Investing in Police and Fire Services 

Community safety continues to be one of the top concerns I hear from residents and one of my key priorities. This year, I focused on ensuring our Police and Fire Departments have the resources they need in our budget to keep Tacoma safe. I was very pleased to support investments in the Police Department to address crime while continuing to advocate for the tools and support our police officers require to respond effectively to emergencies. Similarly, I worked hard to preserve all positions within the Fire Department during the recent budget cycle, ensuring they have the staffing and resources necessary to meet the growing demands of our community.

I also had the joy of formally recognizing the great work of the volunteer Tacoma Fire Buff Battalion this year with a Compassionate Tacoma award. This amazing group of volunteers plays an important role in supporting our firefighters and I am grateful for their efforts! In addition, I want to thank our exceptional team of Community Liaison Officers who helped resolve the concerns that many of you brought to my attention this year. 

Expanding Alternative Response Programs 

While police and fire services are critical, I’m proud of the progress we've made to expand Tacoma's alternative response programs, such as the Community Service Officers (CSO). Our CSOs are unarmed civilian staff trained to respond to specific non-priority calls for service, providing vital support to the Tacoma Police Department. In their first six months of operation, our CSOs have helped sworn officers focus on higher-priority incidents, effectively enhancing public safety.

Our Homelessness Engagement Alternatives Liaison (HEAL) Team also continues to be an invaluable asset to our community and is instrumental in connecting individuals with behavioral health needs to the right resources, ensuring our City’s response is compassionate and effective. I had the pleasure of sharing our work with Senator Patty Murray this year to discuss local and federal partnerships around mental and behavioral health care. 

The goal for our alternative response programs is simple: when someone calls 911, the right person arrives with the right resources to help. 

Building Community Engagement and Addressing Substance Use 

Beyond City services, I continued to lead efforts to engage the community in safety initiatives. As the board chair of Safe Streets, I’ve worked to activate residents to help build stronger, safer neighborhoods. Additionally, as the executive co-chair of the Pierce County Opioid Task Force, I remain committed to combating substance use disorder. By expanding access to treatment and resources, we’re addressing the root causes of some of our City's safety challenges while also helping more people get the support they need. 

Expanding Housing Options for All 

Throughout my time on the City Council, one of my top priorities has been addressing housing and homelessness. Many of the challenges we face as a City stem from the fact that we simply don’t have enough housing—and the right types of housing—to meet the needs of our community. This shortage creates barriers for individuals and families, whether they are starting out, growing, or looking to downsize. 

Neighborhood Planning: A Model for Growth and Preservation 

This year marked the completion of the Proctor Neighborhood Plan, which I believe serves as a model for neighborhood planning across our City (and our country). One theme I heard repeatedly during my walk across Tacoma was how much people love their neighborhoods. As Tacoma continues to grow and change, neighborhood plans like Proctor’s allow us to identify what we cherish about these communities and work to preserve and enhance those qualities. Tacoma is growing, and that is a good thing, but we do not want to lose too much of what makes our City special in the first place. 

Addressing Encampments with Dignity and Respect 

In 2022, I advanced our City’s camping ordinance, and it continues to play a vital role in how the City addresses encampments across Tacoma. A key component of this effort is the work of our HEAL Team, which engages individuals in encampments with dignity, compassion, and respect. Their approach ensures that, as we address the impacts of encampments on our community, we are also helping those living in unsafe and inhumane conditions to find stability. 

These efforts, combined with investments in housing and shelter, are critical to making real progress. By providing more housing options, increasing shelter capacity, and connecting individuals to resources, we can address the impacts of encampments while supporting those who need a pathway to a better future. 

Addressing Homelessness with Compassion and Innovation 

Homelessness remains one of our most pressing challenges, and beyond the efforts I helped lead in Tacoma, I’m also advancing regional efforts to address this pressing issue. As a member of the Pierce County Select Committee on Homelessness and a new board member of Family Promise of Pierce County, I have taken on more regional roles in addressing homelessness in Tacoma and the wider Pierce County region. I continue to be focused on connecting individuals and families experiencing homelessness to shelter, housing, and the services they need to maintain stability. 

Another highlight this past year was extending the Tacoma Emergency Micro Shelter 3 site at 6th and Orchard for an additional year. This village has provided essential shelter and support for families while integrating seamlessly into the surrounding neighborhood (and I should know since I live down the street). Programs like this show how innovative approaches can make a real difference. 

