I’d also like to take a moment to acknowledge the recent change in leadership at our Police Department. As many of you know, Chief Avery Moore has retired after serving the City with dedication, and I want to thank him for his service and wish him the best in this new chapter of his life. I’m thrilled to be welcoming Interim Chief Patti Jackson, whose leadership and experience will guide our Police Department in the months ahead. Public safety is a priority for all of us, and I’m excited about the direction Chief Jackson will lead us in when she gets started as we continue to work together to keep Tacoma safe. In the meantime, I'm pleased that Assistant Police Chief Frank Krause is serving as Acting Police Chief. 

As many of you have noticed, we have entered pothole season. With our recent cold weather and then heavy rainfall, we are primed for more potholes in our streets. Whenever you see (or feel) a pothole, I would encourage you to report it to TacomaFIRST 311. The City has many of miles of roads to maintain and 311 reports are the best way to make sure your potholes are addressed in a timely manner.

I also want to say thank you to my alma mater, the University of Puget Sound, for recognizing me with the 2025 Service to Community Alumni Award--I love our city, and it is an honor and a joy to serve our residents!

City Council Workshop: Setting Priorities for 2025 

This past month, the City Council gathered for our annual workshop at the Center for Urban Waters. It was a valuable opportunity to hear from my colleagues and step back from the busy pace at the end of 2024 to focus on our priorities for the year ahead. We discussed a range of issues, but I’m particularly excited about the direction we’re taking in addressing some of Tacoma’s most pressing challenges. 

Based on our conversations, I am excited to work with my colleagues in the year ahead on some of my priorities: 

Addressing Homelessness: 

• The City needs to revisit shelter services and options established during the COVID pandemic with American Rescue Plan funds and work with the state to secure continued funding for shelters. We also need to reexamine the approach to managing encampments and sleeping on public streets. 

Public Safety: 

• The City should continue to reassess how we approach crime and criminal activity in Tacoma to ensure that every neighborhood, no matter where you are, feels safe and secure. We will need to collaborate with the new police Chief and leadership to make meaningful progress on public safety concerns, including examining how we respond to property crime. 

Supporting Small Businesses: 

• The City should continue to focus on creating a supportive environment for small businesses to grow and thrive. A big piece of this remains continuing to address zoning, infrastructure, and other challenges, such as grease trap costs, that may be hindering business development. 

It was an exciting and productive conversation, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to address these issues in 2025. Together, we’re committed to making tangible progress and ensuring that Tacoma continues to thrive for all its residents.

At our February 24 Study Session, I shared an important initiative that I am advancing to ensure that Tacoma’s senior community has a more meaningful role in shaping our city’s future. Last year, as we worked to improve senior services, I heard from many older community members who felt left out of important conversations about our city’s direction. Whether through my Walk Across Tacoma or work on the Proctor Neighborhood Plan, I have consistently heard concerns that the needs and perspectives of our seniors are not being fully reflected in our decisions. With the growth of Tacoma’s aging population, it’s crucial that we make sure our policies address the needs of all generations and are equitable across all life stages. 

To address this, I introduced a resolution to make it a priority to include community members over the age of 65 on Tacoma’s volunteer committees, boards, and commissions (CBCs) when possible. Currently, less than half of our CBCs have senior representation. While not all seniors have the time or interest to serve, many possess valuable professional experience and have lived in our community for years. Their voices are essential as we move forward with policies that impact every part of our city, and their perspectives will help ensure we are creating sustainable improvements for all. The resolution also directs the City Manager to update the City Council quarterly on the status of senior representation across CBCs, helping us keep the inclusion of senior voices in mind during the recruitment and appointment processes. 

I plan to bring the final resolution forward for a vote on March 4. By fostering greater engagement from our seniors, we can ensure that Tacoma remains a city for everyone, where all community members have an opportunity to contribute to shaping the future.

Tree preservation remains a central focus as we balance Tacoma’s urban development with environmental sustainability. In December, we passed the Home in Tacoma zoning package, which initially included tree preservation rules for non-development sites. After careful consideration and feedback, we removed these provisions and referred them to the Infrastructure, Planning, and Sustainability - City of Tacoma for further discussion. This allows for a broader conversation on how to preserve trees on private property while accommodating the need for housing density. 

I’m excited about these conversations, as trees are essential to Tacoma’s ecosystem and quality of life. In February, I spoke with the North End Neighborhood Council about tree preservation, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Moving forward, the IPS Committee will continue exploring ways to enhance our Urban Forestry Program, including new regulations and incentives for tree preservation. As we work towards sustainable urban growth, it’s vital that we protect and expand our tree canopy for future generations. I encourage you to stay engaged in these important discussions.

