERVICES
12.0 INTRODUCTION & VISION
Introduction
A vibrant cityscape extends beyond infrastructure with the community thriving when individuals and
families that live, work, and play within its limits have increased prosperity and well-being. This chapter
builds on the work and investment of the physical features of the city by exploring similar investments in
people so that families and individuals may meet their basic needs, share in economic prosperity, and
participate in developing a safe and healthy community. The Community Services Chapter is an optional
element under Washington’s Growth Management Act. However, it is considered to be essential in
planning for human and social infrastructure of the city.
Community Services are essential to the health, growth, and vitality of the Federal Way community.
Community Services includes externally and internally facing services through diversity, equity, access,
and inclusion (DEAI) work and grantmaking programs for social services. The City of Federal Way
benefits from a community diverse in cultures, race, ethnicity, national origin, language, age, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, marital status, socioeconomic status, religion, spirituality, disability, and
more; all of which contribute to a stronger, healthier community.
This chapter will emphasize the importance of relationship, outreach, and engagement throughout our
community. Additionally, while the City does not typically provide direct social services, it supports the
work of public and private organizations to ensure residents have access to services that assist with basic
needs, increase individual and community safety, and increase individual and family economic prosperity.
To create a community in which all members have the ability to meet basic physical, economic and social
needs, and the opportunity to enhance their quality of life. The City must be nimble, future-focused and
creative in planning for the provision of community services. Changing population demographics and
economic realities present challenges and opportunities to maximize resources, improve access to
services, and provide smart stewardship of limited social service grant funds. This chapter addresses how
the City builds community through programs, services, activities, and community involvement to make
the city welcoming, safe, and engaging.
Vision
To advance and strengthen equitable, accessible, and culturally responsive community services so that all
individuals and families thrive.
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12.1 DIVERSITY, EQUITY, ACCESS, AND INCLUSION
The City of Federal Way has become increasingly diverse. The introduction to the Comprehensive Plan
highlights a few of the demographic shifts in race and ethnicity, country of origin, and languages spoken.
Figure 1 illustrates demographic shifts in race 1. According to Federal Way Public Schools 2, there are 109
languages spoken in the district. This figure indicates that the city has a diverse and evolving community
that it must better connect with, support, and serve. With such rich diversity in the community, ensuring
that similarities and differences are valued and contribute to policymaking, planning, and services carries
increased importance. The City has a responsibility to be responsive to and inclusive of the diversity that
exists now and in the future.
As our community continues to evolve and diversify, it is incumbent on the City that basic rights are
protected through compliance with state and federal laws. Discrimination based on disabilities is
prohibited under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and is also prohibited on the basis of race,
color, national origin, or sex under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Furthermore, bias and
privilege exist in various forms resulting in inequal opportunities and access. Ensuring compliance for
both Acts is required; also critical is moving beyond compliance toward improvement, a sense of
belonging, and more equitable outcomes. The following goals and policies are designed to increase
understanding of how and where barriers to access for city government exist locally and to increase
engagement and access of the full community.
Traditional outreach methods such as open houses, public hearings or meetings, and online surveys tend
to reach only community members who are already familiar with local planning processes and city
operations. Additional barriers to participation in these processes and in accessing city services may
include technology, timing of meetings and events, and resources for language access. The complexity
1 US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2017-2021, Table S0601. Retrieved from https://data.census.gov
on July 25, 2023.
2 Federal Way Public Schools. District Profile July 2023. Retrieved from: https://www.fwps.org/about-us/district-
profile. On September 1, 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
Figure 1: Race Alone or in Combination
ACS 2011-16
ACS 2017-21
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and changing character of planning and technology warrants continued focus on outreach and engagement
to ensure city planning is more inclusive and accessible, resulting in services that more are inclusive and
accessible. Outreach and engagement should be targeted and tailored to persons with limited English
proficiency and project-specific groups of interest. A focus on DEAI increases broad community
engagement with specific relationship building and outreach to traditionally underserved and
underrepresented communities.
A foundation for outreach and engagement is relationship. By establishing, building, and maintaining
partnerships with individuals and organizations that represent a wide variety of interests, values, and
needs, the City gains a better understanding of diverse needs and concerns and the community as a whole
benefits from more equitable decision-making.
12.2 SOCIAL SERVICES & GRANTMAKING
The City of Federal Way’s Community Services Division and Human Services Commission work closely
with its partners, including other public and nonprofit funders and service providers, to complete a regular
Community Needs Assessment to understand current and emerging human services need. The
Community Needs Assessment is incorporated by reference as now or hereafter amended and while key
findings will be summarized, it will be retained outside of the Comprehensive Plan and available through
the City so that it can be updated as needed to remain more relevant and ensure services are adaptive to
changing needs in the community.
The City of Federal Way has a long history of and commitment to addressing the needs of residents. The
approach the City has taken is one of planning, contracting, and providing technical assistance to social
service providers. The City continues to serve in this capacity rather than as a direct service provider.
The City has largely used the same funding model since its first use in 1996. The model was built on four
(4) strategies that had minor updates and changes over the years resulting in three strategies currently
approved and used by the City in its grantmaking programs. The strategies have historically allowed for
an array of services for residents from basic needs to poverty reduction strategies and many things in
between. The strategies are updated and incorporated into policies.
Federal Way is the 10th largest city in Washington. With recent growth and regional changes, the City
evaluated its funding priorities and funding process. The social service needs exceed the available
services and the resources the City will be able to provide. The City wants to ensure that its limited
resources are used most effectively and efficiently to address the needs of residents. To do this, the goals
and policies will draw on key findings from the Community Needs Assessment.
Community Needs Assessment Key Findings
The overwhelming top finding of the Community Needs Assessment is that the human services needs in
Federal Way far surpass the resources that are currently being allocated.
Key Findings include:
1. Poverty in Federal Way disproportionately effects communities, including communities of color,
that have been historically underserved by social services and underrepresented in decision
making.
2. Basic needs services including healthcare (physical, dental, and behavioral) and food access
remain among the highest needs.
3. Homelessness prevention and intervention services need to be increased to meet the need of our
community.
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4. Factors impacting the economic stability of individuals and families result in lower incomes,
increased barriers, and a need for services that work to reduce poverty through debt reduction,
asset building, and career pathways.
The Community Needs Assessment shows that people of color are disproportionately affected by poverty.
By comparing the percentage of the total population for whom poverty status is determined against the
percentage of poverty level population for race and ethnicity, Figure 2 shows that people who identify as
having Two or more races, Black or African American, some other race alone, or Hispanic or Latino were
overrepresented in the population below poverty level.3 Similarly, households who speak only English
and household that speak other languages at home are overrepresented for households below the poverty
level.4
3 US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2012-2016, Table S1701. Retrieved from https://data/census.gov
on September 21, 2023.
4 US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2016, Table C16009. Retrieved from https://data/census.gov on
October 2, 2023.
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)
Figure 2: Race/Ethnicity: % of Total Population for Whom Poverty
Status is Determined vs. % of Poverty Level Population
% of Total Population
% of Poverty Level
Population
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The Community
Needs Assessment
also looked at the
city’s aging
population showing
that the city’s
population age 65
and over is growing.
This growth will
require additional
services to assist the
aging populations in
meeting their basic
needs. According to
Aging and Disability
Services of Seattle-King County (ADS), about 11% of King County was age 65 and over in 2010.
Illustrated in Figure 3, this population is projected to be over 18.3% by 2030.5 Individuals over the age of
65 often live on fixed and/or limited incomes and need assistance with housing costs. Older adults are
also more likely to have a disability than the total population and need assistance in creating accessible
spaces.
Education and employment levels can be strong indicators of an individual’s earning potential, the higher
the level of education an individual has, the more likely they are to have a higher earning job and the less
likely they are to live below the poverty line. An increase in programs that offer education and
employment are long-term poverty reduction and prevention strategies.
Additionally, safe, decent, and affordable housing contributes to reducing poverty. While having a house
doesn’t mean a household isn’t experiencing poverty or other unstable housing conditions, quality and
healthy housing contributes to
educational achievement, health, and
more. A household is more likely to
be cost burdened, or spends more than
30% of their household income on
housing, if they make less than 80% of
the area’s medium income 6. Figure 4
shows the percentages of households
in Federal Way that are cost burdened
at different incomes, illustrating
higher cost burden in lower-income
households 7.With rents increasing at
5 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.
6 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.
7 US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2017-2021, Table S0601. Retrieved from https://data.census.gov
on July 25, 2023.
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
Figure 3: Population Forecast: King County, 65+
Population Percentage of Total Population
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Less than
$20,000
$20,000 to
$34,999
$35,000 to
$49,999
$50,000 to
$74,999
$75,000 or
more
Figure 4: Percentage of Households
that are Cost Burden Based on Income
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rapid rates, housing instability is increasing and more families are needing to relocate within the
community when possible, but often find themselves being forced to move out of their community of
choice due to cost. Changes in housing are often coupled with changes in schools with lower academic
achievement rates.
The city is experiencing an increased number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
While there are a significant number of people sleeping on the street and encampments, there are also
many people experiencing homelessness who are not visible to the public. Many families are in
overcrowded homes, in shelters, or are staying in hotels. In the 2022-2023 school year, 1,053 students in
the Federal Way School district were experiencing homelessness.
In considering financial stability, homeownership provides many economic benefits including access to
financial leverage, stability through predictable monthly mortgage payments, tax deductions, and,
importantly, a vehicle for building wealth. Homeownership continues to be a primary way for passing on
intergenerational wealth and this wealth transfer can reinforce homeownership and wealth gaps across
race and ethnicity. This has impacts throughout life and in entering retirement. Past government policies
including lending and insuring practices, redlining, zoning laws, and passing on wealth attained through
homeownership via inheritance, family income, and education have contributed to racial disparities in
homeownership and wealth. Exploring support of homeownership opportunities for lower-income
households with emphasis on addressing racial disparities in homeownership can play a role in wealth
building and economic security. Continued focus on housing stability and homelessness prevention has
many community benefits.
Healthcare, or the lack thereof, can have
serious financial impacts when an emergency
arises, but it can also lead to individuals not
accessing preventative care, such as regular
doctors’ appointments. Figure 5 shows the
number of residents with public insurance or
who are uninsured by age.8 With an
increasing number of older adults, aging
specific healthcare needs and access are also
of concern. Health insurance, or reliance on
public coverage such as Medicaid, is an
indicator of economic vulnerability.
8 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.
2,400
25,803
809
8,372
12,304
2,010
975
311
0 10,000 20,000 30,000
Medicare
Medicaid/means-tested
public coverage
VA
Uninsured
Figure 5: Federal Way Residents:
With Public Health Insurance or
Uninsured
65 years and over Under 65 years
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7
Opioid use in King County
has been rising in recent
years and has led to an
increased number of fatal
overdoses as shown in Figure
6.9 To fight this national
opioid epidemic, the City will
need to increase resources
devoted to addiction and use
prevention services among
both youth and adults.
9 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
500
1000
1500
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Figure 6: Drug and Alcohol Poisoning Deaths
in King County
Alcohol Poisoning Other Drug Stimulant
Opioid and Stimulant Opioid No Stimulant
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12.3 GOALS & POLICIES
The goals and policies of this chapter support building and maintaining strong and supportive
relationships with many individuals and organizations representing diverse communities and interests in
Federal Way. The policies are data-informed, generate increased resources internally and externally, and
improve services.
