Your trusted source for local Tacoma, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
South 49th, 50th, and 51st Streets in Tacoma will be closed for maintenance from January 24 to 31, 2025, between South Pine Street and South Oakes Street. This closure is part of the city's Residential Street Restoration Program and will take place daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, weather permitting. Community members can direct inquiries to the city’s contact for further information.
Tacoma's Mayor Victoria Woodards has secured $10,000 in grant funding from the U.S. Conference of Mayors to accelerate planning for a workforce development hub and childcare facility aimed at supporting working families in Tacoma's East Side. This initiative, led by the Pierce County Labor Community Services Agency, seeks to address the critical shortage of affordable childcare and skilled workers by co-locating childcare services with apprenticeship training programs.
Pierce County, WA, has been selected to participate in a groundbreaking 100-Day Challenge aimed at combating youth homelessness, receiving significant federal funding to support this initiative. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will collaborate with local officials to address the alarming increase in youth homelessness, with over 1,800 young people currently affected in the area.
Tacoma's light rail expansion faces significant challenges as Sound Transit considers multiple routes to connect Tacoma and Federal Way. The project could impact up to 36,000 daily commuters but may also displace numerous homes and businesses while threatening local wetlands and tribal lands. Environmental concerns and community pushback highlight the complexity of this transportation initiative.
Spokane, Tukwila, and Tacoma have been recognized as some of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., according to U-Haul's 2024 Growth Cities and Metros Report. The report highlights the appeal of these Washington cities for movers seeking affordability and quality of life, with Spokane ranking 24th among growth metros and Tukwila and Tacoma in the top 25 growth cities. This trend reflects a broader migration pattern towards areas that offer better living conditions at lower costs.
Tacoma has secured $10,000 in grant funding to support the planning phase of a new Workforce Development Hub and childcare facility on the city's East Side. This initiative, backed by the United States Conference of Mayors and local government partnerships, aims to enhance workforce development and childcare services in the community. The project is a significant step towards addressing local economic and social needs.
Reese Widman, a promising 17-year-old student and baseball player, tragically took his own life in January 2023. His family, through the non-profit Widdy’s Work, aims to raise awareness about mental health issues linked to epilepsy and the potential side effects of related medications. Their advocacy highlights the importance of open conversations around mental health, especially among youth.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 15, 2025, marked the opening of Aaron Pointer Field, a new baseball field for Stadium High School, named after retired Parks Tacoma commissioner and Major League baseball legend Aaron Pointer. The event was attended by community members, school officials, and Pointer's family, celebrating a significant addition to local sports infrastructure. This collaboration between Parks Tacoma and Tacoma Public Schools underscores the ongoing investment in youth athletics in the Pacific Northwest.
Tacoma City Manager Elizabeth Pauli has announced her retirement effective July 1, 2025, marking a significant transition for the city's leadership. Pauli expressed her gratitude for her time in office, highlighting the collaborative achievements made during her tenure as the first female city manager in Tacoma's history. The city council plans to discuss the selection process for an interim city manager in their upcoming study session.
Tacoma and Pierce County have been designated as an official Seattle FWC26 Fan Zone, marking a significant step in the region's participation in the FIFA World Cup 26. Mayor Victoria Woodards and County Executive Ryan Mello expressed their excitement about hosting live match screenings and cultural exhibitions, showcasing the area's vibrant community to soccer fans worldwide.