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The City of Tacoma's City Council has received an update on ongoing efforts to combat homelessness, highlighting increased shelter capacity during harsh winter conditions and a five-year Homelessness Strategy aligned with state plans. The City aims to protect vulnerable populations while seeking additional funding to sustain operations and improve data-driven decision-making for equitable solutions.
Drivers using the Tacoma Narrows Bridge this weekend should expect significant traffic delays due to repairs on the westbound span. Two right lanes and the Jackson Avenue on-ramp will be closed from 8 a.m. Saturday, December 14, to 9 p.m. Sunday, December 15, as crews work on an expansion joint issue.
A new mixed-use development is proposed by Palindrome Development for a city-owned property in downtown Puyallup, set to break ground in early 2026. The project will feature mixed-income rental housing, for-sale townhomes, and a food hall with independently owned restaurants. The Puyallup City Council will discuss this proposal in a public meeting on December 10, 2024.
Drivers should expect significant traffic delays on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge this weekend due to the closure of two right lanes and the Jackson Avenue on-ramp for repairs. Work will take place from 8 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, to 9 p.m. on Sunday, December 15, focusing on an expansion joint. The bridge, built in 1950, has undergone multiple repairs due to its aging condition.
Timothy Roosevelt Baugh, a 58-year-old man from Lakewood, is facing seven theft charges totaling $73,000 after allegedly scamming two individuals with false promises of landscaping services. His court hearing is scheduled for December 18.
Tacoma is set to lose over 350 homeless shelter beds due to a funding deficit, prompting city officials to seek state support. The city's homeless strategy anticipates a $12 million funding gap by the end of 2024, raising concerns for vulnerable populations.
The Tacoma City Council has appointed seven members to the newly established Urban Design Board (UDB), which will hold its first meeting in January 2025. This board aims to provide design guidance and advisory input on urban design matters, enhancing Tacoma's built environment. Members bring diverse expertise, including sustainability, architecture, and community advocacy, to support the city's vision for development.
The City Council of Tacoma has approved the 2025-2026 Biennial Budget, totaling $4.7 billion, which focuses on essential services, public safety, and community welfare. The budget addresses economic challenges while prioritizing mental health services, youth programs, and innovative solutions for homelessness. This comprehensive financial plan reflects the city's commitment to fiscal responsibility and community development.
The Peninsula School District has acquired 20.42 acres of land in Purdy for $6.2 million, adjacent to Peninsula High School, as part of efforts to address the needs of its aging facilities. The purchase, funded through interest from a previous bond, opens up various possibilities for future use.
The Northwest Immigration Processing Center in Tacoma is central to President-elect Trump's mass deportation strategy, with a capacity of 1,575 beds. This raises concerns about the logistics and implications for the local immigrant community, as the facility is currently the only ICE detention center in the Pacific Northwest.