Goal
CSG 1 Integrate diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) principles and practices
into the culture and operations of the City and accessible and culturally relevant services.
Policies
CSP 1.1 Foster relationships between the City and interested and affected parties focusing on
developing partnerships and serving historically underserved, underrepresented, and
underfunded communities.
CSP 1.2 Ensure community outreach and engagement opportunities are both tailored and broadly
accessible with appropriately varied locations, times, modalities, and formats including
accommodations.
CSP 1.3 Ensure physical and digital accessibility and meaningful language access to all members
of the community.
CSP 1.4 Promote services that respect the diversity and dignity of individuals and families and
that are accessible to all members of the community.
CSP 1.5 Ensure internal access to resources, tools, and trainings related to the integration of
DEAI within the City.
CSP 1.6 Use quantitative and qualitative data in planning, program development, and evaluation
to ensure services are culturally relevant, inclusive, and are meeting a community need.
Goal
CSG 2 Support a healthy, safe, and diverse community in which residents have access to services
to eliminate poverty and increase resiliency and attain their maximum level of self-
reliance and well-being.
Policies
CSP 2.1 Address basic needs through the provision of services increasing housing stability,
health, and food security.
CSP 2.2 Promote individual and community safety through prevention, intervention, and crisis
services.
CSP 2.3 Promote and support services that reduce poverty by fostering stability and self-
sufficiency for individuals and families.
CSP 2.4 Adapt grantmaking and social service response to emerging or critical needs.
CSP 2.5 Address unmet needs for consistent and responsive services through the facilitation of
opportunities for space for community services.
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Goal
CSG 3 Work to increase funding to sufficient and sustainable levels with a focus on strategic
investments.
Policies
CSP 3.1 Implement grantmaking with ethical stewardship and accountability.
CSP 3.2 Provide grants that meet the needs and improve quality of life for residents with low- to
moderate-income.
CSP 3.3 Continue active participation in local and regional planning efforts related to human
services
CSP 3.4 Support new and existing human services programs, and coordinate policies, legislation,
and funding at the local, regional, state, and federal levels.
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2023 Community Needs Assessment
Table of Contents
Community Profile ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Demographics.................................................................................................................................... 3
Income ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Aging and Disability ..................................................................................................................................... 13
Aging Population ................................................................................................................................. 13
Aging and Income ............................................................................................................................... 15
Aging and Housing .............................................................................................................................. 16
Aging Services ..................................................................................................................................... 17
Disability .............................................................................................................................................. 17
Discussion: Aging ................................................................................................................................ 19
Discussion: Disability ........................................................................................................................... 19
Climate Resiliency ....................................................................................................................................... 20
Crime ......................................................................................................................................................... 22
Child Abuse and Neglect ............................................................................................................... 22
Domestic Violence .......................................................................................................................... 22
Homicides ......................................................................................................................................... 22
Weapon Safety .................................................................................................................................... 22
Digital Equity ............................................................................................................................................... 24
Discussion ......................................................................................................................................... 24
Education .................................................................................................................................................. 25
School District Report Card ........................................................................................................... 25
Early childhood ................................................................................................................................ 25
Child Care Affordability .................................................................................................................. 26
Educational Attainment .................................................................................................................. 26
Education Discussion ...................................................................................................................... 27
Health ......................................................................................................................................................... 28
Health Insurance .............................................................................................................................. 28
Accessing Care ................................................................................................................................ 28
Food Access ..................................................................................................................................... 29
Mental Health ................................................................................................................................... 30
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Substance Use .................................................................................................................................. 31
Causes of Death ............................................................................................................................... 33
COVID-19 .......................................................................................................................................... 34
Health Discussion ............................................................................................................................ 34
Homelessness .......................................................................................................................................... 36
McKinney-Vento ............................................................................................................................... 37
Youth and Young Adult Homelessness ....................................................................................... 38
Discussion ......................................................................................................................................... 38
Housing ..................................................................................................................................................... 39
Housing Affordability ...................................................................................................................... 39
Housing Availability......................................................................................................................... 42
Housing Discussion ......................................................................................................................... 42
Language .................................................................................................................................................. 43
Languages Spoken .......................................................................................................................... 43
Language Discussion ...................................................................................................................... 44
Transportation .......................................................................................................................................... 45
Commuting ....................................................................................................................................... 45
Access to Transportation ............................................................................................................... 45
Transportation Discussion ............................................................................................................. 46
Workforce ................................................................................................................................................. 47
Unemployment ................................................................................................................................ 47
Educational Attainment .................................................................................................................. 48
Workforce Discussion ..................................................................................................................... 48
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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
88,787 1 residents, a number that expanded to 93,986 2 by 2016, marking a 6% increase in
population. As of 2021, the City’s estimated population stands at 99,792 3, reflecting
continued growth. Important to note is that other population estimates place the City’s
population over 100,000 with the 2023 estimate at 102,000 4. 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
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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
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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
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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.
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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 $97,411 11-a significant 44% increase
over the figure of $67,326 12 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)
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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)
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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
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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
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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. .
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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.
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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.
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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
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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 (2021). 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
32 of 111
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/fomcprojtabl20190320.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.
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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
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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
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• 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
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
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
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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.
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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.
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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
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.
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.
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.
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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
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.
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/ .
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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.
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.
52 US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2017-2021, Table S2802. Retrieved from
https://data.census.gov on August 24, 2023.
53 Education Superhighway. Retrieved from https://www.educationsuperhighway.org/no-home-left-
offline/acp-data/ on August 24, 2023.
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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/100086 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
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• 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%20ba
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.
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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
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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
99,150 in the
civilian non-
institutionalized
population in
Federal Way, about
28.1%, or over 27,813 were covered by Medicaid or other means-tested public insurance58
and 8,683 were uninsured.59
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 care60. 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 U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2017-2021. Public Health Insurance Coverage by
Type and Selected Characteristics Table S2701. Retrieved from https://data.census.gov on February
29, 2024.
60 Seattle Center Foundation, 2023. Seattle/King County Clinic 2023 Final Report. Retrieved from
https://seattlecenter.org/skcclinic/ on September 11, 2023.
14,704
27,813
1,784
8,683
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
Medicare Medicaid/OtherMeans VA Uninsured
Federal Way Residents: With Public Health
Insuarnce or Uninsured
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18% or about 18,600 were patients at a community health center. This figure is in contrast
with the 10% of the countywide population that were patients at such clinics.61
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.”62 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
61 US Health Resources and Services Administration, 2023. UDS Mapper. Retrieved from
https://udsmapper.org/ on September 11, 2023.
62 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 toolong
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
MedicareI'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
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12.1% nationally.63 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).64
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%65.
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 weeks66.201,633 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 weeks67. The
63 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.
64 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.
65 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.
66 U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey, Week 59. Health Table 1. Retrieved from
https://data.census.gov on August 1. 2023.
67 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
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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.68
Substance Use
Alcohol use among
minors has been on
a decline in King
County in recent
years, according to
the Healthy Youth
Survey.69 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.70 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%.
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.
68 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.
69 Healthy Youth Survey. Healthy Youth Survey Data Dashboard 2010-2021. Retrieved from
https://www.askhys.net/SurveyResults/DataDashboard. On September 13, 2023.
70 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
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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.71
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,
2023.
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
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
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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 Health72. 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.
72 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
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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 Health73. 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%.74 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 Survey75.
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
73 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.
74 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
75 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
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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.
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Homelessness
King County Regional Homelessness Authority conducts the annual Point in Time count76,, 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.
76 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.
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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 County77. 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.78
• 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).
77 King county Regional Homelessness Authority. 2019 Point In Time Count. Retrieved from
https://kcrha.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/KING-9.5-v2.pdf on September 12, 2023.
78 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
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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, 2021.79 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.80 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.
79 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.
80 Colburn, Gregg and Aldern, Clayton Page. Homelessness is a housing Problem. University of
California Press, 2022.
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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.81
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, 13,910 households are cost burdened in
Federal Way82. The chart below shows that 60% of households spend less than 30% of their
income on housing, 22% of households spend between 30% and 50% of their income on
housing, and 17%
of households
spend more than
50% of their income
on housing.
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 $371,50083 and the median price of a home with a mortgage in
Federal Way was $389,60084. The median sale price of a home in Federal Way in July 2023
81 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.
82 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.
83 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.
84 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.
60%22%
17%
1%
Cost Burdened Households
Cost Burden <=30%
Cost Burden >30% to <=50%
Cost Burden >50%
Cost Burden not available
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was $607,500, compared to $421,714 nationally85. The median household housing cost in
Federal Way was $1,600 per month in 202186 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.87
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.88
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
85 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.
86 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.
87 Zillow. Housing Data Home Values. Retrieved from https://www.zillow.com/research/data/ on
September 12, 2023.
88 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
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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.
Further, homeownership provides many economic benefits including access to financial
leverage, stability through predictable monthly mortgage payments while rents can increase
year over year, tax deductions, and, importantly, a vehicle for building wealth and
intergenerational wealth.89 Homeownership continues to be a primary way for passing on
intergenerational wealth and this wealth transfer can reinforce homeownership and wealth
gaps across race and ethnicity. Racial disparities in homeownership early (at younger ages)
and persist throughout adulthood. This has impacts throughout life and in entering
retirement. Past government policies including lending and insuring practices, redlining,
zoning laws, and passing on wealth attained through homeownership via inheritance, family
income, and education have contributed to racial disparities in homeownership and wealth.
Exploring support of homeownership opportunities for lower-income households with
emphasis on addressing racial disparities in homeownership can play a role in wealth
building and economic security.
Further, homeownership provides many economic benefits including access to financial
leverage and stability through predictable monthly mortgage payments. While rents can
increase year over year, fixed mortgages provide tax deductions/benefits, and, importantly, a
vehicle for building wealth and intergenerational wealth. Homeownership continues to be a
primary way for passing on intergenerational wealth and this wealth transfer can reinforce
homeownership and wealth gaps across race and ethnicity. Homeownership can also provide
our youth with higher educational opportunities securing financial stability, self-sufficiency
and active community participants. Racial disparities in homeownership early (at younger
ages) can persist throughout adulthood. This has impacts throughout life i.e financial
burdens, creates increased risk of homelessness, mental and physical health issues and in
entering retirement or the option to age in place. Past government policies of racial exclusion
including lending and insuring practices, redlining, zoning laws, and passing on wealth
attained through homeownership via inheritance, family income, and education have
contributed to racial disparities in homeownership and wealth to date more than 50 years
later of the Fair Housing Act 1968. Exploring support of homeownership opportunities for
lower-income households with emphasis on addressing racial disparities in homeownership
can play a role in wealth building and economic security.
89 U.S. Department of Treasury. Retrieved from https://home.treasury.gov/news/featured-stories/racial-
differences-in-economic-security-housing on September 12, 2023.
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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.90
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
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.
90 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.
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Language
Languages Spoken
According to the U.S. Census, only 58%
of Federal Way residents speak only
English.91 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.92
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
91 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.
92 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%
Dari3%
Ukranian
2%
Russian2%Pashto1%Vietnamese1%
Somali
1%FWPS Students
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well.”93 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.
