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Tacoma Sister Cities invites local students aged 13-22 to participate in a new video contest themed "Agents of Change in My Community." The contest aims to celebrate individuals making a difference in their communities and will culminate in a screening of selected videos at the Tacoma Sister Cities Film Festival. Entries are due by February 14, and winners will be honored in three age categories.
The Asian and Pacific Islander Coalition of Washington is organizing a Legislative Day in Olympia on February 13, 2025, where community members will advocate for issues affecting Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. This event will focus on critical topics such as immigration justice, voting rights, and access to healthcare, aiming to unify voices for impactful policy changes.
The Murray Morgan Bridge in Tacoma, Washington, is temporarily closed to all traffic after a malfunction prevented it from fully closing following the passage of a shipping vessel. The City of Tacoma is actively working with contractors to resolve the issue and will provide updates as they become available. Community members are encouraged to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Parks Tacoma has adopted the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports, aiming to enhance youth engagement in physical activities. This initiative, endorsed during Whole Child Month, positions Parks Tacoma as a leader in promoting safe and inclusive environments for youth sports, addressing critical issues like physical fitness and social inclusion.
The City of Tacoma is hosting an OMWBE 201 Certification Workshop on January 23, aimed at supporting local businesses in gaining certification as minority- and women-owned enterprises. This workshop will provide crucial insights into the certification process, enhancing opportunities for business growth and participation in public contracts. Attendees can expect expert guidance and resources to navigate the complexities of certification.
An 8-hour standoff in Lakewood, Washington, culminated in a shooting involving a suspect and police, leaving the suspect hospitalized in critical condition. Family members expressed concern for the suspect's mental health and provided insights into his background, suggesting a history of lower-level crimes. As the situation unfolded, local residents were evacuated, highlighting the incident's significant impact on the community.
The Tacoma Humane Society has revived its beloved "Poorly Drawn Pets" fundraiser, running from January 21 to 22, 2025, aiming to raise funds for animal care. For a $25 donation, artistic volunteers will create unique pet portraits from submitted photos, with last year's event raising over $23,000. The fundraiser has shifted to online submissions to enhance participation and accessibility.
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.
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.