City of Federal Way Housing Action Plan

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.

The Draft Housing Action Plan is now available for public review. A meeting to consider adoption is scheduled for the Land Use and Transportation
City Council Committee meeting on Monday, July 12, 2021, at 5:00 PM.

Draft Housing Action Plan Meeting YouTube Link

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

Why is Federal Way developing a Housing Action Plan?

Federal Way is a great place to live, but it is getting more expensive. As the population grows and the supply of homes does not keep up with the demand, it is getting harder to find units to rent or buy. The Washington Department of Commerce provided a grant to help Federal Way design a plan to increase housing options over the coming years.

What is Affordable Housing?

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) standard definition for affordable housing is housing for which the occupants are paying no more than 30 percent of their income on housing costs, including utilities. For the purpose of Federal Way’s Housing Action Plan, the goal of Inclusive Housing includes affordability while also encompassing the diverse social, geographical, and design needs of individuals and families at all income levels.

Will the HAP make homeownership more attainable in Federal Way?

The Housing Action Plan will recommend adjustments to regulations and policies to encourage development of more homes—with a range of types and prices—to make homeownership more attainable.

What is the goal of the HAP?

Federal Way’s Housing Action Plan will provide the city a “how to” guide for encouraging more options to develop “attainable housing” in Federal Way. The planning process will bring together demographic, housing, economic, and community expertise to determine the best strategies and actions.

Who is the HAP for and how will it be used?

The Housing Action Plan is for current and future Federal Way residents. Federal Way’s City Council is likely to adopt the plan by July 2021, and the plan will guide the City’s housing decisions for the next 5 years in supporting the creation of the attainable housing residents need.

Who is preparing the HAP?

Federal Way’s consultant team— BERK Consulting, Inc., and MAKERS Architecture + Urban Design —is preparing the Housing Action Plan with input from the City’s Planning Division, Community Services Division, and community members. An Advisory Group comprised of people who live and work in Federal Way will provide input on the plan. It will also be formally reviewed by the Planning Commission and City Council.

Housing Action Plan Tentative Schedule of Events

12/16/2020 Planning Commission
Housing Needs Assessment Presentation.

Jan 8-25 2021 Housing Options & Preferences Survey

1/4/2021 Meeting for the Land Use and Transportation Committee
Summary of Housing Needs Assessment Presentation

1/20/2021 Planning Commission
Presentation of the Code Review

2/17/2021 Planning Commission
Presentation of HAP Summary to Date

2/18/2021 Advisory Group Meeting #4
Potential Housing Options and Strategies

3/13/2021 Diversity Commission
Housing Action Plan Presentation

3/17/2021 Senior Advisory Commission
Housing Action Plan Presentation

4/07/2021 Planning Commission
Strategies Briefing & Missing Middle Presentation

4/08/2021 Public Open House @ 6pm
HAP Review & Proposed Objectives and Strategies

4/10/2021 Public Open House @ 11am
HAP Review & Proposed Objectives and Strategies

5/5/2021 Planning Commission Strategies and Implementation Matrix

6/7/2021 LUTC Public Review Draft HAP

6/16/2021 Planning Commission Public Hearing
Draft Housing Action Plan

7/12/2021 LUTC
Draft HAP Recommendation

7/20/2021 City Council
HAP Adoption

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 a 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 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

Department:

Community Development