09/01/2026 Federal Way City Council - Special Meeting

The City of Federal Way held a special City Council meeting on September 1, 2026, featuring presentations from Sound Transit and King County Metro regarding major transit infrastructure and service improvements. Sound Transit provided an update on the Operations and Maintenance Facility South (OMF South) project, a critical new facility in Federal Way to support the expanding regional light rail system. The council learned that Hoffman Construction Company was awarded the progressive design-build contract, with the facility expected to be operational by 2031 to support new light rail vehicles. The project includes significant community benefits such as over 600 permanent livable wage jobs, local apprenticeship programs, environmental mitigation including wetland creation, and public amenities. The council discussed concerns about noise, traffic rerouting, and community impact. King County Metro presented on the South Link Connections Mobility Project, which includes a 28% increase in service hours, new bus stops, and the introduction of Metro Flex, a demand-responsive transit service pilot in Federal Way and Auburn. Metro invested over $1.5 million in stop and layover improvements, including $330,000 in Federal Way. The council engaged on topics including service coverage, accessibility, and coordination with other transit options. The meeting concluded with an executive session on property acquisition and potential litigation.