City of Tacoma Washington sent this bulletin at 12/11/2018 09:37 AM PST
Fall 2018
District 3's Top 3
Immigrant Defense Fund Update
As of December 2018, the Deportation Defense Fund balance was $59,271.87 This includes the $50,000 allocation from City Council, and community contributions (with interest).
The Northwest Immigrants' Rights Project has been selected to administer this fund, and the City is currently working on its contract with them.
Center for Dialog and Resolution's Final Report on Citizens' Forum
Last year the City contracted with the Center for Dialog and Resolution to analyze Citizens' Forum and examine how to increase civility. Their final report can be found here.
Construction Begins on Hilltop Link Extension
Sound Transit recently broke ground on the 2.4 mile extension of the Tacoma Link light rail through Hilltop. Service is expected to begin in 2022. You can find additional information here.
New Mapping Tool for Encampment Response
A new Encampment Response Map pinpoints individual encampment sites and provides real-time information about the City’s response and actions to address health and safety concerns.
Each point on the map includes information about the location, including property type, the community member's concern if reported through the City’s 311 system, the status of the concern, and action taken by the City.
More information about the City’s efforts to address homelessness is available here. More information about the City’s progress toward its Tacoma2025 goals is available on the Results253 page here.
City Council Adopts 2019-2020 Biennial Budget
The City Council recently adopted the City of Tacoma's 2019-2020 Biennial Budget.
The City's budget enhances public safety, protects and expands access to affordable housing, supports those experiencing homelessness, and addresses deferred maintenance needs.
More than 900 blocks have been completed using voter-approved funds through the Streets Initiative.
With the tail end of good weather approaching, crews have been hard at work repairing and maintaining streets.
You can learn more and see a map of current projects here.
Tenants' Rights
The City Council has passed a new rental housing code that gives tenants expanded notice when their tenancy is being terminated.
New requirements include:
A 120-day notice to vacate and relocation assistance for low-income tenants authorized by RCW 59.18.440, when a landlord intends to change the use, substantially rehabilitate, or demolish a dwelling unit
A 60-day notice to vacate for no-cause termination of tenancy
A 60-day notice requirement for rent increases
The required notice for rent increases became effective December 7, 2018, and the rest of the requirements will become effective February 1, 2019.
No penalties will be issued before February 2019, however, in order to allow time for tenant and landlord outreach as well as education on the new rules.
