06/16/2026 Federal Way City Council - Regular Meeting

The City of Federal Way held its regular City Council meeting on June 16, 2026. Key procurement-related actions included the authorization of bids for two capital improvement projects: the City Hall main entrance ADA improvements and the 2026 major asphalt patching contract, both of which were approved by the council. Additionally, the council discussed the 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) annual action plan, which outlines funding allocations for community development and affordable housing projects, with a second public hearing and final approval scheduled for July 7, 2026. The council also held a public hearing and approved the 2027-2032 Transportation Improvement Program, a six-year plan for transportation-related capital projects. Budget amendments were presented to realign the 2025-2026 biennial budget, including a significant $6 million King County levy agreement, with council approval planned for the next meeting. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to a detailed discussion and first reading of a new massage business ordinance aimed at combating illicit massage businesses linked to prostitution and human trafficking. The ordinance includes provisions regulating licensing, hours of operation, door locking, cash transactions, and internal warning systems. After extensive public comment and council debate, an amendment was passed to allow licensed massage therapists with a Federal Way business license to voluntarily submit to inspections and be exempt from certain provisions. The ordinance will return for a second reading and enactment on July 7, 2026. The council also debated and ultimately rejected amendments to the city’s flag policy regarding the flying of Juneteenth and Pride flags, with a motion to amend the policy to include additional flags such as sister city and Native American flags failing. The original motion to add Juneteenth and Pride flags to the approved list also failed. The meeting included numerous public comments on these topics and other community issues, but no new contracts or procurements were awarded during the session beyond the bid authorizations noted.