Julianne Briggs

The 2026-2031 Surface Water Management Utility Comprehensive Plan for the City of Federal Way outlines the management of surface water, regulatory compliance, and operational plans. Key objectives include protecting the natural and built environment through infrastructure management and capacity planning, preventing pollution via community outreach, and maximizing ratepayer value. The plan is guided by goals such as complying with stormwater permits, controlling floods, improving surface water quality, maintaining a strategic asset management program, and integrating social equity into all functions.

The meeting, identified as the January 27th, 2026 session, covered committee business including the approval of November 25th, 2025 minutes. Key discussions included approving an interlocal agreement with the City of Renton for providing police officer security during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is expected to be covered by Renton's grant funding with no financial impact to the city. Additionally, the committee reviewed authorization to contract with Makers Architecture and Urban Design for the development of a 3D model of Federal Way's downtown core, funded by a Washington Community Economic Revitalization Board (CURB) grant and a city match. Discussion on the 3D model focused on its visualization capabilities, the use of Argis Urban software, and the potential for interactive web scenes versus pre-recorded video flythroughs. A public comment period featured concerns regarding membership fee increases for community centers and unresolved facility maintenance issues.

The meeting commenced with the acknowledgment of council member absences and participation via Zoom. Key agenda items included recognizing Tim Lerner for over 15 years of dedicated volunteer service with the Federal Way Police Department, where he served in multiple roles including vehicle maintenance and staffing the City Hall front desk. The Council also addressed official proclamations, observing Black History Month by recognizing the contributions of Black Americans, specifically highlighting the legacy of early Federal Way pioneers John and Mary Kana. Additionally, a proclamation was issued for Heart Health Month, emphasizing preventable causes of cardiovascular disease and the importance of immediate emergency action like CPR. Representatives from South King Fire and the American Heart Association provided input on heart health and emergency response statistics. The Mayor then reported on his recent attendance at the United States Conference of Mayors in Washington D.C., including meetings with U.S. Senators Kentwell and Patty Murray to discuss local and national issues such as storm damage, artificial intelligence legislation, and the ongoing budget.

The meeting convened for the Land Use and Transportation Committee. Key discussions included public comment regarding housing affordability, specifically focusing on permitting processes for single-family housing and the need to streamline the technical side of the online application portal. Public comment also raised questions about an $8 million delta in financial report expenses between October and December. Committee business included the approval of the December 1st, 2025 minutes. The committee also addressed the authorization to award the 2026 asphalt overlay project bid to Northwest Asphalt, Inc., following a review of available funding sources. Finally, the committee considered the docket selection for the 2026 comprehensive plan amendments, specifically reviewing the privately initiated proposal, "Federalway South 320th Street comprehensive plan amendment," which seeks to change the land use designation of a 16-acre parcel from commercial to residential two.

The committee meeting began with the Chair calling the meeting to order and a unanimous vote to amend the agenda, tabling items H, I, and J. Key discussion points during public comment included advocacy for funding the 'Art in Public Places' fund through Ordinance 94-217, specifically citing the Federal Way Community Center renovations and upcoming lap pool resurfacing. A representative from the Arts Foundation shared positive news about receiving a $200,000 grant from King County to continue programming with the school district, having served over 15,000 students. Another group discussed partnering with the parks department for cleanup events. The main business item involved the approval of the 2025 Skip Housing Capital Fund Recommendation. Presentation focused on the Mental Health Housing Foundation's Steel Lake affordable housing project in Federal Way, a 20-unit new construction rental project for individuals with severe mental illness. Council members questioned the allocation of Skip funds, the total project cost ($11.8 million), other funding partners (including Department of Commerce and King County), and service provision (noting it is low-income housing, not permanent supportive housing). Concurrence was sought to allocate $121,813 from the city's contribution to finance the Federal Way project.