93 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.
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Transportation
Commuting
According to ACS 202194, 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 Metro95. 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
94 U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2017-2021. Commuting Characteristics Table
S0801. Retrieved from https://data.census.gov on August 1, 2023.
95 King County Metro. 2022 System Evaluation. Retrieved from https://data.census.gov on August 1,
2023.
Drove to Work Alone68%
Carpooled
7%
Public Transportation5%
Walked or Biked2%
Taxi0%Worked
From
Home
18%
How Federal Way Residents Commuted to Work
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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.
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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%.96 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
96 U.S. Census 2021 American Community Survey. ACS 1-year Estimates Subject Tables S2301.
Retrieved from:
https://data.census.gov/table?q=S2301&g=010XX00US_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
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have returned to prepandemic levels as of the fourth quarter of 2022.97
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.
97 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
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49
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.
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Staff Report
DATE: March 25, 2024
TO: Federal Way Planning Commission
FROM: Chaney Skadsen, Senior Planner
SUBJECT: Briefing – Arts, Culture, and Historic Preservation Chapter
BACKGROUND
The Arts, Culture, and Historic Preservation Chapter is a new chapter in Federal Way’s Comprehensive Plan that provides an overview of arts, culture, and historic preservation initiatives within Federal Way. It aims to highlight the significance of these elements in shaping the identity of the community, from its historical roots to its present-
day vibrancy, setting the foundation for ongoing dialog around community pride and belonging.
This chapter is not required by the Growth Management Act, but is included in the 2024 Periodic Update to the
Comprehensive Plan because the topics were deemed essential when planning for the future of Federal Way.
CHAPTER FORMAT
The Arts, Culture, and Historic Preservation chapter sets a vision for the city and provides the framework to guide planning, programming and policy direction related to arts, culture, and historic preservation for the future.
The format is as follows:
•Introduction & Vision section provides the context and purpose for the chapter and sets the aspirations to
be realized by 2044.
•Background – Historical Context section explores pre-incorporation and the cultural foundation of the
area. Including a brief overview of major treaties and interactions between the Native American Tribes andFederal Government.
•Historic Preservation section provides context to the historic preservation industry including, eligibilityfor historic registers, and an inventory of identified and preserved local landmarks provided by theHistorical Society of Federal Way.
•Cultural Resources and Identity section explores the significance of cultural resources both historic andcurrent, identifying opportunities for celebrating diversity and promoting a sense of belonging.
•Arts in Federal Way section includes a summary of the on-going work and accomplishments of the City’sArts Commission as well as efforts and investments made by the city to expand access to the Arts in thecity.
•Goals and Policies section, includes six goals within three categories, Historic Preservation, Arts andCulture, and Community Character, each advanced by several policies.
There are several images and maps throughout this chapter, numbering and titling of these images and map will occur at a later date as the chapter content finalizes.
GOALS AND POLICIES SUMMARY The following table summarizes the intent of proposed arts, culture, and historic preservation goals and the policies
and how they may have changed since last presented to Planning Commission in December 2022.
33325 8th Avenue South Federal Way, WA 98003-6325 253-835-7000
www.cityoffederalway.com Jim Ferrell, Mayor
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Goal Summary/Explanation Notes Goal 1: Identify and protect historic and cultural resources
throughout the City of Federal Way.
Historic and cultural resources are fragile and vulnerable to becoming
lost or damaged without sufficient protection. This goal is designed to prevent the loss of artifacts from the
past.
Expanded from previous goal which was “Capture, Preserve, and
Shape Federal Way’s History”
Goal 2: Promote public awareness and recognition of the value of past,
historic resources and properties.
Sharing the past provides opportunities for reminiscing and
reflection. They encourage us to exist outside and beyond the present day and bring people
together.
Slight change from “sites” to “properties”
Goal 3: Increase art’s presence in the City. As in any dynamic urban area, arts and culture contribute to a sense of place.
No change
Goal 4: Support an environment for artists to thrive. Achieving a strong local creative industry has many benefits for the
artists themselves and community at large.
No change
Goal 5: Ensure Federal Way is an inclusive, welcoming place that
promotes a strong sense of community pride.
Building a positive reputation that celebrates diversity conveys a sense
of belonging,
No change
Goal 6: Promote an authentic city with interesting and community
serving public spaces.
Federal Way is a relatively young community compared to the rest of
the county. Over time there has been a reiterated desire for Federal Way to be recognized and
identifiable. This goal and associated policies support such a desire in a way that is authentic.
Previously said “Promote an Identifiable City with Interesting
Public Spaces”
IMPLEMENTATION Planning staff anticipate briefing the Planning Commission on an implementation appendix at the June 5 Planning Commission meeting. That appendix will include actions for implementing policies in all Comprehensive Plan chapters.
ATTACHMENTS 1.Draft Arts, Culture, and Historic Preservation Chapter
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CHAPTER ELEVEN
ARTS, CULTURE, AND HISTORIC
PRESERVATION
11.0 INTRODUCTION & VISION ...................................................................................................... 2
11.1 BACKGROUND – HISTORICAL CONTEXT ......................................................................... 2
11.2 HISTORIC PRESERVATION ................................................................................................... 5
11.3 CULTURAL RESOURCES AND IDENTITY .......................................................................... 7
11.4 ARTS IN FEDERAL WAY ......................................................................................................... 8
11.5 GOALS AND POLICIES .......................................................................................................... 11
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11.0 INTRODUCTION & VISION Introduction The character and image of a community are shaped by a multitude of factors including
its people, social networks, heritage, architecture, neighborhoods, landscapes and more. These tangible and intangible elements collectively contribute to the distinct identity of a place and the collective impression it conveys. This chapter acknowledges the crucial
role that arts and cultural activities play, as well as the importance of honoring and educating the community about its history. These civic amenities unite people across diverse demographics and backgrounds and aid in fostering a strong sense of community belonging. Vision
Federal Way is known as a vibrant and inclusive city that preserves and creates
extraordinary places for people. It embraces arts, culture, and historic preservation as
integral parts of the community. Public art and cultural events are essential for
community building, connecting people, and catalyzing creativity within the city. Federal
Way is an inviting place for artists to live and work, which contributes to the overall
desirability and charm of the community. Efforts to learn from and preserve the past
have authentically propelled Federal Way forward, enhancing the city’s character and cultivating a strong sense of community pride.
11.1 BACKGROUND – HISTORICAL CONTEXT
In this chapter, Federal Way's pre-incorporation historical development and cultural
foundations are explored, tracing its evolution from precolonial times, through the transformation of the 1920s, when Federal was linked between the economic hubs of Seattle and Tacoma, to its present-day status as a diverse and vibrant community.
The Puget Sound is a part of a larger area that has been the traditional aboriginal territory of the Coast Salish peoples. The Coast Salish Tribes have lived here since time
immemorial and while each tribe is unique, all share in having a deep historical connection and legacy of respect for the land and natural resources. The land within and around current Federal Way city-limits served as hunting and fishing grounds for the
Muckleshoot and Puyallup Indian tribes. During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries the way of life for the Tribes in the Puget Sound area were greatly impacted by the actions of the Federal Government. The Treaty of Medicine Creek in 1854 granted 2.24 million acres of land to the United States in exchange for the establishment of three reservations, cash payments over a period of twenty years, and recognition of traditional native fishing and hunting rights1. Following these historical land dispositions and the consequential impact on native communities,
the Federal Government assumed a significant role for operating and overseeing Indian boarding schools.
1 Treaty of Medicine Creek, 1854; Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs, https://goia.wa.gov/tribal-
government/treaty-medicine-creek-1854
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St. George’s Catholic Boarding School is one of the 15 Federal Indian Boarding Schools identified in the state of Washington.2 Located along the southern portion of Federal
Way, the boarding school operated from 1888 until 19363. One of the purposes of the St. George’s Indian School was to assimilate Native
American children into Western culture. Children were separated from their families to distance them from their culture and language. Speaking native languages was forbidden as well as eating traditional foods and partaking in ceremony. In 1886 St. George’s Cemetery was established in connection with St. George’s Indian School. St. George’s Cemetery is adjacent to the modern Gethsemane Cemetery. When
I-5 was built, part of the east side of the school property was taken for the interstate. St. George’s Indian School buildings were demolished in 1971, after which the Catholic Church began construction of the present Gethsemane Cemetery. In 1980 the Catholic Church donated the land covering the original St. George’s Cemetery to the Puyallup Tribe of the Puyallup Reservation. Records show that many Indians, nuns, and pioneers were buried in the cemetery until the 1920s. The exact locations of burial plots are largely unknown and the identities of those buried are largely
obscured. Records indicate that non-Native burials were relocated however, records were poorly kept for Native burials, consistent with Indian boarding schools Nation-wide. To this day, many Native families continue to search for their missing relatives, having
never received notice of their deaths or final resting places.
3 Puyallup Tribe of Indians Comprehensive Land Use Plan (2023)
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By the 1860s, non-Native Americans began arriving to the area and by 1880
approximately 50 homesteaders had filed claims in the Greater Federal Way area4. Among the early settlers were notable African American pioneers John and Mary Conna. In 1883, they arrived in Federal Way and settled on their 157-acre homestead near the present location of the King County Aquatic Center on SW Campus Drive5. John Conna, born into slavery in Texas, became a central figure in the early history and development of Washington state. His legacy is significant and was recently recognized with a bus shelter mural in collaboration between King County Metro and Conna’s
descendants.
4 Dan Caster (2008), Images of America Federal Way; Historical Society of Federal Way
5 Helen Lacy (1998) African American Pioneers John and Mary Conna Settle in Federal Way area in 1883; History
Link Essay 262
https://www.historylink.org/File/262#:~:text=Horace%20Cayton%2C%20the%20prominent%20newspaper,%2C%2
0restaurants%2C%20and%20public%20conveyances.
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11.2 HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Historic places and structures are a community touchstone - tangible icons of today’s
connection to the past. Historic preservation includes the recognition and protection of properties and places with historical significance. Cultural resources like vistas, landscapes, artifacts, buildings of historic significance are components of Federal Way’s
foundation. Many are fragile and vulnerable to becoming lost without sufficient attention and protections. Local Tribes, community leaders, professionals, and volunteer organizations are invaluable advocates for preserving and protecting these past
resources. There are three main historic registers for which properties may be eligible. 1. The National Register of Historic Places (or National Register) is an official listing of districts, sites, buildings, structures, landscapes and objects significant in American History, architecture, archaeology, and culture. 2. Washington Heritage Register is intended to give recognition to and encourage protection of places having historic significance in the State of Washington through an honorary designation 3. King County Register of Historic Places is the registry of King County Landmarks which are designated by the King County Landmarks Commission. The City of
Federal Way currently has an agreement with King County for historic preservation services.
From the Washington Heritage Register, a building, site, structure or object must be at least 50 years old to qualify. If newer, the resource should have documented exceptional significance. The resource should have a high to medium level of integrity, i.e. it should
retain important character defining features from its historic period of construction. Fifty years ago, would make any structure built in the mid-1970s potentially eligible for registering.
A number of historic buildings have been identified, preserved and restored through the collaboration of the community and the Historical Society of Federal Way. See the
“Places to Explore” map.
