City of Tacoma Washington sent this bulletin at 01/29/2021 12:34 PM PST
Introduction
Good Afternoon,
I hope that this update finds you doing well and staying safe during this challenging time for our community.
Like many of you, I was deeply troubled by recent events in our city. You can view the joint statement my City Council colleagues and I recently released here.
I consider public safety to be our most important responsibility as a municipal government, and these events have shown me that we still have much work to do in that area. As I said during my comments at our recent Special City Council Meeting, trust in our government – at all levels of government – are at an all-time low. And, as your City Council Member, I will continue working hard to earn and deserve your trust.
I deeply love Tacoma, and I hear from many of you that you feel the same way. My love for our city is not based on the notion that Tacoma is perfect, or has never lost its way, but because Tacomans have always found a way to come together, roll up their sleeves and continued to build and rebuild. We have community members who care, intensely and passionately, and who will always work to achieve a better tomorrow. As I reflect on the challenges our city has faced over the years, I know we will continue to rise, and I want to thank you all for your passion and commitment to Tacoma.
In January, I was excited to be appointed to the National League of Cities (NLC) 2021 Public Safety and Crime Prevention Committee (PSCP). As we continue our work to reimagine and transform community safety in Tacoma, I am eager to learn from examples of successes in this important area across our country and be part of this important national conversation. This committee helps form strategic direction and guidance for NLC’s federal advocacy agenda and policy priorities, and I am excited to continue to follow my passion for public safety. You can see the press release about it here.
Along with my service on PSCP, I continue to serve on the Community Vitality and Safety (CVS) and the Government Performance and Finance (GPFC) Committees for our Council. On a regional level, I will represent Tacoma on the Pierce County Regional Council and the Zoo Trek Authority (which my children believe is the best job I have). I look forward to continuing to find ways to contribute and lead while representing District 1 in my second year on Council.
Community Involvement
Along with my weekly Council Meetings, I am also a regular presence at the North End and West End Neighborhood Council Meetings. In the past, balancing these meetings with family and work demands was always tough. Now that the meetings are online, they are much easier to attend and just as informative. If you have never been to one, or are looking for a way to be more involved in our community, I would encourage you to check them out now. I hope to see you there!
Earlier this month, I attended the second Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting of my neighborhood TEMS site. It was another good meeting as we learned about the residents of the site and their continuing journey toward permanent housing. I am deeply grateful for the community members who serve on the committee. The CAC meets the second Wednesday of every month at 6 PM. The minutes and Zoom link to joincan be found here.
So far, I have been both impressed by the TEMS site and by the willingness of people to provide donations to the families living there. Our community is stronger because of your compassion. Thank you!
Scenes From the City of Destiny
Glass Recycling
This month, residential curbside glass recycling collection for customers in single-family homes and duplexes has been replaced with drop off stations throughout the city. If you are in District 1, the nearest new drop off station is at the Central Co-op (4502 N. Pearl St., Tacoma, WA 98407). I stopped by this past week and was excited to see that many of you had already made a visit too! You can click here and learn more.
Litter Free 253
In talking with many of you, trash and litter have come up often as a major concern. While I am working with staff to find ways to further support addressing litter and trash in our city, I am excited to share this upcoming event with all of you: Litter Free 253. I have been very happy to join the West End Neighborhood Council with litter pick-ups in the past and am looking forward to being part of this city-wide event on Saturday, April 17. More information can be found here, and I hope you will join!
Art in the Area
Have you noticed we have more artwork in our neighborhood? I was very excited to see the new box wraps at 6th and Orchard and 12th and Mildred Streets. I am always excited to see the wonderful work of our Office of Arts & Cultural Vitality as well as our local artists.
Home in Tacoma Project
Don’t miss the chance to share your views on housing! The City’s Planning and Development Services Department (PDS) has extended the Housing Choice Survey until February 5 to give as many people as possible time to respond. The survey is now available in Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian and Khmer. PDS would love to hear from more community members, particularly people who rent their homes, and people who are experiencing housing challenges. Your input will help shape future housing opportunities in Tacoma. More information can be found here.
Resources for COVID-19
The challenges we are facing in Tacoma with COVID-19 are unprecedented, but I want to let you know that we are taking important steps to address it in our community. We are working hard to support residents, families and businesses as we continue to address this public health crisis.
Washington State/Governor Jay Inslee COVID-19 Response: coronavirus.wa.gov
Please be sure to check out cityoftacoma.org for updates and further resources and, as always, please email me at john.hines@cityoftacoma.org or call me at (253) 312-5620 if you have questions.
