Tacomas District 4 Decides to Spend 1 Million Creating Community Connections

Tacoma's District 4 has made a pivotal decision to allocate $1 million to foster community connections through a grant program, following a robust participatory budgeting process that attracted 12,389 votes from local residents. The funding will support cultural events, out-of-school youth programming, and community activities for one year, with implementation slated to begin in early 2024. District 4 Council Member Catherine Ushka lauded the community's efforts, highlighting their commitment to youth and the strength derived from cultural diversity. Additional project proposals included the installation of tennis court lighting and a job training program aimed at enhancing neighborhood aesthetics and sustainability. The participatory budgeting process concluded on September 30, 2023, underscoring the significance of community involvement in local governance.

Following this initiative, District 2 will commence its own participatory budgeting process, encouraging residents to engage and take leadership roles. This investment in community programming signifies a proactive approach to enhancing local culture and supporting out-of-school youth. Tacoma's efforts reflect a broader commitment to inclusivity and resilience within the community.