Federal Way council authorizes talks with Wayside United Church to explore for-sale affordable housing
November 19, 2025 | Federal Way, King County, Washington
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The Federal Way City Council unanimously approved a motion on Nov. 18 to begin negotiations on a development agreement with Wayside United Church of Christ to explore on‑site, for‑sale affordable housing.
Councilmember Casper Adubie (speaker 10) pulled the consent agenda item to explain the goal is to create ownership opportunities priced below the current local entry price he cited — "less than the going rate today of $600,000" — and to use church land to support models that can produce homes for purchase rather than rental. He described the move as an early step in a yearlong effort to reform zoning and increase housing density where appropriate.
"This is just the exploration of how we get it done," Adubie said; he moved to begin negotiations and a council colleague seconded the motion. The council approved the motion unanimously.
City staff and planning officials will now begin drafting and negotiating a development agreement with the church to define scope, affordability terms and next steps. Council members stressed this action is a first step, not final approval of any project, and that additional permitting, environmental review and council votes would be required before construction could proceed.
The item was described as exploratory; staff will return with more detailed proposals, potential financing pathways and timelines for further council consideration.
Councilmember Casper Adubie (speaker 10) pulled the consent agenda item to explain the goal is to create ownership opportunities priced below the current local entry price he cited — "less than the going rate today of $600,000" — and to use church land to support models that can produce homes for purchase rather than rental. He described the move as an early step in a yearlong effort to reform zoning and increase housing density where appropriate.
"This is just the exploration of how we get it done," Adubie said; he moved to begin negotiations and a council colleague seconded the motion. The council approved the motion unanimously.
City staff and planning officials will now begin drafting and negotiating a development agreement with the church to define scope, affordability terms and next steps. Council members stressed this action is a first step, not final approval of any project, and that additional permitting, environmental review and council votes would be required before construction could proceed.
The item was described as exploratory; staff will return with more detailed proposals, potential financing pathways and timelines for further council consideration.
View the Full Meeting & All Its Details
This article offers just a summary. Unlock complete video, transcripts, and insights as a Founder Member.
✓
Watch full, unedited meeting videos
✓
Search every word spoken in unlimited transcripts
✓
AI summaries & real-time alerts (all government levels)
✓
Permanent access to expanding government content
30-day money-back guarantee