In the year ahead, I look to further explore additional solutions, expanded partnerships, and new approaches to continue to ensure fewer of people in our City are left unsheltered and in unsafe and inhumane conditions. 

Keeping Tacoma Beautiful: Tackling Litter and Trash

This year, I continued my commitment to addressing litter and trash in Tacoma, with a focus on keeping our City clean and protecting our environment. Litter doesn’t just harm our neighborhoods; it also impacts our stormwater system and the health of Puget Sound (remember--If It Hits The Ground, It Hits The Sound). That’s why I’ve championed efforts with the two-fold approach of cleaning up litter and working to prevent it. Along with the environmental benefits, litter clean-up and prevention are key ingredients that helps make our business districts feel safer and more welcoming for all of our community members. 

The expansion of the Tidy-Up Tacoma initiative has been a key success in 2024, with over 200 new trash cans installed across the City in direct response to community feedback. These efforts make it easier for residents and visitors to keep our streets clean. Additionally, I updated the City’s litter and trash code to discourage illegal dumping, striking a balance between public education and enforcement to address this persistent issue. 

I am excited with how far we have come in taking care of the trash in Tacoma since I joined the City Council. I have been proud to have earned the reputation as the "trash Council Member" and look forward to more work in the coming year to keep Tacoma beautiful! 

Innovating Recycling and Waste Diversion 

A major milestone this year was updating Tacoma’s recycling tax code in collaboration with local businesses. I spearheaded the creation of a groundbreaking special permit program that incentivizes recycling and waste diversion. This first-of-its-kind initiative in Washington State rewards businesses for diverting waste from landfills and reusing materials productively, reinforcing Tacoma’s leadership in sustainability. It was a project that took over a year, but was a clear example of how the City can work with businesses to improve our environmental impact. 

I was also excited to launch the development of an Urban Wood Reuse Program Assessment and Action Strategy. This work is aimed at diverting wood waste from our landfills and finding creative and sustainable ways to re-use trees that are removed, getting the highest and best use from that wood material rather than just throwing it away. By finding productive uses for wood waste, we’re reducing landfill contributions and supporting Tacoma’s circular economy. 

Protecting and Growing Tacoma’s Tree Canopy 

During the Home in Tacoma process, I heard from many residents about the importance of preserving and expanding our tree canopy. In response, I introduced an amendment to launch a community-wide conversation about tree preservation and planting. This conversation will begin in 2025, and I am excited about exploring how we can meet both our housing and tree canopy goals in the years ahead in Tacoma.

I’m also committed to ensuring the City takes more responsibility for maintaining newly planted trees, helping them thrive and contribute to a healthier urban environment. I believe Tacoma can be a leader and an example to other cities and jurisdictions on how we can support increased housing while still protecting our trees and tree canopy.

In addition, I was thrilled to support updates to our code to modernize our approach to street trees, including revised permit requirements and related regulations for pruning, removal and planting of street trees and revised policies and procedures for the discretionary review of requests to prune trees on public property.

Green Economic Development 

All of these efforts align with Tacoma’s Green Economic Development Plan, which I proudly presented this earlier year at the National League of Cities Conference in Tampa, Florida. By reducing waste, increasing recycling, and supporting businesses committed to sustainability, we’re fostering a circular economy that benefits both our environment and our local economic vitality. 

Investing in Pedestrian Infrastructure 

This year, I’ve been focused on improving Tacoma’s infrastructure to ensure everyone—whether walking, biking, or driving—can safely and conveniently get where they need to go. My walk across Tacoma underscored the urgent need for better pedestrian infrastructure, from sidewalks and crosswalks to bike lanes and streetlights. These investments are not just about building safer streets; they also foster stronger neighborhoods and greater community engagement. When people feel safe walking around their neighborhoods, it naturally builds connections and a sense of belonging. 

One of the key steps I took this year was working with Council Member Kristina Walker to update the Transportation Benefit District with a mandate to dedicate 15% of the revenue collected to safety improvements for pedestrian-focused infrastructure like sidewalks and crosswalks. This change reflects our commitment to making Tacoma safer and more accessible for everyone. 

Addressing Speeding and Traffic Safety 

Speeding vehicles remain a significant concern, and I’m committed to using automated enforcement, like speed cameras, to help reduce crashes and meet our Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries. By combining physical improvements to the built environment with enforcement measures, we can create streets that prioritize safety for all users. The conversation about speed cameras will continue in 2025 and I look forward to putting them to work in the years ahead to ensure we can safely get around our City. 

