Federal Way Council Approves Community Center Fee Hikes

The 2027 fee schedule raises membership and facility rates for the Federal Way Community Center by 6% to 8.5%.

Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in City Hall

Federal Way Council Approves Community Center Fee Hikes

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Should your city keep raising community center membership fees to cover costs?

The Federal Way City Council approved the 2027 fee schedule for the Federal Way Community Center on Nov. 4, raising rates between 6% and 8.5%. The council voted 6-1 in favor, with Councilmember Martin Moore opposing the increase.

Why it matters

The adjustments are needed to keep pace with inflation and rising operating costs, including basic supplies and minimum wage increases. Without the increases, the center would face service cuts such as reduced operating hours or capacity, according to the stub's projections.

The council approved the fee schedule by a 6-1 vote, with monthly single-adult membership rising from $44 to $47 and a 4-person household rising by $6. The stub does not indicate how the increases will affect membership levels or facility usage in 2027.

The players

Federal Way City Council

The Federal Way City Council is the elected legislative body that governs the city of Federal Way, Washington, and approved the fee schedule.

Martin Moore

Martin Moore is a member of the Federal Way City Council who voted against the community center fee increase.

The details

The fee schedule sets a teen membership rate of $33 a month and a cost recovery target of 65% to 85%, with the city's general fund covering 15% to 35% of costs. A low-income rate set at 75% of the standard cost is also included, and the center reports a record high of 7,500 members.

Nov. 4, 2026: Federal Way City Council approves the 2027 community center fee schedule.
January 2027: A delayed $4,300 traffic impact fee for accessory dwelling units takes effect.
2027: Community center membership and facility fee increases take effect.

Political Context

The proposed 6% to 8.5% increases exceed the center's historical range of 4% to 7%, and Councilmember Martin Moore opposed the change in the council's 6-1 vote. Councilmember Walsh's amendment delayed a separate $4,300 traffic impact fee for accessory dwelling units until January.

Single adult residents will pay $47 a month instead of $44, and a 4-person household will see a $6 monthly increase. Teens will pay $33 a month, and residents who qualify for the low-income rate will pay 75% of the standard cost.

The takeaway

Residents who use the Federal Way Community Center should expect membership costs to rise in 2027, and those who qualify for the low-income rate may reduce their expenses. Checking the fee schedule before renewing a membership can help households plan their budgets.