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By the end of the 1950s, the community featured a number of housing areas and a 10-block commercial district with a shopping center and family-oriented theme park. During the 1960s, residential development continued, providing homes to employees of major employers in the region, Boeing and Weyerhaeuser. Retail growth followed, including the construction of SeaTac Mall (now The Commons at Federal Way) in the mid-1970s. The popular Puget Sound area and booming regional economy propelled rapid retail and residential growth in Federal Way, creating significant changes in the community during
the 1970s and 1980s. Desiring controlled, quality growth and community identity, Federal Way residents organized to form what was then Washington's sixth largest city, incorporating in February of 1990.
In 2022 Camp Kilworth was officially recognized as the Federal Way’s first historic site by the King County Landmarks Commission. Camp Kilworth is located northeast of Dash
Point State Park and historically was utilized as a Boy Scout Camp and hosted generations of youth to learn outdoor and nature skills for over 80 years.
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Photo left: Camp Kilworth Photo Right: 1935 Rotary Lodge
11.3 CULTURAL RESOURCES AND IDENTITY
Cultural resource protection is integral to the ancestral and present-day identity of the community. Many cultural resources are associated with the Native American tribes who have stewarded the land since time immemorial. Tribes are sovereign nations, and their cultural resources are protected by treaties. Effective and timely communication and consultation with interested and affected tribes is essential for identifying and protect tribal cultural resources. Federal Way has experienced significant growth and diversification since its
incorporation, transforming from a city with a population of 67,000 to now over 101,000. As the city grew in population, it also grew in the diversity of its demographics. (Refer to Comprehensive Plan Introduction for detailed demographic information).
These changing demographics have inevitably shaped Federal Way's cultural landscape, influencing the types of activities, arts, businesses, and facilities needed to
cater to the diversifying population. Over 36% of the population in Federal Way speak languages other than English alone at
home6. The Federal Way Public School system has identified over 104 languages spoken among students within the district7. Federal Way's demographic shifts, characterized by population growth, racial diversification, and the contributions of foreign-born residents, highlight the dynamic, ever evolving nature of the community. Understanding and supporting these changes in population is vital for fostering cultural richness and inclusivity and for building a community that celebrates diversity and promotes a sense of belonging for all its
residents.
6 U.S. Census Bureau. (2023). DP02, Language Spoken at Home, 5-year 2017-2021.
7 “About Federal Way Public Schools / District Profile.” Accessed November 8, 2022.
https://www.fwps.org/page/http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fwps.org%2Fsite%2Fdefault.aspx%3FPageID%3D2612.
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In 1992, the city established a Diversity Commission. The Commission’s mission is to enrich the lives of all people who live, work, and play in Federal Way by advising and
guiding city government with an equity lens, on policies, procedures, practices and current/emerging issues. The Commission has established the following commitments:
- To partner and serve as conduit to the community for City leadership with the goal to help remove barriers and increase accessibility to City services for our diverse populations.
- To collaborate with City leadership to eliminate all forms of discrimination intentional or non-intentional and help diverse communities be an active part of city growth.
- The Diversity Commission is dedicated to helping Federal Way become a city where all people feel a sense of belonging and where there is equitable access to information and opportunities for all. The city’s Diversity Commission has facilitated and the city has supported a number of events bringing people together, for example the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration. The event has featured art and performances from local youth and
speeches by community leaders. Beyond the outreach and facilitation of the city’s Diversity Commission, Federal Way is home to the Federal Way Korean American Association, a growing footprint of El Centro de la Raza, the Federal Way Black
Collective, and the Pacific Islander Community Association of Washington.
11.4 ARTS IN FEDERAL WAY
Not long after incorporation, the city established the Arts Commission in 1991.The Arts Commission is a nine-member volunteer commission that advises and recommends to the City Council activities related to all aspects of the arts: visual, performing, literary and
cultural. The Federal Way Arts Commission serves to bring free or low cost art opportunities to the community through musical performances, theater, and visual arts festivals. They also aim to provide resources to support local arts organizations.
In addition to creating a Commission dedicated to art, in 1994 the city established a source of funding to expand public art’s presence citywide requiring that 2% of the project budget for qualifying capital projects be dedicated to public art. This measure has led to the installation of public art in the city. Retroactive beautification efforts lead by the Art Commission has also expanded the presence of art throughout the community. Since 2014, Utility boxes throughout Federal Way have been wrapped with vinyl by numerous artists with a vision of making the city more fun and vibrant. Now the city has over 35 boxes wrapped with various themes.
In 2019, the Art Commission partnered with Federal Way Public Schools in an effort to showcase scholars and their art. See the Public Art Collection Map8 for locations.
8 Public Art Collection, http://media.itallhappenshere.org/ArtBook-20b//mobile/index.html#p=1
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The Art Commission is not only responsible for increasing permanent art installations throughout the city, but also organizes various ongoing programs and community events
that support the creative industry. In partnership with Community Based Organizations and utilization of city facilities such as the Performing Arts and Event Center, Arts Alive Juried Art Exhibition and the Arts Explosion Festival have provided local opportunities to
display temporary art and bring the community together. Over the years, the city has invested in several facilities and venues that offer
opportunities to experience and participate in arts and cultural activities. In 1993, the city purchased the 12-acre Dumas Bay Centre, a facility overlooking the Puget Sound with views of the Olympic Mountains. Furnished with spaces for meetings, events, retreats,
and theatrical performances, the Dumas Bay Centre continues to be a treasured community asset and vital for the arts community.
In 2003, the City opened the doors to the Federal Way Community Center and later coined the slogan “It All Happens Here”, as the facility has much to offer. The Federal Way Community Center hosts camps, recreation classes and programing that cater to all ages. The Federal Way Community Center offers over 20 different types of programs for adults and youth living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. There are upwards of 300 people that participate in these programs each year. In addition, there are programs specifically designed to remove barriers and be inclusive to people with all abilities, including the monthly Cultures & Craft Classes and Friendship Theater.
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A major milestone for Federal Way was the creation of the Performing Arts and Event Center (PAEC) that opened in August of 2017. This city facility is guided by the mission “to advance, enhance and enrich performing arts in Federal Way, ensuring the Performing Arts & Event Center is a dynamic regional anchor at the city center with high-quality programs, exceptional service, and education in the arts for youth in our community.” The PAEC is located in the heart of the City Center. See Chapter 7:
Centers for more information.
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11.5 GOALS AND POLICIES
Historic Preservation
ACHP G1 Identify and protect historic and cultural resources throughout the City of Federal Way.
ACHP P1.1 Create, maintain, and expand databases and maps of current and possible historic sites and landmarked sites within the Federal Way area.
ACHP P1.2 Work with property owners to identify historic and cultural resources that should be considered for protection and consider the use of conservation districts to recognize and sustain the character of
well-established residential neighborhoods.
ACHP P1.3 Expand the focus of historic preservation beyond the built and physical environment to include the cultures and stories behind the
resources particularly of historically-marginalized communities.
ACHP P1.4 Consult with local Tribes to consider the application of appropriate protections to address the avoidance of impacting sensitive cultural
resources during property development.
ACHP P1.5 Coordinate with Tribes to protect and mitigate against adverse impacts to cultural resources.
ACHP G2. Promote public awareness and recognition of the value of past, historic resources and properties. ACHP P2.1 Establish a community-informed program for naming public infrastructure, city buildings, and other public places to remember and
honor historical and significant figures from the Federal Way area.
ACHP P2.2 Identify opportunities to support and partner with historical, cultural, and arts organizations to jointly preserve and/or utilize
historic and cultural sites and resources for education, enjoyment, and civic use.
ACHP P2.3 Expand opportunities for cultural exchange, the sharing of
traditions, and celebrations throughout the community.
ACHP P2.4 Work with local Tribes to respectfully acknowledge and continue to learn from the past.
ACHP P2.5 Identify and inventory scenic areas and features within the City which contribute to the overall enjoyment of the community for both residents and visitors.
ACHP P2.6 Evaluate opportunities to preserve and enhance scenic features whenever possible in the development of public projects.
Arts & Culture
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ACHP G3. Increase art’s presence in the City. ACHP P3.1 Ensure highly visible and local destinations incorporate art installments, amenities for performances, and elements for education and beautification.
ACHP P3.2 Increase the frequency and availability of temporary art installations and placemaking opportunities within public and private
spaces and buildings.
ACHP P3.3 Encourage public agencies to incorporate public art and design features on above grade infrastructure.
ACHP P3.4 Ensure panelists involved in public art selection and procurement processes are representative of community’s diversity and that Federal Way heritage, history, ethnic and cultural diversity are involved in public art projects.
ACHP P3.5 Encourage the utilization of the arts as an inclusive and accessible tool for conducting city-initiated community outreach and engagement for publicly-funded projects.
ACHP P3.6 Encourage volunteer opportunities within city programing around arts and culture.
ACHP P3.7 Provide opportunities for arts, cultural, and historic preservation
organizations to be represented on city advisory committees.
ACHP G4. Support an environment for artists to thrive
ACHP P4.1 Promote Federal Way as a welcoming and inclusive destination
for artists, creative professionals and cultural organizations through removing barriers and expanding opportunities to showcase and spread awareness of the creative industry.
ACHP P4.2 Evaluate processes, procedures, and policies for temporary events hosted at city facilities to reduce barriers for community and
cultural events.
ACHP P4.3 Ensure diversity of art expression is available among public art installations and venues to embrace a variety of artists, sites, disciplines and media.
ACHP P4.4 Support communication among artists, creative professionals, cultural organizations and the business community to increase awareness and promote relationship building,
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Community Character ACHP G5. Ensure Federal Way is an inclusive, welcoming place that promotes a strong sense of community pride. ACHP P5.1 Continue to offer opportunities for cultural exchange and community building at city-sponsored events.
ACHP P5.2 Expand programs, city-wide events, and signage that celebrate the city’s cultural diversity and enlivens public spaces, builds community and enriches lives.
ACHP P5.3 Ensure city functions, facilities and events are accessible and inclusive of the diverse cultures in the community, including but not limited to the language, culturally-appropriate food and beverage (e.g.
Halal, non-pork, vegetarian, vegan).
ACHP G6. Promote an authentic city with interesting and community serving public spaces.
ACHP P6.1 Consider refining architectural design standards to integrate features that reflect and celebrate the historic and cultural context of the Federal Way.
ACHP P6.2 Expand community markers at city boundaries located at city limit lines, highly traveled areas, and local destinations throughout the community.
ACHP P6.3 Promote and expand distinctive gateway features throughout the city establishing clear community signatures.
ACHP P6.4 Expand the system of incentives, tools and regulations that encourage investment in and maintenance of public/private facilities.
ACHP G6.5 Promote the design of public buildings and public spaces that contribute to the unique sense of community and a sense of place.
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Staff Report
DATE: March 26, 2024
TO: Federal Way Planning Commission
FROM: Tanja Carter, Economic Development Director Keith Niven, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Briefing – Economic Development Chapter
BACKGROUND The Economic Development Chapter is an expanded chapter in Federal Way’s Comprehensive Plan that provides an overview of economic development initiatives within Federal Way. It aims to highlight the significance of these elements in shaping the identity of the community, including outreach to put Federal Way on the map.
CHAPTER FORMAT The Economic Development chapter sets a vision for the city and provides the framework to guide planning,
programming and policy direction related to businesses and economic development.
