Deputy Mayor John Hines - District 1 - November 26, 2024
City of Tacoma Washington sent this bulletin at 11/26/2024 11:36 AM PST
Happy fall, Tacoma!
As we embrace the shorter days with the end of daylight savings time, I know the lack of sunshine can be a challenge. Thankfully, this season also brings great events and the joy of the holidays. The Hines family had a fantastic Halloween, wrapped up another exciting soccer season, and is getting ready for a great Thanksgiving.
I want to give a special shout-out to the Proctor Business District and their businesses for another great year of the Proctor Treats event—it’s a family favorite, and I always love breaking out the ketchup costume!
It’s been a busy month, and I’m excited to share some of the highlights and updates with you. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! I'm grateful for all you do to take care of each other and support our city.
Scenes from the City of Destiny
Home in Tacoma Phase 2
After more than three years of work, the City Council passed the Home in Tacoma Phase 2 ordinance at our November 19 Council Meeting. I have been working on Home in Tacoma with my colleagues since I joined the City Council in 2020, and this milestone reflects our collective effort to address Tacoma’s housing needs while preserving the elements that make our city special, including the unique character of our neighborhoods and our vital tree canopy.
This initiative is about more than zoning changes--it’s about making Tacoma a more inclusive city. As our population grows, we’re preparing to welcome more families, young professionals, and seniors by creating a range of housing options. Whether it’s duplexes, triplexes, or accessory dwelling units, we’re focused on providing choices that meet the diverse needs of our community. I’m also committed to ensuring that infrastructure improvements, such as roads and public transit, keep pace with this growth.
In many of my conversations with residents, housing costs and homelessness come up again and again. Home in Tacoma is a huge step toward trying to address both these concerns. While the changes will not take effect overnight, we should see more places for people to live over time.
As we move forward, additional discussions about impact fees, traffic safety through Vision Zero, and a dedicated focus on tree protection will take center stage. Change will happen gradually, but I’m eager to see how Tacoma evolves to meet the needs of all its residents.
This past month, I had the chance to tour one of the projects under the Tacoma Streets Initiative, located on E 64th and McKinley in Tacoma. This neighborhood is close to my heart and where I spent much of my childhood (it is also where I got my start as a football player at the old Eastside Boys and Girls Club). I remember how unsafe some of the streets felt back then, with limited infrastructure and few safe sidewalks. Today, I’m thrilled to see the improvements that are underway, with new sidewalks and safer roads being constructed to serve residents in this long-overlooked area.
At recent City Council meetings on November 5 and 8, we discussed the potential for a Streets Initiative II package, which would allow us to continue these essential upgrades across Tacoma. The first phase of the Streets Initiative has already made a significant impact, paving and treating hundreds of blocks, installing numerous ADA ramps, and adding sidewalks. These efforts have been vital in addressing long-standing issues and improving accessibility across our city.
When I did my Walk Across Tacoma this summer, I heard from people across the city about the condition of our roads. Many people told me that they feel unsafe, no matter how they choose to get around, and while the Streets Initiative has done some great work, there is more to be done. Safer streets lead to stronger neighborhoods and our street work is about more than just filling potholes (though as the leader of Pothole Palooza, I do love filling potholes).
The proposed Streets Initiative II package would give us the opportunity to build on this success and turn Tacoma’s streets from points of frustration into sources of pride. Over the coming months, I look forward to engaging with the community to understand your priorities and ensure that this initiative reflects our collective vision. Together, we can secure a transformational investment in Tacoma’s future, creating streets that are safe, accessible, and welcoming for all.
Cushman and Adams Substations: Reimagining Community Spaces
Last month, I joined many of you at the Cushman and Adams Substations Adaptive Reuse Scenarios Workshop at Wheelock Library. It was inspiring to hear your ideas about the future of these historic sites. The scenarios presented reflect thousands of community comments and years of work from some of our neighborhood groups.
These substations are a testament to Tacoma’s rich history, and I’m excited about their potential to serve future generations. Whether they become community hubs, affordable housing, or centers for innovation, these buildings represent an opportunity to breathe new life into our neighborhoods. As we narrow down the scenarios, I encourage you to stay engaged—your input will help shape the final vision and is invaluable in shaping spaces that truly reflect our community’s needs and aspirations.
