Sound Transit representatives briefed the City Council on Nov. 5 about their plans for the Federal Way Link extension opening on Saturday, Dec. 6.

Katie Drewel, director of government and community relations for Sound Transit in South King County, said the agency will hold a ribbon‑cutting ceremony at the Federal Way Downtown station beginning at 9:30 a.m., followed by the first passenger rides leaving the platform. "We are opening on December 6," Drewel said, and she underscored that the agency expects "street fair‑style" events at each of the three new stations and that the opening program would wrap up by roughly 4 p.m.

Drewel described the agency's community event fund model, which pairs a local community partner with a station to organize the day-of activities. The event at the downtown station will be coordinated by the Federal Way Black Collective. "We hope that the opening, which will bring folks in to check out the stations, will also be an opportunity for them to stay and enjoy everything else that Federal Way has to offer," Drewel said.

Sound Transit officials asked for the council's participation in the opening and said the day will be timed to accommodate other community activities in Federal Way, including the tree lighting ceremony and related events. Mayor Jim Farrell said he and other local officials intend to participate and called the rail investment "hundred year infrastructure."

Why it matters

The extension will temporarily make Federal Way the south end of the light-rail line, improving regional transit connections and bringing new foot traffic to downtown businesses on opening day. Sound Transit staff said the events are intended to spotlight local culture and businesses and to encourage new riders to explore downtown Federal Way.

What was announced

- Opening date: Dec. 6, ribbon-cutting at 9:30 a.m.; planned wrap-up around 4 p.m.
- Programming: ribbon cutting, inaugural rides, and street-fair-style community events at each new station.
- Community partner for the downtown station event: Federal Way Black Collective.

What the city and Sound Transit will do next

Sound Transit asked city leaders and residents to help publicize the opening and participate in the community events. City officials said they would coordinate scheduling with municipal events (tree lighting, Jingle Bell brunch) that same day.