The format is as follows:
•Introduction & Vision section provides the context and purpose for the chapter and sets the aspirations tobe realized by 2044.
•Employment section explores the forecasting for job development within the City to be in compliancewith the Growth Management Act, Puget Sound Regional Council and the King County CountywidePlanning Policies.
•Business Retention & Expansion section explores the strategy behind the promotion of business growth,capital investment, and job creation.
•Business Attraction section explores the strategy behind attracting a new corporate headquarters to theCity.
•Economic Gardening section promotes growing the City’s economy from within and entrepreneurialsupport.
•Placemaking & Sister City Coordination section provides insight to creating a healthcare-hub withinFederal Way to attract new residents that live and work in Federal Way, while simultaneously increasingcultural bonds through the diverse population of Federal Way.
•Tourism section highlights the current tourism offerings and the efforts to increase tourism from currentresidents and visitors.
•Goals & Policies section outlines the high-level action items needed to advance the chapter initiatives.
GOALS AND POLICIES SUMMARY The following table summarizes the intent of proposed Economic Development goals and the policies and how they
have changed since last presented to Planning Commission in December 2022.
33325 8th Avenue South Federal Way, WA 98003-6325 253-835-2412
www.cityoffederalway.com Jim Ferrell, Mayor
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IMPLEMENTATION Staff anticipate briefing the Planning Commission on updated goals and policies section at the June 5 Planning Commission meeting.
ATTACHMENTS 1. Draft Economic Development Chapter
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CHAPTER FOUR – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
4.0 INTRODUCTION
Economic Development is the creation of wealth from which community benefits are realized. It is more than a jobs program, it’s an investment in growing the local economy and enhancing the prosperity and quality of life for all residents.
Economic development is a concerted effort on the part of the city to influence the direction of private sector investment toward opportunities that can lead to sustained economic growth. Sustained economic growth can provide sufficient incomes for the local labor force, profitable business opportunities for employers and tax revenues for maintaining an infrastructure to support this continued growth. There is no alternative to private sector investment as the engine for economic growth, but there are many public initiatives that can support and encourage investments where the community feels they are needed the most.
Economic development is purely and simply the creation of wealth in which community benefits are created. Federal Way recognizes five primary approaches to enhance local economic development. They are:
Business Retention and Expansion – providing support and assistance to existingbusinesses
Business Attraction – attracting new business
New Business Creation – encouraging the growth of new businesses
Placemaking – investing in community assets, inspiration, and potential with theintention of creating public spaces that promote people's health, happiness, andwell-being.
Tourism – according to the World Bank, is estimated to contribute approximately10 percent of global gross domestic product (GDP), and to is the largestcontributor to employment worldwide.
Based on the City’s Economic Development Strategy (Some Assembly Required, 2015), its mission is “to produce solutions to attract and retain businesses, jobs, and investments, along with improving the tax base and enhancing the quality of life in Federal Way.” This Chapter identifies the Goals, Policies and Actions the City should take to help guide Economic Development over the next 20 years.
4.1 EMPLOYMENT
The City’s comprehensive plan is required to be consistent with the Growth Management Act (GMA), Puget Sound Regional Council goals and policies of Vision 2050, and the King County Countywide Planning Policies (CPPs). As part of the Planning process, the city is given Growth Targets for Housing and Employment. These Targets are forecasts that come to each county from the Washington Office of Financial Management. King
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County then goes through a process to allocate the county totals to the cities and unincorporated portions of King County. For the last growth period (2006-2035), Federal Way was forecast to grow by 14,268 jobs. The forecast for the 2024-2044 period is 20,460. The 2006 to 2018 actual growth and the forecast of the new jobs is illustrated in Figure ED-1. Figure ED-1 (Employment Growth Target)
Sources: Job Growth – WA ESD, GMA Targets – King County. Actual Forecast 1 (2006-2035) Forecast 2 (2024-2044)
2006 31,616 31,616
2018 31,148 36,588
2021 31,618 41,560 31,618
2035 46,352 41,848
2044 52,078
Much of the reason for the modest increase in employment over the previous pPlanning cycles is due to the exodus of the Weyerhaeuser corporate headquarters to Seattle. Although there have been some recent employment gains (notably: DaVita, Smith Brothers, Pape, and All-City Fence), the City will need to reassess its strategies moving forward if it expects to reach its Target of growing over 14,000 new jobs in the City in the next 20 years. In looking at the current clusters of jobs in the City (Figure ED-2), Healthcare, Education, and Retail are the top 3 employment sectors in the City.
Commented [TC1]: The following chart & graph will be updated with latest GMA requirements later in the year
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Figure ED-2 (Employment Sectors) Industry Jobs % of Total
Healthcare & Social Assistance 5,511 17% Educational Services 5,169 16% Retail Trade 3,808 12% Government 3,304 10% Accommodation & Food Services 3,224 10% Arts, Entertainment, Recreation 2,745 9% Administrative & Support 1,147 4% Management 1,032 3% Finance & Insurance 1,022 3% Construction 1,001 3% Professional, Scientific & Tech Services 935 3%
Wholesale Trade 645 2%
Real Estate 635 2%
Other 1,440 5%
Total 31,618 100%
Source: WA ESD
4.2 BUSINESS RETENTION & EXPANSION
Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) is an economic development strategy that promotes business growth, capital investment, and job creation by connecting local business owners with the resources they need to stay in the city, grow and succeed. Although BRE tends to fall in the shadow of business attraction; BRE is more effective at addressing fundamental growth and sustaining a healthy local economy. This is due to: a larger percentage of local businesses as an economic base over relocating businesses, the local economy being driven mainly by existing business, and the cost of retaining an existing business being much less (~5 to 25 times less) than attracting a new business. BRE is therefore the backbone of the City’s economic development strategy. BRE in practice, requires proactively connecting with existing businesses to understand and respond to their needs. Those connections identify issues, and provide increased opportunities to help existing businesses expand or, if they are at risk of closing or relocating, stay open and stay in the community. Too often the sudden closing of a long-time business surprises residents and local officials alike who assume a business is doing fine simply because the doors remain open each day. 4.3 BUSINESS ATTRACTION
When Weyerhaeuser moved its corporate headquarters to Seattle in 2014, Federal Way lost its largest employer and approximately 1,500 jobs (Seattle PI). The campus was sold to IRG and warehousing/distribution facilities have since been built on a portion of the property.
Commented [TC2]: We will update numbers later in 2024 to be as timely & accurate before publication
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Trying to attract a new corporate headquarters to our community is resource intensive and competitive. “Evidence suggests that Fortune 500 corporations tend to grow and stay in place, while smaller companies are more likely to make a headquarters move. But every year, a few major companies make the news with a headquarters announcement such as Boeing’s move to Chicago.” (Whittaker Associates) A focused and targeted approach is needed to identify and generate potential business investment leads. There are generally-accepted steps for successful business attraction efforts. These steps include: 1) Economic Development Website 2) Community and Economic Development Brand 3) Develop a List of Companies to Target 4) Contact Prospective Investors 5) Maintain Relationships with Prospective Investors Although the City currently has an Economic Development page within the city’s existing website; the Economic Development Department is auditing competitor citys’ websites in order to develop a new website with appropriate data for site selectors and businesses seeking to relocate.website, the page could use some additional data regarding the City and the local business climate. In addition to refreshing the City’s webpage, Steps 2-5 would need commitment from the City for Federal Way are being built into a sustainable strategy which the Economic Development department will execute in order to compete with other communities for landing a relocatinged business. 4.4 ECONOMIC GARDENING
Economic gardening is an entrepreneurial approach to economic development that seeks to grow the local economy from within. Its premise is that local entrepreneurs and microbusinesses create the companies that bring new wealth and economic growth to a region in the form of jobs, increased revenues, and a vibrant local business sector. Economic gardening seeks to focus on growing and nurturing start-up and small local businesses. To support the entrepreneurial community, a network of resources and partners needs is being built to be built to provide access to tools, knowledge, and experience that students and entrepreneurs need to go from idea to working business in a successful, sustainable manner. Creating a network and Building an ecosystem that provides access to: knowledge and experience,; access to finance and funding opportunities; and, access to as well as low-cost space is vital to the success of small and fledgling entrepreneurial start up businesses. 4.5 PLACEMAKING & Sister City Coordination
As the global economy has evolved by adding with an increasing number of technology-based and knowledge-sector jobs, cities have redeveloped expanded their economic development strategies from solely focusing on transportation access, low costs, tax incentives, etc. to including the attraction of multi-generational talent by becoming desirable places to live. (Source: Michigan State University, 2015). Because these
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workers are mobile and in high demand, they often decide to live and work in communities with a high quality of place. “Communities across the country are under pressure to identify the trends, tools and tactics that will help retain existing workers and attract new talent to help ease employer hiring challenges and demonstrate capacity to attract new investment. Talent continues to prioritize quality of life as an initial motivating factor causing them to begin to consider relocation, indicating that “The Great Reflection” — the effect of the pandemic upending our traditional notions of work and life — has had lasting impacts. Now more than ever, talent is prioritizing the ability to live (and afford) a full life outside of work over the “hustle culture” of the past.” (Development Counsellors International)
EDRP, International Economic Development Council “Place Matters” According to recent studies of 25- to 34-year old, college-educated workers-, the following factors were considered as part of their decisions to move and seek employmentnew employment decision: Elements of Quality Places:
Mixed uses
Public spaces
Broadband
Multiple mobility options
Multiple housing options
Preservation of historic structures
Community heritage
Arts, culture, creativity
Recreation & entertainment
Green spaces Source: International Economic Development Council, 2017. Some key roles of Economic Development department in the development of placemaking in the City are: providing leadership in sharing the City’s placemaking vision with local, regional and national stakeholders and partners; strengthening the City’s brand in BRE, attraction, workforce development and tourism promotion; and facilitating or initiating real estate development projects. The City’s sister cities program has a long-standing history within the community and due to Federal Way being designated as a top ten most diverse city in the USA – these
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relationships are highly productive and contribute especially to placemaking efforts due to the contribution of cultural resources, partnerships and enhanced sense of place. These international relationships also open Federal Way to new opportunities in community building, diplomatic relationships, civic engagement, cultural exchange and new business. 4.6 TOURISM According to the Washington Tourism Alliance, in 2019 (prior to declines directly resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic), Washington State had a total of 110 million visitors, and direct visitor spending totaled $21.9 billion. On average, visitors spent $60 million per day in Washington State. Tourism has been long regarded as a vibrant and somewhat simple economic development tool. Visitors arrive, spend money on food, retail shopping, accommodations, attractions, and then head home. To capitalize on this revenue-generating activity, the City needs tois working to understand why people are visiting Federal Way; and, how to increase the number of these visitors. Although day trips excursions and local adventures such as hiking through the West Hylebos Wetlands Park or visiting Dash Point State Park represent a valuable tourism activity, also understanding what brings people to stay in a hotel in the City is a good way to better understand why people are visiting Federal Way. A 2021 study funded by the City (Proposed Federal Way Hotel, HVS Consulting & Valuation), identified the hotel stays in Federal Way were comprised of Commercial (business travelers) at 43%, Groups (family reunions, sporting or entertainment events, company trainings, etc.) at 24%, and Leisure (those visiting or passing thru the area) at 33%. From the study cited above, business travel represents the largest group of hotel stays in Federal Way. These travelers chose Federal Way either because of businesses located in the City, or those located in nearby communities. The sector that represented the lowest cohort were groups visiting the City for some family, work, or event activity. To increase tourism in the City, this would be the sector that could be targeted by hosting additional sporting events, festivals, etc. As for current tourism assets, the following notable attractions draw people to Federal Way: Wild Waves and Enchanted Village The largest theme park in western Washington, Wild Waves offers a variety of rides and amusements. The water park includes river rides, a maze of water slides, a wave pool, and more. Enchanted Village, the theme park section of Wild Waves, has an array of rides for families, kids, and thrill seekers. All summer long, visitors can stop by the Enchanted Village Stage for special entertainment like live Magic and Mad Science Experiment shows. King County Aquatic Center The Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatics Center was constructed for the 1990 Goodwill Games. It has hosted US Olympic Diving Team Trials in 2000 and 2012, NCAA championships, PAC-12 conference championships, USA Swimming Winter National championships and Speedo Junior National championships.