Even as we dream big, there’s more work ahead—conducting feasibility studies, identifying partners, and planning for sustainable use. I’m excited about what’s to come and look forward to these buildings serving our community for another century.
Trash Talk
Tidy-Up Tacoma: Tackling Litter and Expanding Recycling
As many of you know, I have been very focused on litter and trash in our city since I joined the City Council. I think cleaning up the streets not only gives us a healthier and safer city, but also a sense of pride in our community. So far, I’m proud of the progress we’ve made in keeping our city clean.
This year, over 280 new Tidy-Up Tacoma trash cans have been deployed in business districts across the city. This is a big step forward in reducing litter in our business districts and one of the biggest requests from our residents. These new trash cans are part of a larger effort to improve the cleanliness and aesthetic of our streets.
Coupled with the deployment of the Grit City Gobbler, our new litter and trash cleaning machine, we’re tackling waste head-on. But keeping Tacoma tidy isn’t just about removing litter—it’s about fostering a culture of sustainability and responsibility.
I’m grateful for the community’s support in these efforts, and I’m excited to see the impact as we continue to roll out these initiatives.
Recycling Efforts and Innovation
I am also excited to share updates on two key recycling initiatives that are pushing Tacoma toward a more sustainable future. First, through my work with the Government Performance and Finance Committee, we’ve developed a new special permit for recycling and junk hauling. This permit offers escalating tax incentives based on the volume of materials diverted from landfills. By rewarding companies that prioritize recycling, we’re not only reducing waste but also aligning with the goals outlined in our Climate Action Plan. I’m confident this initiative will encourage more businesses to adopt sustainable practices, keeping valuable materials out of the waste stream.
In addition, I’m proud of our new partnership with Cambium Carbon to explore innovative wood reuse strategies. This collaboration will include a citywide study and market analysis to determine how we can ensure that removed trees are put to their highest and best use. From transforming them into dimensional lumber and furniture to pioneering products like biochar, the possibilities are vast. I’m excited to see Tacoma continue to lead as a city that values sustainability and innovation in urban forestry.
I look forward to sharing more about both of these programs in the months and years ahead!
Catching Up with Deputy Mayor Hines
National League of Cities Presentation: Sharing Tacoma’s Success
Last month, I had the honor of presenting at the National League of Cities Annual Summit about Tacoma’s Green Economic Development Plan. It was an excellent opportunity to showcase our innovative approaches to recycling and green job creation. I also gained valuable insights from other cities on addressing housing, homelessness, and public safety, which I’m eager to bring back to Tacoma.
Tacoma’s leadership in industrial symbiosis—a strategy to link industries to reuse waste materials—is gaining national attention. Sharing our journey with city leaders from across the country reinforced the importance of collaboration in tackling environmental challenges. I’m excited to draw on new ideas from the summit and continue pushing Tacoma to be a leader in sustainability and economic development.
ZooTrek Authority: Supporting Our Local Treasures
As chair of the ZooTrek Authority, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible work happening at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek. From conservation efforts to educational programs, these institutions are vital community assets. Don’t forget to check out ZooLights this holiday season—my family loves it, and I’m sure yours will too!
Beyond the festivities, the ZooTrek Authority is focused on maintaining and enhancing the visitor experience. This year, we’ve supported projects aimed at improving animal habitats and expanding educational outreach. I encourage everyone to visit and experience the amazing work being done—whether it’s through seasonal events like ZooLights or year-round conservation initiatives, there’s always something new to discover.
Please be sure to check out cityoftacoma.org for City updates and resources and, as always, please feel free to share your thoughts and concerns with me directly at john.hines@cityoftacoma.org. You can also call me at (253) 312-5620 if you have questions.
I invite you to tune in to the City Council’s Study Session or Council meetings every week on Tuesdays via TV Tacoma, Facebook Live, or Zoom. Access information is available at cityoftacoma.org/councilmeetings.
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