Mayor Jim Ferrell believes government works best when it’s guided by the voice of the people. Always seeking to increase resident access to municipal government, the mayor has led successful efforts to improve transparency and community outreach, through programs like Neighborhood Connection meetings and the “New Day Federal Way” show on Channel 21.
A strong believer in the importance of access to education, Mayor Ferrell has worked with the University of Washington-Tacoma and Highline College to bring a campus to Federal Way through the University Initiative – ensuring scholars have the opportunity to not only grow up in a great town, but also go to college right here in our community.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Ferrell has led by following public health recommendations, helping open drive-thru testing, delivering rental assistance to those in need, and supporting small businesses and workers through CARES Act funding.
Other key accomplishments include:
- Creating Town Square Park, a Low Impact Development, which serves as the “beating heart” of our community
- Developing a balanced and objective financial plan to build the Performing Arts & Event Center
- Building the Town Center Steps, connected Town Square Park, the PAEC and future development while promoting access and walkability
- Advocating for Light Rail to travel down I-5 to Federal Way, growing economic opportunity and ensuring downtown redevelopment through Transit Oriented Development
- Converting to LED streetlights and beginning Federal Way’s conversion to an electric vehicle fleet
- Withdrawing from the SCORE Jail System, saving the City more than $4 million
- Deploying increased resources to keep neighborhoods safe from graffiti and chronic distressed properties
- Securing the donation of the historical Brooklake Community Center property to the parks department
- Dedicating Downtown’s 60-foot flagpole and designating Veterans Way
- Issuing a city proclamation for Black Lives Matter and raising the Juneteenth flag
- Saving public health services for more than 13,000 low-income women and their children
- Creating a structurally balanced 2012-2022 budget
- Supporting small businesses during the pandemic by signing more than half a million dollars worth of CARES Act Grants
- Convening the Mayor’s Homelessness Task Force and acting on recommendations to help create the Pete Anderson FUSION Family Center, helping serve over one hundred families in need per year
- Ensuring greater oversight of the Federal Way Police Department, discontinuing use of chokeholds, and working toward a body camera program