Your trusted source for local Tacoma, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
A new partnership between the University of Puget Sound and Seattle University School of Law aims to enhance legal education access for aspiring lawyers in the South Sound region. The collaboration will provide in-person and virtual academic programming, networking, and experiential learning opportunities, addressing barriers to law school attendance and strengthening the legal community in the area.
Conductor Sarah Ioannides will conclude her 12-year tenure as music director of Symphony Tacoma at the end of the 2025/26 season. Her leadership has significantly shaped the orchestra's reputation through innovative programming and community engagement, leaving a lasting impact on Tacoma's cultural landscape.
Pierce County Human Services is spearheading the development of a new five-year homeless housing plan, mandated by the Washington State Department of Commerce. The plan aims to align local efforts with state goals while incorporating community input from various stakeholders, including individuals with lived experience of homelessness. This initiative seeks to enhance equity and accountability in addressing homelessness, particularly among marginalized communities.
Pierce County is launching a small grants program, awarding over $70,000 for community projects aimed at improving habitat and water quality in four local watersheds. With grants of up to $2,500 available for nonprofits, schools, and individuals, the initiative aims to support environmental education and watershed protection. Applications are due by April 30, with potential additional funding from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
Tacoma Community House recently inaugurated the Wellpoint Washington Community Wellness Center, a vital resource aimed at providing equitable healthcare services to BIPOC families, immigrants, and low-income residents in Pierce County. The center addresses essential social drivers of health, including food, housing, and transportation, and aims to improve overall wellness in the community through a collaborative, whole-person approach.
The Summer Jobs 253 event, scheduled for August 18, 2025, in Tacoma, Washington, aims to connect local youth with employment opportunities in various industries, fostering career development and community engagement. Notable figures such as Marilyn Strickland and Victoria Woodards will participate, highlighting the event's significance in promoting workforce readiness among young residents.
Tacoma's Puget Sound Women’s League Fieldhouse Flea Market, celebrating its 125th anniversary, will take place on March 22, 2025, at the University of Puget Sound. This beloved event not only offers a unique shopping experience with 82 vendors but also supports student scholarships through its profits. Attendees can enjoy a wide range of products and food options, making it a highlight of the local spring season.
Pierce County Human Services has allocated over $17 million from the Maureen Howard Affordable Housing Sales Tax to support affordable housing initiatives, resulting in the creation and preservation of more than 330 housing units. County Executive Ryan Mello emphasized the urgent need for affordable housing for working families and individuals with lower incomes, highlighting the tax's positive impact on the community.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the South Tacoma Way construction project marks the beginning of significant roadway upgrades in Lakewood, aimed at enhancing accessibility and beautifying the commercial corridor. Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland played a pivotal role in securing $2.5 million in federal funding for this initiative, which is expected to benefit a large number of locally-owned businesses.
The Tacoma Fire Department is set to launch a new Building Inspection Program on March 7, 2025, aimed at enhancing fire prevention measures in commercial properties and apartments. This initiative underscores the city's commitment to public safety and effective government operations. For more details, visit the Tacoma Fire Department's official website.