The City of Federal Way is developing a Housing Action Plan (HAP) in order to aid in the provision for all people to have a safe place to live that is attainable and meets the diverse housing needs of individuals and families of all income levels.  The plan will identify housing needs within the city, provide objectives and policies to meet these needs, and outline strategies designed to meet the identified objectives. Some of the strategies will include the examination of existing regulations and current Comprehensive Plan policies that guide housing development in Federal Way.  It is intended to be presented before the City Council and Planning Commission during the first part of 2021 and adopted by the City Council in June.

The Housing Action Plan (HAP) team is planning two Public Open House events to offer an interactive virtual experience for the Federal Way community to learn about and provide feedback on the Housing Action Plan strategies. Join the conversation via zoom accessible with the link below for the respective dates.

April 8, 2021 at 6:00 PM Meeting ID: 942 6579 4652 Passcode: 808202; https://cityoffederalway.zoom.us/j/94265794652?pwd=OEhiUklZR0RJWGd3dWUwTGNrSXJtZz09
April 10, 2021 at 11:00 AM Meeting ID: 966 7250 0431 Passcode: 315087.https://cityoffederalway.zoom.us/j/96672500431?pwd=VitWS3p5OGliaDY1S3JHTTNKakN2UT09  

Housing Needs

South King County Results (prepared by ECONorthwest)

The City of Federal Way participated in a factual examination of the housing needs within six jurisdictions in South King County.  The examination not only provided information about housing within the entire sub-area region, but also within each individual city involved in the study allowing us to see housing data in the City compared to other cities around us. These facts are essential as we examine ways in which our community meets housing needs. Data from this study can be found at South King County Sub-Regional Housing Action Plan Framework 2020 for Federal Way.

Federal Way Housing Needs Assessment (prepared by BERK, Consulting Inc.)

This Housing Needs Assessment presents an evaluation of current housing needs and supply in Federal Way, across the full spectrum of household types and income levels. This assessment will help evaluate potential options and guide implementation so that the Housing Action Plan plan strategies are based on data and connect to the needs of residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Public Engagement

Public engagement is important to the development of policies and plans to guide the City’s future. Outreach and engagement objectives for this plan include the following:

• Clearly communicate the project’s purpose and process so the community is well-informed. Join the interested parties list by signing up for an E-Newsletter.
• Build project support through outreach and engagement efforts that invite thoughtful, meaningful input.
• Actively solicit questions, priorities, and concerns from a variety of groups and individuals including residents, businesses, property owners, housing providers, real estate professionals, housing developers.
• Seek perspectives of parties that may be affected by the plan, including those who have high risk of displacement.

Housing Options/Preference Survey

As part of the Housing Action Plan, the City is considering new options for housing types to be allowed in different parts of Federal Way. The survey included images of several housing types and design examples that could be allowed and encouraged. We heard from approximately 220 residents about their preferences on which design features/attributes are most important when integrating new housing into the community. Thank you for those who took the survey.

Advisory Group

Federal Way has formed an Advisory Group to help develop the HAP. It is comprised of people who represent many of different aspects of housing in the community.

Participants

  Washington Multi-Family Housing Association      Brett Waller
  Family Northwest Development                             Brett Jacobsen
  Chamber of Commerce                                          Rebecca Martin
  Multi-Service Center                                               Robin Corak
  BECU Mortgage Advisor                                         Melinda Weber
  El Centro de la Raza                                               Miguel Maestas
  Korean Community                                                 Mike Park
  Federal Way School District                                    Sally McLean
  Integrity Life Church                                                Pastor Joe Bowman
  King County Housing Authority                               Daniel Landes 

Advisory Group Meetings

• October 1, 2020 – 1st Meeting: Housing Context  – Agenda
• October 22, 2020 – 2nd Meeting: Housing Needs Assessment - Agenda
• November 19, 2020 – 3rd Meeting: Housing Solutions - Agenda
• February 18, 2021 - 4th Meeting: Housing Objectives and Strategies - Agenda

Other Public Participation Opportunities

Join the interested parties list by signing up for an E-Newsletter. City staff will maintain a list of interested parties who will receive electronic notification of public meetings, project milestones, and participation opportunities. 

Please contact us with any questions you might have by phone (253) 569-1772, or Email: chaney.skadsen@cityoffederalway.com