Addressing Animal Overpopulation: Proposed Updates to Animal Control Code 

To address the growing issue of animal overpopulation in Tacoma, I am proposing updates to Title 17 of the Municipal Code. The goal of these changes is to reduce the burden on Animal Control resources and better manage the high volume of unhoused animals in our community. The proposed updates include a variety of measures such as defining “community cats” to support Trap-Neuter-Return programs, mandating spay/neuter requirements for animals impounded by Animal Control, and increasing licensing fees for unaltered animals to help fund spay/neuter programs. Additionally, the sale, breeding, and advertising of companion animals for profit would be banned, further curbing overpopulation. These updates are aimed at ensuring better management of animal populations while hopefully alleviating some of the strain on animal shelters and Animal Control officers. 

The proposed changes also address issues related to unregulated animals, such as pigs, by clarifying their legal status and providing clearer guidelines for Animal Control and law enforcement. Tacoma’s animal shelters, like the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County (where we got our rescue dog, Atlas, who loves to lay on our couch!), have been overwhelmed by the high intake rates of animals, which has led to overcrowded conditions and, at times, the need to waive adoption fees. With the number of animal-related complaints on the rise, it’s clear that we must take action to manage animal populations more effectively and reduce the environmental and public health risks associated with animal overpopulation. These proposed changes will help us move toward a healthier, more sustainable approach to animal welfare in Tacoma.

Celebrating the Reopening of the Tacoma Main Library 

Celebrating Culture and Community: Lunar New Year and Asia Pacific Festivities 

This past month was a wonderful celebration of culture and community for me, with two incredible events that showcased Tacoma's diversity and spirit. On February 2, I had the pleasure of attending the Lincoln District's annual Lunar New Year celebration, a special event that holds a personal connection for me as a graduate of Lincoln High School. It’s always a joy to return to the district that I grew up in and celebrate alongside the community. The event was filled with vibrant performances, great food, and an overall sense of pride in the neighborhood. It was a fantastic way to ring in the Lunar New Year, and I truly cherish the opportunity to support the businesses and families in this historic part of Tacoma. 

Participating in the Annual Point in Time Count: A Meaningful Step Toward Addressing Homelessness 

This month, I had the opportunity to participate once again in Pierce County’s annual Point in Time Count, where volunteers, including myself and Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello, go out into the community to count and make contact with individuals experiencing homelessness. This event holds deep personal meaning for me, as it provides a chance to connect with people face-to-face on the streets and gain a better understanding of their experiences. I participated in the evening count, where we handed out care packages and engaged in conversations that bring us closer to the realities of homelessness in Tacoma and Pierce County. These conversations are vital to shaping a comprehensive response to the issue and ensure that we are addressing it on a deeper, more personal level. 

Homelessness remains one of my top priorities as a Council Member, and this event is an essential part of my ongoing commitment to finding meaningful solutions. Working alongside dedicated volunteers and community members, we continue to learn more about the complexities of homelessness, its impacts, and the services needed to support those affected. These discussions are an important part of the larger conversation, one that spans beyond Tacoma to include regional, statewide, and national efforts. I’m grateful for the chance to be part of this important work and to continue pushing forward with policies and initiatives aimed at providing stable housing for all. I deeply appreciate the ongoing outreach and the passion of those working every day to ensure more people find a home.

AWC City Action Days: Expanding Tacoma’s Advocacy at the State Level 

This past week, I had the privilege of participating in the annual Association of Washington Cities (AWC) City Action Days, held during the legislative session. This event brings together city officials from across the state for a series of updates on legislative priorities, insider panels, and discussions on hot topics that impact our cities. One of the highlights was the “hill climb,” where we had the opportunity to meet with our statewide decision-makers in Olympia and discuss our legislative priorities for the year. It’s always a valuable opportunity to advocate for Tacoma and connect with other leaders to learn about the challenges and opportunities facing cities across the state. 

As a member of the AWC Executive Board and the Legislative Priorities Committee, I’ve been deeply involved in helping shape the city’s legislative agenda at the state level. City Action Days is a great opportunity to not only advocate for Tacoma, but also to expand my leadership and strengthen our relationships with legislators who influence the decisions affecting all cities. It's important for Tacoma to have a voice in these conversations, and participating in these events allows me to gain a broader perspective on the issues that matter to both our city and others. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues across the state to ensure that cities like Tacoma are heard and supported in Olympia.