Maintaining and Repairing Our Streets 

While building new infrastructure is vital, maintaining our existing streets is equally important. This year, I was thrilled to launch Pothole Palooza, a citywide effort to address potholes, highlighting the hard work of our Public Works staff and reminding residents of the ongoing commitment to street maintenance. The event even introduced “Phil the Pothole,” a lighthearted animated character to engage the community and emphasize the importance of this work. 

Potholes affect every neighborhood, and Tacoma’s wet climate makes them a recurring challenge. Moving forward, I’m dedicated to ensuring we invest not only in new roads but also in the maintenance and repair of our current infrastructure. This commitment to fix our roads will remain a top priority for me in 2025 and beyond. 

Building an Age-Friendly City 

As Tacoma becomes an aging city—where residents over the age of 50 outnumber those under the age of five—preparing for this demographic shift has been a key focus. This year, we began updating the City's Age-Friendly City Action Plan and hosted a successful Senior Summit in December. The summit brought together a passionate group of seniors committed to making Tacoma more inclusive and accessible. 

Efforts like the Home in Tacoma initiative, the ADU Accelerator Program, and pedestrian safety improvements are all critical to helping our seniors age in place and remain connected to their neighborhoods. I’m also excited about new partnerships with Metro Parks to expand senior services and ensure opportunities for community engagement. Looking ahead, I’ll continue to advocate for incorporating senior voices in City decision-making through boards, committees, and commissions. 

Leadership on Animal Welfare 

Building on last year’s success with our new cat declawing ban and updates to animal noise regulations, I continued my focus on animal welfare by working on changes to the City’s animal control code. These updates aim to make Tacoma more animal-friendly while addressing challenges that arise when pets and people share urban spaces.

I’m also thrilled that Tacoma’s cat declawing ban is inspiring a statewide effort. I’ve been collaborating with state legislators to move this forward in the upcoming legislative session, expanding Tacoma’s leadership in animal welfare to the state level. 

Celebrating Sports and Community

Sports have a unique ability to bring people together, and this year I supported several exciting developments in Tacoma’s sports scene.

I worked with the Tacoma Stars as they launched their new outdoor semi-professional team and continued to support the Tacoma Rainiers and their contributions to our community. I was thrilled to bring forward a recognition for the Tacoma Stars Reserves this year. They won the Western Indoor Soccer League Championship for the third consecutive year, as well as the 2024 national amateur title in the PASL US Open Cup, marking a historic achievement for the team and the Tacoma soccer community!

Regional and National Leadership 

On the regional and national stage, I’ve continued to serve in leadership roles that amplify Tacoma’s voice. As a member of the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Executive Board and its Legislative Priorities Committee, I’ve worked closely with state legislators to advocate for cities like Tacoma. 

Nationally, I serve on the National League of Cities (NLC) Finance, Administration, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee. This role has allowed me to engage with Congressional leaders and tackle the financial challenges cities face, ensuring Tacoma is well-represented in conversations about funding and sustainability at the federal level. 

As we wrap up 2024, I’m reflecting on a year of progress and growth. After completing five years on the City Council, I am confident we are making progress on the priorities you’ve shared with me. With three years left in my term, I’m more determined than ever to make meaningful progress on key challenges and issues I care deeply about, while also fostering the connections that make Tacoma special. 

In 2025, I’ll continue focusing on community safety, ensuring Tacoma is a place where everyone feels secure. Addressing housing and homelessness remains a top priority, as I work to ensure every person who wants to call Tacoma home has a safe, dignified place to live. Investments in our infrastructure—roads, sidewalks, and public spaces—will also remain a central focus, as these improvements encourage people to explore their neighborhoods, connect with others, and build stronger communities. 

The theme I’m carrying into 2025 is a commitment to building community. After the disruptions of the COVID pandemic, we’ve seen how much work is needed to rekindle connections and create spaces where people can come together. My walk across Tacoma this year made it clear that people want to engage with their neighbors, address shared challenges, and collectively make our City a better place. 

While I recognize the limits of what government can do, I also see the limitless potential of what a united group of residents can accomplish. In the coming year, my focus will be on empowering neighbors to take an active role in working with the City to help shape their communities, foster relationships, and work together to improve our neighborhoods. 

The pride and love people have for Tacoma are palpable. It’s not just a love for what Tacoma is today but a deep belief in what it can become. In 2025, I want to walk alongside you to make sure Tacoma lives up to its promise as the City of Destiny. Together, we can build a safer, stronger, and more connected community where everyone can thrive.