Federal Way now has someone on staff to help bridge the communication gap between citizens and local government.

Representatives from the city of Federal Way announced last week that the city has hired Linda Farmer, APR, to serve in a newly created position that will handle communications, public relations, and government affairs.

The City converted a vacant position to create a new one in response to the City Council's strategic planning in January of this year.

At that time, councilmembers shared their own thoughts and those of residents about a greater need for the City to reach out to the community at large.

Ms. Farmer has been serving as the Director of Communications for the Puget Sound Partnership (formerly the Puget Sound Action Team), a state agency, since 2005, where she was charged with carrying out the Governor's environmental agenda for Puget Sound.

She also co-chaired a regional communications effort for the Puget Sound Partnership advisory commission.

Ms. Farmer has a master's degree in Communications Management from Syracuse University.

She served as the Community Relations Officer for the City of Tacoma's Public Works Department, specializing in communications and environmental education efforts.

She also served as the Director of News and Information Services for Pacific Lutheran University.

She began her career as a newspaper reporter and then as a features editor.

"We are looking forward to Linda joining our city," said Federal Way Mayor Michael Park. "She brings great experience and strategic thinking about how we can communicate better with our citizens."

Neal Beets, Federal Way City Manager, added, "Great cities are great communicators with their citizens. And it is a two-way conversation."

Farmer will join the city staff on August 13.