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Celebration Park The facility includes: batting fields with evening lights, bleachers, restroom and concession building, total of eight soccer and baseball fields with evening lights, children’s play structure, trails and pathways connecting to the BPA Trails System and parking for 493 vehicles. Pacific Bonsai Museum One of only two museums in the United States solely dedicated to bonsai, and one of only a handful of bonsai museums worldwide, Pacific Bonsai Museum maintains a collection of 150 bonsai that are among the finest examples of bonsai anywhere in the world. The collection is also the most geographically diverse bonsai collection in the United States, with trees from Canada, China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and the United States. Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden is home the largest collection of Rhododendron species in the world. Visitors experience a diverse botanical collection in a forest of Douglas fir, western red cedar, hemlock and other native plants. The garden is also home to beautiful companion plants, including the famous Himalayan Blue Poppies, Camellias, Magnolias, Japanese maples, and many rare plants. PowellsWood Garden Combines a lush pleasure garden and native woodland within a roughly 40-acre nature preserve. Dumas Bay Centre & Knutzen Family Theatre Dumas Bay has three light-filled meeting and banquet rooms, each with stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, plus a few interior meeting rooms for groups or breakouts. For overnight stays, there are 68 bedrooms plus one fully contained suite. Built in 1998, the Theatre provides a venue for professional theatre and the symphony. The theater seats 234 and has shown plays, musicals, and music performers. The Preforming Arts and Event Center (PAEC) The Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center represents a new caliber of event space in South King County. It boasts state-of-the-art acoustics, two audience floors totaling over 700 seat capacity, removable orchestra shell, chorus risers, and marley dance floor. Dash Point State Park At nearly 400 acres with over 3,300 feet of saltwater shoreline, Dash Point State Park is the ideal location for outdoor fun. This park with camping and nearby trails gives visitors access to hiking, fishing, picnicking, and swimming. Dash Point has unobstructed views of Puget Sound and offers visitors the chance to observe the marine life of the Pacific Northwest.
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4.7 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GOALS & POLICIES
This section contains the goals and policies of the Economic Development Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. Goals EDG 1 Support an equitable and strong local economy with opportunities for all to prosper. Promote and create a sustainable, diversified and globally focused economy. EDP 131.1 Support existing industrial employers and the addition of new industrial targeted employers that contribute to the diversity of the City’s employment base and support other industries in the City. EDP 31.2 In conjunction with the local business community, including the Chamber of Commerce and cultural and ethnic community groups, , actively pursue ties to Pacific Rim nations and living-wage employersbusinesses to stimulate related business activitysupport the local economy. EDP 1.3 Develop an environment that fosters respect for all individuals and groups and promotes equitable employment opportunities. EDP 1.4 Ensure the development of local economic development programing is inclusive, accessible, culturally appropriate and serves the diverse community. EDG 2 Help attract, expand, and retain businesses, jobs, and investments that provide employment and enhance income opportunities for Federal Way residents. EDP 52.1 Promote the continued diversification and sustainability of the local economy and expand employment opportunities for residents. EDP 2.2 Establish and execute business, investor, developer attraction programs to maintain active pipelines EDP 2.3 Conduct regular business outreach and create programs to support business needs they identify. EDP 2.4 Support organizations and programs that provide technical assistance to businesses EDP 2.5 Develop sales and promotion programs to educate and sell Federal Way as a City to live, work and play in. EDG 3 Work with the Weyerhaeuser Corporation for reuse of the Weyerhaeuser Corporate Campus to provide jobs for the next generation.Invest in placemaking spaces and community amenities to help attract businesses to Federal Way.
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EDP 263.1 Actively work to facilitate joint public/private funding of infrastructure and public spaces. EDP 303.2 Build out the Town Center with a mix of uses such as the Preforming Arts and Events Center (PAEC), public park, and a mix of residential, commercial, office, educational, and civic uses. EDP 3.3 Biennially invest in appropriate data analytics reports or placemaking studies such as absorption studies, retail leakage studies, talent attraction reports, industry analyses or similar to regularly monitor and measure economic wellbeing and adjust programs as needed. EDG 4 Build a brand to pPromote Federal Way as a business-friendly community. and enhance the image of Federal Way. EDP 114.1 Continue to pursue aggressive public safety programs designed to protect residents, businesses, and their investments. EDP 124.2 Continue to provide a business-friendly tax structure with no business and occupation tax or employee head tax. as well as regularly researching and developing additional business incentives. EDP 194.3 Continue to manage an economic development web page that promotes business and development opportunities within the community;, provides an interactive database of information of value to site selectors, businesses, and developers,; and, involves the participation ofprovides connections to the Federal Way Chamber and other business-oriented stakeholder groupslocal resources. EDP 4.4 Promote local businesses and locally-produced goods and services. EDP 4.5 Continue to develop local, regional and national marketing programs to actively change and improve the perception of Federal Way EDG 5 Ensure educational and training opportunities exist to align with future job growth. EDPG 65.1 Formulate tools and systems to eEncourage Develop and enhance support entrepreneurship opportunities and the growth of local microbusinesses. EDP 5.2 Establish programs to build workforce pipelines between businesses and educational institutions EDG 76 Emphasize redevelopment that transforms the City from a suburban bedroom community to a diverse, jobs-rich urban center.
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EDP 96.1 Continue to utilize design guidelines and other tools to enhance the urban built environment in order to retain and attract businesses and residents. EDP 326.2 Continue to implement high-quality urban design standards for these areas. EDP 6.3 Work with commercial property owners to understand their goals and needs; and collaborate on visioning and future redevelopment of their properties. EDG8 Encourage concentration of non-residential development into five primary areas:
• High-density mixed-use development in the City Center
• High-quality low/mid-rise mixed-use development in the Twin Lakes Commercial Sub-area.
• A mix of commercial, office, retail, and light industrial development in the area around 348th and SR-99 and around the I-5/SR 18 interchanges.
• High-quality office park development, including corporate headquarters, continued in and around West Campus. • High-quality commercial development, including corporate headquarters in a park-like campus in East Campus and the Weyerhaeuser Campus. EDG 97 Encourage and support the development of recreational and cultural facilities and/or events that will bring additional visitors to Federal Way, and increase visitor spendingattract new residents. EDP 357.1 Recognize the importance ofSupport and facilitate local cultural and regional recreational activities. y to the economy, and through the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, Arts Commission, and Parks Department pursue joint ventures with private groups and individuals in developing cultural and recreational opportunities in Federal Way. EDP 367.2 Encourage the expansion of existing and development of new multi-purpose facilities to host cultural and recreational activities, and continue to work with the lodging providers in order to increase the number of visitors to Federal Way, thus increasing visitor spending. EDP 7.3 Recognize a quality-built environment with civic amenities helps attract the talented workers who will sustain economic growth. EDG 8 Encourage cooperative partnerships to address the economic expansion of the City. EDP 88.1 Promote the redevelopment of existing underdeveloped areas as a means to sustain the economy and provide jobsemployment opportunities. EDP 208.2 Continue to market the community for, and encourage development of, businesses in the high-tech sector. This effort will include exploration of regulatory and/or financial incentives to attract high-tech businesses and collaboration with regional communities, businesses, and local institutions of higher education to promote Federal Way and South King County.
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EDP 298.3 Actively eEncourage redevelopment of the City Center and the creation of a vibrant Downtown. EDP 318.4 Work with the local real-estate community to reoccupy market and promote the vacanciest in the office buildings in West Campus. EDP 348.5 Explore innovative financing techniques such as Local Improvement Districts, Industrial Revenue Bonds, New Market Tax Credits, and other innovative financing tools to encourage desired redevelopment. EDP 8.6 Support investment in educational, technical, and vocational programs that enhance the local skilled workforce. EDP 8.7 Create opportunities for local entrepreneurs to learn from and engage with business development organizations including local and federals programs. EDP 8.8 Strengthen Federal Way’s regional reputation and existing economic base through development of the City as a healthcare innovation hub or healthcare continuum city. This entails diversifying the existing healthcare industry through tangential and supportive businesses such as: medical supply chain, medical schools, aging in place services, medical tech and workforce education. EDP 8.9 Continue to assess regional, state and national priorities and initiatives to find areas of synergy and opportunities to strengthen the City’s economic base against economic downturns. EDP 8.10 Maintain industry memberships and participate in industry organizational events to ensure Federal Way is recognized as an strong economic partner both regionally and nationally EDG 9 Enhance the economic future of the community by encouraging the creation of new housing and jobs that provide a livable wage and reduce income disparity. EDP 79.1 Diversify the economic base by encouraging higher payingliving wage white collar and technical jobs while preserving and enhancing the strong retail base. EDP 9.2 Facilitate development opportunities for diverse housing options and active mixed-use neighborhoods as magnets for attracting an educated and talented workforce. EDG 10 Implement infrastructure projects that support new and existing business and that reinforce the City Center’s position as the heart of the community. EDP 10.1 Emphasize Establish and promote economic development activities in the City Center to work towards being recognized as a major regional economic center and retail lifestyle destination. EDP 10.2 Use capital facility funds to promote economic vitality in those areas designated for economic development, concentrations of employment, or mixed-use.
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EDG 11 Work with Federal Way property owners, educational institutions, businesses, and future businesses, to provide jobs for the next generation. EDP 2111.1 Actively Support opportunities for employee training and higher education opportunities in Federal Way. promote the continued diversification and sustainability of the local economy along with education opportunities through a “University Initiative.” EDP 2411.2 Consider opportunities to partner with local human-service organizations in providing human resources developmentemployment training programs and job fairs for unemployed or under-employed workers. EDP 11.3 Support and participate in regional economic development planning with the public and private sectors. EDP 11.4 Partner with community agencies and organizations to address income equity and employment opportunities within the local economy. EDG 12 Promote a comprehensive approach working with City departments and business owners to strengthen the City’s business districts as clean, walkable, safe, and attractive environments. EDP 12.1 Maintain a business climate that supports the retention and expansion of the city’s economic base. EDP 12.2 Promote infrastructure projects that enhance the city’s quality of life and business climate. EDP 12.3 Collaborate with and educate city departments, property and business owners on economic development goals and initiatives in order to gain support. This includes local, regional and national, public or private or non-profit entities EDP 12.4 Establish four business districts in the city (north, south east, west) to create a sense of business community, brand and personality. The districts also serve as a way to convene businesses and disseminate or collect information EDG 13 Explore models for expediting the permitting process for targeted projects to improve permitting timelines and predictability for applicants. EDP 1013.1 Continue to implement a streamlined permitting process consistent with state and federal regulations to reduce the upfront costs of locating businesses or redeveloping businesses in the City and seek ways to make the process more applicant friendly. EDP 2513.2 Implement zoning and provide financial incentives that encourage prioritized development consistent with comprehensive and subarea plans and orderly, phased growth.
