11/04/2026 Federal Way City Council - Special Meeting

The Federal Way City Council held a special meeting on November 4, 2026, including an interview for the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee and a study session on the 2027–28 biennial budget. Harriet Newhouse, marketing and outreach manager at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, discussed tourism promotion and potential partnerships; the transcript does not record an appointment vote. Councilmembers discussed the proposed budget, described as balanced but providing a lower level of service, and the possibility of proposing amendments while ensuring the final budget is balanced. No budget vote is recorded in the transcript.

Budget and contract discussions included the $30,000 biennial allocation for a Chamber of Commerce Pivotal Partnership, subject to later council approval of a contract and scope of work, and $25,000 per year ($50,000 for the biennium) for the broken-storefront-windows program, which staff said is already included. The council also discussed automated license plate reader subscriptions estimated at about $38,000 annually ($76,000 over two years); the renewal and cancellation terms were not confirmed, and the police chief recommended retaining the technology. Resident arts groups have no city funding included in the 2027–28 budget; staff was asked to provide cost estimates for possible facility-use support, noting the Oak View Group contract implications. No procurement award or contract approval was made during the meeting segment provided.