Federal Way council confirms parks director, approves therapeutic court grant and confirms economic development director in 5–2 vote

The Federal Way City Council on July 7 confirmed Jason Gerwin as parks director, unanimously accepted a state grant to relaunch a community therapeutic court, and confirmed Tanya Carter as economic development director by a 5–2 vote.

City Administrator Brian Davis presented both appointments. Jason Gerwin was nominated to lead the parks department and was confirmed without opposition; he pledged to prioritize stewardship of parks, facilities and public programming.

Judge Danielle Havens and court staff described a $105,679.29 state grant the municipal court will use to hire a community court coordinator and relaunch a therapeutic court program focused on defendants whose misdemeanor offenses are driven by substance use, mental‑health or homelessness. Council discussed caseload estimates (25–35 participants initially), coordinator duties and reporting; members emphasized that grant‑funded positions are typically project positions renewed annually via the state grant process. Council unanimously authorized acceptance of the grant and authorized the judge to execute the agreement.

On the economic development director, several councilmembers said they preferred a national search for senior hires; Council President Honda explicitly opposed confirmation for that reason. Others supported Carter’s experience and voted to confirm her return to the role. The confirmation passed 5–2.

Council also approved the 2026 CDBG annual action plan and took other routine consent actions during the meeting.