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Policies EDP 1 Cooperate with the federal, state, and region’s public jurisdictions and private entities on matters of individual interest including: economic, social and environmental issues. EDP 2 Periodically monitor local and regional trends to be able to adjust plans, policies, and programs. EDP 4 Actively recruit new employers to the City. EDP 6 Provide a better balance between housing and jobs by increasing the number of jobs within the City relative to the number of households. EDP 14 Be proactive in attracting commercial development with high paying jobs to locate at the Weyerhaeuser Campus. EDP 15 Consider allowing a wider range of uses in response to market conditions at the Weyerhaeuser Campus. EDP 16 Provide and work with partners, such as the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce, to ensure effective and efficient services to residents, businesses and visitors in the effort to become a “Premier City in the Puget Sound region” EDP 17 Promote the community by working with the Federal Way Chamber and the private sector to develop marketing tools that attract new businesses, visitors, and investments. EDP 18 Fund the public portion of public/private groups to allow the groups to do an effective job in marketing the community. EDP 22 Strive to create working partnerships with institutions of higher education in order to encourage and support their location, expansion and further integration within the Federal Way economy, and identify and exploit increasing opportunities for economic development. EDP 23 Recruit a university branch campus to locate in the downtown close to the transit center, and other civic and urban amenities. EDP 27 Actively work with representative groups of business and property owners, including the Federal Way Chamber and other local business associations, to enhance citywide and subarea improvements and planning. EDP 28 Continue to look for opportunities to assimilate land in the City Center in order to achieve the community’s vision for that area.
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EDP 33 Continue to utilize the SEPA Planned Action for the City Center so that compliant development proposals may receive permit approvals with a minimum of environmental review. 4.8 MAPS
The Major Employment Centers Map (Map ED-1) graphically displays the portions of the City where employment concentrations should occur.
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CHAPTER FOUR – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
4.0 INTRODUCTION
Economic Development is the creation of wealth from which community benefits are realized. It is more than a jobs program, it’s an investment in growing the local economy
and enhancing the prosperity and quality of life for all residents.
Economic development is a concerted effort on the part of the city to influence the direction of private sector investment toward opportunities that can lead to sustained economic growth. Sustained economic growth can provide sufficient incomes for the local labor force, profitable business opportunities for employers and tax revenues for maintaining an infrastructure to support this continued growth. There is no alternative to private sector investment as the engine for economic growth, but there are many public initiatives that can support and encourage investments where the community feels they are needed the most.
Economic development is purely and simply the creation of wealth in which community benefits are created. Federal Way recognizes five primary approaches to enhance local
economic development. They are:
Business Retention and Expansion – providing support and assistance to existingbusinesses
Business Attraction – attracting new business
New Business Creation – encouraging the growth of new businesses
Placemaking – investing in community assets, inspiration, and potential with the
intention of creating public spaces that promote people's health, happiness, andwell-being.
Tourism – according to the World Bank, is estimated to contribute approximately
10 percent of global gross domestic product (GDP), and is the largest contributorto employment worldwide.
Based on the City’s Economic Development Strategy (Some Assembly Required, 2015), its mission is “to produce solutions to attract and retain businesses, jobs, and investments, along with improving the tax base and enhancing the quality of life in Federal Way.” This Chapter identifies the Goals, Policies and Actions the City should take to help guide Economic Development over the next 20 years.
4.1 EMPLOYMENT
The City’s comprehensive plan is required to be consistent with the Growth Management Act (GMA), Puget Sound Regional Council goals and policies of Vision 2050, and the
King County Countywide Planning Policies (CPPs). As part of the Planning process, the city is given Growth Targets for Housing and Employment. These Targets are forecasts that come to each county from the Washington Office of Financial Management. King
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County then goes through a process to allocate the county totals to the cities and unincorporated portions of King County. For the last growth period (2006-2035), Federal
Way was forecast to grow by 14,268 jobs. The forecast for the 2024-2044 period is 20,460. The 2006 to 2018 actual growth and the forecast of the new jobs is illustrated in Figure ED-1.
Figure ED-1 (Employment Growth Target)
Sources: Job Growth – WA ESD, GMA Targets – King County. Actual Forecast 1
(2006-2035)
Forecast 2
(2024-2044)
2006 31,616 31,616
2018 31,148 36,588
2021 31,618 41,560 31,618
2035 46,352 41,848
2044 52,078
Much of the reason for the modest increase in employment over the previous planning cycles is due to the exodus of the Weyerhaeuser corporate headquarters to Seattle. Although there have been some recent employment gains (notably: DaVita, Smith Brothers, Pape, and All-City Fence), the City will need to reassess
its strategies moving forward if it expects to reach its Target of growing over 14,000 new jobs in the City in the next 20 years. In looking at the current clusters of jobs in the City (Figure ED-2), Healthcare, Education, and Retail are the top 3 employment sectors in the City.
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Figure ED-2 (Employment Sectors)
Industry Jobs % of Total
Healthcare & Social Assistance 5,511 17% Educational Services 5,169 16%
Retail Trade 3,808 12%
Government 3,304 10%
Accommodation & Food Services 3,224 10%
Arts, Entertainment, Recreation 2,745 9% Administrative & Support 1,147 4% Management 1,032 3% Finance & Insurance 1,022 3%
Construction 1,001 3%
Professional, Scientific & Tech Services 935 3%
Wholesale Trade 645 2%
Real Estate 635 2%
Other 1,440 5%
Total 31,618 100%
Source: WA ESD
4.2 BUSINESS RETENTION & EXPANSION
Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) is an economic development strategy that promotes business growth, capital investment, and job creation by connecting local business owners with the resources they need to stay in the city, grow and succeed. Although BRE tends to fall in the shadow of business attraction; BRE is more effective at addressing fundamental growth and sustaining a healthy local economy. This is due to: a larger percentage of local businesses as an economic base over relocating businesses, the local economy being driven mainly by existing business, and the cost of retaining an existing business being much less (~5 to 25 times less) than attracting a new business. BRE is therefore the backbone of the City’s economic development strategy. BRE in practice, requires proactively connecting with existing businesses to understand
and respond to their needs. Those connections identify issues, and provide increased opportunities to help existing businesses expand or, if they are at risk of closing or relocating, stay open and stay in the community. Too often the sudden closing of a long-
time business surprises residents and local officials alike who assume a business is doing fine simply because the doors remain open each day. 4.3 BUSINESS ATTRACTION
When Weyerhaeuser moved its corporate headquarters to Seattle in 2014, Federal Way lost its largest employer and approximately 1,500 jobs (Seattle PI). The campus was sold to IRG and warehousing/distribution facilities have since been built on a portion of the property.
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Trying to attract a new corporate headquarters to our community is resource intensive
and competitive. “Evidence suggests that Fortune 500 corporations tend to grow and stay in place, while smaller companies are more likely to make a headquarters move. But every year, a few major companies make the news with a headquarters announcement
such as Boeing’s move to Chicago.” (Whittaker Associates) A focused and targeted approach is needed to identify and generate potential business investment leads. There are generally-accepted steps for successful business attraction efforts. These steps
include: 1) Economic Development Website 2) Community and Economic Development Brand 3) Develop a List of Companies to Target 4) Contact Prospective Investors 5) Maintain Relationships with Prospective Investors Although the City currently has an Economic Development page within the city’s
existing website; the Economic Development Department is auditing competitor cities websites in order to develop a new website with appropriate data for site selectors and businesses seeking to relocate. In addition to refreshing the City’s webpage, Steps 2-5 are
being built into a sustainable strategy which the Economic Development department will execute in order to compete with other communities for landing a relocating business. 4.4 ECONOMIC GARDENING
Economic gardening is an entrepreneurial approach to economic development that seeks
to grow the local economy from within. Its premise is that local entrepreneurs and microbusinesses create the companies that bring new wealth and economic growth to a region in the form of jobs, increased revenues, and a vibrant local business sector. Economic gardening seeks to focus on growing and nurturing start-up and small local businesses. To support the entrepreneurial community, a network of resources and partners is being built to be built to provide access to tools, knowledge, and experience that students and
entrepreneurs need to go from idea to working business in a successful, sustainable manner. Creating a network and Building an ecosystem that provides access to: knowledge and experience, finance and funding opportunities; and, access to as well as
low-cost space is vital to the success of small and fledgling entrepreneurial startup businesses.
4.5 PLACEMAKING & Sister City Coordination
As the global economy has evolved by adding with an increasing number of technology-based and knowledge-sector jobs, cities have redeveloped expanded their economic development strategies from solely focusing on transportation access, low costs, tax incentives, etc. to including the attraction of multi-generational talent by becoming desirable places to live. (Source: Michigan State University, 2015). Because these workers are mobile and in high demand, they often decide to live and work in communities with a high quality of place.
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“Communities across the country are under pressure to identify the trends, tools and tactics that will help retain existing workers and attract new talent to help ease employer hiring challenges and demonstrate capacity to attract new investment. Talent continues to prioritize quality of life as an initial motivating factor causing them to begin to consider relocation, indicating that “The Great Reflection” — the effect of the pandemic upending
our traditional notions of work and life — has had lasting impacts. Now more than ever, talent is prioritizing the ability to live (and afford) a full life outside of work over the “hustle culture” of the past.” (Development Counsellors International)
EDRP, International Economic Development Council “Place Matters”
According to recent studies of 25- to 34-year old college-educated workers- the following factors were considered as part of their decisions to move and seek new employment
decision: Elements of Quality Places:
Mixed uses
Public spaces
Broadband
Multiple mobility options
Multiple housing options
Preservation of historic structures
Community heritage
Arts, culture, creativity
Recreation & entertainment
Green spaces Source: International Economic Development Council, 2017. Some key roles of Economic Development department in the development of
placemaking in the City are: providing leadership in sharing the City’s placemaking vision with local, regional and national stakeholders and partners; strengthening the City’s brand in BRE, attraction, workforce development and tourism promotion; and facilitating or initiating real estate development projects. The City’s sister cities program has a long-standing history within the community and due to Federal Way being designated as a top ten most diverse city in the USA – these relationships are highly productive and contribute especially to placemaking efforts due
to the contribution of cultural resources, partnerships and enhanced sense of place. These international relationships also open Federal Way to new opportunities in community
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building, diplomatic relationships, civic engagement, cultural exchange and new business.
4.6 TOURISM
According to the Washington Tourism Alliance, in 2019 (prior to declines directly resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic), Washington State had a total of 110 million visitors, and direct visitor spending totaled $21.9 billion. On average, visitors spent $60 million per day in Washington State. Tourism has been long regarded as a vibrant and somewhat simple economic development tool. Visitors arrive, spend money on food, retail shopping, accommodations, attractions, and then head home. To capitalize on this revenue-generating activity, the City is working to understand why people are visiting Federal Way; and, how to increase the number of these visitors.
