Federal Way began in the late 1800s as a logging settlement. By the 1920s, Federal Highway 99 was complete, linking Federal Way to the economic centers of Seattle and Tacoma. The name "Federal Way" was first used in 1929 when five existing schools consolidated operations into School District #210. In 1931, Federal Way High School was built with money raised by selling federal land next to Highway 99.
In the early 1950's, the name "Federal Way" was officially adopted by the local Chamber of Commerce. By the end of the 1950's, the community featured a number of housing areas and a 10-block commercial district with a shopping center and family-oriented theme park. During the 1960's, residential development continued, providing homes to Boeing engineers and Weyerhaeuser executives. Retail growth followed, including the construction of SeaTac Mall in the mid 1970's.
Rapid retail and residential growth created significant changes in the community during the 1970's and 1980's. Desiring controlled, quality growth and community identity, Federal Way citizens organized to form what was then Washington's sixth largest city, incorporating in February of 1990.
Today the Federal Way Community is residential and commercial with a population employed locally and in neighboring cities such as Sea Tac, Kent, Auburn, Tacoma, Bellevue and Seattle. An estimated 22,485 people are employed within the City limits. Approximately 83% of employment is in the retail and service sector.
In the years since incorporation, Federal Way has fostered quality commercial and residential growth, and enhanced the quality of life for its residents with infrastructure improvements, a growing job base, diverse recreational opportunities, and new neighborhood parks. The City's Comprehensive Plan looks to Federal Way's future and includes plans for a more defined City Center, with enhanced mass transportation and mixed-use commercial and residential development in the City's downtown business area
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