Neighborhood Council Month in Review -December 2019

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Neighborhood Council Month in Review

December 2019


Program Highlights

New Changes Adopted

On December 17, 2019 the Tacoma City Council adopted changes to the Neighborhood Council Program. The most recent copy of the municipal code and Standards and Guidelines can be found on the Neighborhood Council Web page

To learn about the implementation of these changes, contact the program coordinator at neighborhoodcouncils@cityoftacoma.org, or by attending the Community Council meeting in January. The Community Council meets at the Center for Urban Waters, 326 E D st, on January 23 starting at 6pm. 

Below are the changes adopted by the City Council: 

  1. Clarified the Neighborhood Council’s role in working with the City. This change can be found under TMC 1.45.020.
  2. Created a process to establish new Neighborhood Councils. The details of how to pursue a new Neighborhood Council can be found under TMC 1.45.050B.
  3. Clarified who can participate in Neighborhood Councils. The participation section can be found under TMC 1.45.050C:
  4. Incorporated equity framework into TMC 1.45 to include a nondiscrimination clause and remove the term “citizen” from the code.
  5. Redesigned the Standards and Guidelines to be more dynamic and adaptable to the program. The resources provided by the City and expectations of the program are included in this operational document.

Upcoming Training Opportunities

All Neighborhood Council participants are invited to take part in a training opportunity titled "How Conflict gets Neighbors to Collaborate". This training is available to Neighborhood Council leaders and participants as a part of the City of Tacoma's Neighborhood Council training program. "How Conflict gets Neighbors to Collaborate" will look at how neighbors can use conflict to build collaborative strategies for neighborhood action. This training will also look at how you can diffuse conflict, and alter your meeting formats to better accommodate collaborative action. Mark your calendars for February 8 and February 22 for these opportunities, and go to Eventbrite to sign up today. 

You can also attend the Community Council meeting in January for a preview of these training opportunities. The Community Council meets at the Center for Urban Waters, 326 E D st, on January 23 starting at 6pm. The preview is titled "Three Tips for a more Joyful Meeting" and will look at ways to make your meetings more engaging for your guests. 


What's Going On?

Last month's emerging issues from across multiple neighborhood councils.

Inclement Weather Resources - In case of rain, storm, or snow, you can visit the inclement weather page for road closures, sandbag supplies, and who to contact for downed trees or power lines. 

TCRA Board Applications Due January 10, 2020 - The Tacoma City Council seeks to fill four positions on the Tacoma Community Redevelopment Authority (TCRA) Board. Applications are due by January 10, 2020. 

Applicants sought for the Human Rights Commission - The Tacoma City Council is looking to fill seven positions on the Human Rights Commission. Applications are due by January 10, 2020. 

Apply for the Tacoma Creates Advisory Board - The Tacoma City Council is currently seeking applications for 11 positions on the Tacoma Creates Advisory Board. Applications are due by January 26, 2020. 

Sustainable Tacoma Commission Applications Due January 12, 2020 - The Tacoma City Council is currently seeking applications to fill three positions on the Sustainable Tacoma Commission, one being a youth  position. Applications are due by January 12, 2020. 

Residential Curbside Recycling Changes Start January 1, 2020 - Changes to the City of Tacoma’s residential curbside recycling program, known as Recycle Reset, will take effect on Wednesday, January 1, 2020. These changes include maintaining residential curbside commingled recycling service, with minor adjustments to the accepted curbside recycling list. Changes also include a new recycling surcharge of $2.82 per month for all residential solid waste customers.

City Council Passes Closed Captioning Ordinance - The City adopted an ordinance that will require closed captioning in public spaces beginning March 1, 2020. The new City ordinance will require that televisions in public spaces such as bars, restaurants, and hotel lobbies, use closed captioning. An education campaign will begin in the first quarter of 2020 to help businesses comply with the new law. 


Upcoming Events and Public Hearings

Community Forum - The next Community Forum is Tuesday, January 14. Community Forum is an opportunity to speak before Council on any matter the City has jurisdiction over.

Central Tacoma Neighborhood Council - Please note that Central Tacoma will meet on January 9, 2020 rather than the First Thursday.