Although day trips excursions and local adventures such as hiking through the West Hylebos Wetlands Park or visiting Dash Point State Park represent a valuable tourism activity, also understanding what brings people to stay in a hotel in the City is a good way to
better understand why people are visiting Federal Way. A 2021 study funded by the City (Proposed Federal Way Hotel, HVS Consulting & Valuation), identified the hotel stays in Federal Way were comprised of Commercial (business travelers) at 43%, Groups (family
reunions, sporting or entertainment events, company trainings, etc.) at 24%, and Leisure (those visiting or passing thru the area) at 33%.
From the study cited above, business travel represents the largest group of hotel stays in Federal Way. These travelers chose Federal Way either because of businesses located in the City, or those located in nearby communities. The sector that represented the lowest cohort were groups visiting the City for some family, work, or event activity. To increase tourism in the City, this would be the sector that could be targeted by hosting additional sporting events, festivals, etc. As for current tourism assets, the following notable attractions draw people to Federal Way: Wild Waves and Enchanted Village
The largest theme park in western Washington, Wild Waves offers a variety of rides and amusements. The water park includes river rides, a maze of water slides, a wave pool, and more. Enchanted Village, the theme park section of Wild Waves, has an array of rides for
families, kids, and thrill seekers. All summer long, visitors can stop by the Enchanted Village Stage for special entertainment like live Magic and Mad Science Experiment shows.
King County Aquatic Center The Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatics Center was constructed for the 1990 Goodwill Games. It has hosted US Olympic Diving Team Trials in 2000 and 2012, NCAA
championships, PAC-12 conference championships, USA Swimming Winter National championships and Speedo Junior National championships.
Celebration Park The facility includes: batting fields with evening lights, bleachers, restroom and concession building, total of eight soccer and baseball fields with evening lights, children’s play structure, trails and pathways connecting to the BPA Trails System and parking for 493 vehicles.
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Pacific Bonsai Museum
One of only two museums in the United States solely dedicated to bonsai, and one of only a handful of bonsai museums worldwide, Pacific Bonsai Museum maintains a collection of 150 bonsai that are among the finest examples of bonsai anywhere in the world. The
collection is also the most geographically diverse bonsai collection in the United States, with trees from Canada, China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and the United States.
Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden is home the largest collection of Rhododendron species in the world. Visitors experience a diverse botanical collection in a forest of Douglas fir, western red cedar, hemlock and other native plants. The garden is also home to beautiful companion plants, including the famous Himalayan Blue Poppies, Camellias, Magnolias, Japanese maples, and many rare plants. PowellsWood Garden
Combines a lush pleasure garden and native woodland within a roughly 40-acre nature preserve.
Dumas Bay Centre & Knutzen Family Theatre Dumas Bay has three light-filled meeting and banquet rooms, each with stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, plus a few interior meeting rooms for groups or
breakouts. For overnight stays, there are 68 bedrooms plus one fully contained suite. Built in 1998, the Theatre provides a venue for professional theatre and the symphony. The theater seats 234 and has shown plays, musicals, and music performers.
The Preforming Arts and Event Center (PAEC) The Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center represents a new caliber of event space
in South King County. It boasts state-of-the-art acoustics, two audience floors totaling over 700 seat capacity, removable orchestra shell, chorus risers, and marble dance floor. Dash Point State Park At nearly 400 acres with over 3,300 feet of saltwater shoreline, Dash Point State Park is the ideal location for outdoor fun. This park with camping and nearby trails gives visitors access to hiking, fishing, picnicking, and swimming. Dash Point has unobstructed views of Puget Sound and offers visitors the chance to observe the marine life of the Pacific Northwest.
4.7 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GOALS & POLICIES
This section contains the goals and policies of the Economic Development Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. Goals EDG 1 Support an equitable and strong local economy with opportunities for all to prosper.
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EDP 1.1 Support existing employers and the addition of new targeted employers that contribute to the diversity of the City’s employment base and
support other industries in the City. EDP 1.2 In conjunction with the local business community, including the Chamber of Commerce and cultural and ethnic community groups,
actively pursue living-wage employers to support the local economy. EDP 1.3 Develop an environment that fosters respect for all individuals and groups and promotes equitable employment opportunities. EDP 1.4 Ensure the development of local economic development programing is inclusive, accessible, culturally appropriate and serves the diverse community. EDG 2 Help attract, expand, and retain businesses, jobs, and investments that provide employment and enhance income opportunities for Federal Way
residents. EDP 2.1 Promote the continued diversification and sustainability of the local
economy and expand employment opportunities for residents. EDP 2.2 Establish and execute business, investor, developer attraction programs to maintain active pipelines
EDP 2.3 Conduct regular business outreach and create programs to support business needs they identify. EDP 2.4 Support organizations and programs that provide technical
assistance to businesses EDP 2.5 Develop sales and promotion programs to educate and sell Federal Way as a City to live, work and play in.
EDG 3 Invest in placemaking spaces and community amenities to help attract businesses to Federal Way.
EDP 3.1 Actively work to facilitate joint public/private funding of infrastructure and public spaces. EDP 3.2 Build out the Town Center with a mix of uses such as the Preforming
Arts and Event Center (PAEC), public park, and a mix of residential, commercial, office, educational, and civic uses. EDP 3.3 Biennially invest in appropriate data analytics reports or
placemaking studies such as absorption studies, retail leakage studies, talent attraction reports, industry analyses or similar to regularly monitor and measure economic wellbeing and adjust programs as needed.
EDG 4 Promote Federal Way as a business-friendly community. EDP 4.1 Continue to pursue aggressive public safety programs designed to protect residents, businesses, and their investments.
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EDP 4.2 Continue to provide a business-friendly tax structure. as well as regularly researching and developing additional business incentives.
EDP 4.3 Continue to manage an economic development web page that promotes business and development opportunities within the community;
provides an interactive database of information of value to site selectors, businesses, and developers; and, provides connections to the Federal Way Chamber and other business-oriented local resources. EDP 4.4 Promote local businesses and locally-produced goods and services. EDP 4.5 Continue to develop local, regional and national marketing programs to actively change and improve the perception of Federal Way EDG 5 Ensure educational and training opportunities exist to align with future job growth.
EDP 5.1 Encourage Develop and support entrepreneurship opportunities and the growth of local microbusinesses.
EDP 5.2 Establish programs to build workforce pipelines between businesses and educational institutions
EDG 6 Emphasize redevelopment that transforms the City from a suburban bedroom community to a diverse, jobs-rich urban center. EDP 6.1 Continue to utilize design guidelines and other tools to enhance the
built environment in order to retain and attract businesses and residents. EDP 6.2 Continue to implement urban design standards.
EDP 6.3 Work with commercial property owners to understand their goals and needs; and collaborate on visioning and future redevelopment of their properties. EDG 7 Encourage and support the development of recreational and cultural
facilities and/or events that will bring visitors to Federal Way and attract new residents. EDP 7.1 Support and facilitate local cultural and regional recreational activities. EDP 7.2 Encourage the expansion of existing and development of new multi-
purpose facilities to host cultural and recreational activities, and continue to work with the lodging providers in order to increase the number of visitors to Federal Way, thus increasing visitor spending. EDP 7.3 Recognize a quality-built environment with civic amenities helps attract the talented workers who will sustain economic growth. EDG 8 Encourage cooperative partnerships to address the economic expansion of the City.
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EDP 8.1 Promote the redevelopment of existing underdeveloped areas as a
means to sustain the economy and provide employment opportunities. EDP 8.2 Continue to market the community for, and encourage development of, businesses in the high-tech sector. This effort will include exploration
of regulatory and/or financial incentives to attract high-tech businesses and collaboration with regional communities, businesses, and local institutions of higher education to promote Federal Way and South
King County. EDP 8.3 Actively encourage redevelopment of the City Center and the creation of a vibrant Downtown. EDP 8.4 Work with the local real-estate community to market and promote vacancies in the office buildings in West Campus. EDP 8.5 Explore innovative financing techniques to encourage desired redevelopment. EDP 8.6 Support investment in educational, technical, and vocational programs
that enhance the local skilled workforce. EDP 8.7 Create opportunities for local entrepreneurs to learn from and engage with business development organizations including local and federals
programs. EDP 8.8 Strengthen Federal Way’s regional reputation and existing economic base through development of the City as a healthcare innovation hub or
healthcare continuum city. This entails diversifying the existing healthcare industry through tangential and supportive businesses such as: medical supply chain, medical schools, aging in place services, medical tech and workforce
education. EDP 8.9 Continue to assess regional, state and national priorities and initiatives to find areas of synergy and opportunities to strengthen the City’s
economic base against economic downturns. EDP 8.10 Maintain industry memberships and participate in industry organizational events to ensure Federal Way is recognized as a strong economic partner both regionally and nationally EDG 9 Enhance the economic future of the community by encouraging the
creation of new housing and jobs that provide a livable wage and reduce income disparity.
EDP 9.1 Diversify the economic base by encouraging living wage jobs while preserving and enhancing the strong retail base. EDP 9.2 Facilitate development opportunities for diverse housing options and
active mixed-use neighborhoods as magnets for attracting an educated and talented workforce. EDG 10 Implement infrastructure projects that support new and existing business and that reinforce the City Center’s position as the heart of the community.
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EDP 10.1 Emphasize Establish and promote economic development activities in the City Center to work towards being recognized as a
major regional economic center and retail lifestyle destination. EDP 10.2 Use capital facility funds to promote economic vitality in those areas designated for economic development, concentrations of
employment, or mixed-use. EDG 11 Work with Federal Way property owners, educational institutions, businesses, and future businesses, to provide jobs for the next generation. EDP 11.1 Support opportunities for employee training and higher education opportunities in Federal Way. EDP 11.2 Consider opportunities to partner with local human-service organizations in providing employment training programs and job fairs for unemployed or under-employed workers. EDP 11.3 Support and participate in regional economic development
planning with the public and private sectors. EDP 11.4 Partner with community agencies and organizations to address income equity and employment opportunities within the local economy.
EDG 12 Promote a comprehensive approach working with City departments and business owners to strengthen the City’s business districts as clean, walkable, safe, and attractive environments. EDP 12.1 Maintain a business climate that supports the retention and expansion of the city’s economic base. EDP 12.2 Promote infrastructure projects that enhance the city’s quality of
life and business climate. EDP 12.3 Collaborate with and educate city departments, property and business owners on economic development goals and initiatives in order to gain support. This includes local, regional and national, public or private or non-profit entities EDP 12.4 Establish four business districts in the city (north, south east, west) to create a sense of business community, brand and personality. The districts also serve as a way to convene businesses and disseminate or collect
information
EDG 13 Explore models for expediting the permitting process for targeted projects to improve permitting timelines and predictability for applicants. EDP 13.1 Continue to implement a streamlined permitting process to reduce the upfront costs of locating businesses or redeveloping businesses in the City and seek ways to make the process more applicant friendly. EDP 13.2 Implement zoning and provide financial incentives that encourage prioritized development consistent with comprehensive and subarea plans and orderly, phased growth.
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4.8 MAPS
The Major Employment Centers Map (Map ED-1) graphically displays the portions of the City where employment concentrations should occur.
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