In this month’s newsletter, I’ll be sharing updates on our alternative response programs, our new Interim Police Chief, and recent community engagements and volunteer work. I’ll also share some news about our City Council trip to Washington, D.C., updates around graffiti and litter cleanup, and more.  

If you’d like to talk in person, I’d love to see you at my next Coffee Chat this Saturday, March 29, at the Swasey Library from 10:00 to 11:30 AM. These gatherings are a chance to connect in a relaxed and informal environment and hear what’s on your mind.

I hope you'll come by, say hello, and share your ideas—I’m always grateful for the chance to listen and learn from neighbors.

Opportunities to Serve: Bring Your Voice to the Table 

Following last month’s resolution to strengthen senior representation across Tacoma’s committees, boards, and commissions (CBCs), I want to highlight some important opportunities for community members of all ages to get involved. Our CBCs play a vital role in shaping city policies, programs, and investments—and ensuring that these groups reflect the diversity of Tacoma is essential to informed and inclusive decision-making. The resolution I introduced in February emphasized the value of senior perspectives, committed the City Council to prioritizing the inclusion of senior volunteers on CBCs when possible, and directed the City Manager to provide regular updates on age representation across all CBCs. I’m proud of this step forward and excited to continue expanding civic engagement in our city. 

Right now, there are openings on several CBCs, including the Public Utility Board, Planning Commission, Events and Recognitions Committee, and the Building Board of Appeals. If any of these areas are of interest to you—or if you’ve been looking for a way to get more involved in your community—this is a great time to apply. Serving on a CBC is one of the most impactful ways residents can shape decisions that touch every part of life in Tacoma, from infrastructure and energy to neighborhood development and community events. New openings are posted frequently so keep checking back if you are interested in a CBC that does not have a current opening: Committees, Boards and Commissions - City of Tacoma.

Whether you're a lifelong Tacoma resident or new to public service, your voice matters—and I hope you’ll consider serving. 

Expanding Alternative Response: A Continued Priority for Public Safety 

On Tuesday, March 18, the City Council received an important update on Tacoma’s alternative response initiatives—programs designed to ensure community members receive the right help, from the right team, at the right time. This work has been a core priority of mine since I joined the City Council in 2020, and I remain deeply committed to expanding public safety in ways that are responsive, compassionate, and grounded in community need. 

The City continues to advance three key efforts: the Homeless Engagement and Alternatives (HEAL) Team, the Holistic Outreach Promoting Engagement (HOPE) Team, and Community Service Officers (CSOs). Each team plays a unique and essential role. The HEAL Team connects unhoused residents with services and shelter, the HOPE Team responds to behavioral health crises alongside both FIRE/EMS and Law Enforcement, and CSOs support non-violent, low-risk calls for the Police Department to ease demand on sworn officers. 

These programs are delivering results. Throughout 2024, the HEAL Team made nearly 2,800 contacts, with 45% interested in shelter services. The HOPE Team has made more than 2,300 connections with residents navigating behavioral health challenges. We now have five CSOs who are offering timely, unarmed support to residents. 

As we continue this work, I encourage you to learn more about Tacoma’s alternative response efforts and how they fit into our broader public safety strategy. You can view the latest update shared with the City Council here or learn more at: Community Safety - City of Tacoma

Together, we are building a public safety system that reflects our values to ensure that every resident can access help, feel safe, and be treated with dignity.

Celebrating Volunteer Partnerships + Welcoming Interim Police Chief Patti Jackson 

On Saturday, March 15, I had the privilege of attending the Tacoma Police Department’s Volunteer Appreciation Event, where nearly 200 community members gathered to honor the incredible contributions of volunteers who help make our city safer. From Louisiana-style food served by TPD volunteers to thoughtful conversations with Community Liaison Officers and neighbors, the event was a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from community partnership. As a City Council Member and a proud board member of Safe Streets, I know firsthand how essential these connections are for Tacoma. Our public safety work is most effective when it’s rooted in trust, collaboration, and respect—and that’s exactly what we saw on display at this event. 

Pre-Approved DADU Plans Now Available: A Step Toward More Housing Options 

A project I’ve championed for years through the Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) Accelerator Program has officially taken a big step forward: Tacoma’s Pre-Approved Plans for Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs) are now live and available to the public! This is a major milestone in our work to expand housing access in a way that’s practical, community-focused, and responsive to residents' needs. 

Animal Control Code Update: Moving Forward Toward Solutions 

Last month, I shared an overview of my proposed updates to Tacoma’s Animal Control Code. This work is aimed at addressing the serious issue of animal overpopulation in our city and ensuring that our shelters, Animal Control officers, and community members have the support they need. I’m pleased to share that we’re continuing to move this important work forward. On March 18, the Government Performance and Finance Committee (GPFC) held a thoughtful discussion on the proposed updates to Title 17. With that discussion now complete, the item will move to the full City Council for further consideration and public input. 

Updating animal control policies is no small task, and I’m proud of the collaborative work that’s gone into this effort so far. The proposed changes include spay/neuter requirements, support for community cat programs, and new limits on the sale of animals for profit—all designed to reduce overpopulation and protect the animals we care so deeply about. I believe the policy coming out of GPFC reflects a balanced, compassionate approach, and I’m hopeful we’ll see action at the City Council level soon. At the heart of this work is a simple goal: to create a healthier, more sustainable environment for animals and the people who love them here in Tacoma.

Tackling Graffiti: A Cleaner, More Connected Tacoma 

Graffiti, along with litter and illegal dumping, continues to be one of the top concerns I hear from residents across District 1—and it's something I care deeply about. As one of the leaders behind the Tidy-Up Tacoma program, I’ve worked hard to develop a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to cleaning up our city. That includes not just trash and debris, but also a strong strategy for addressing graffiti across both public and private property. When tagging and vandalism go unaddressed, they affect our neighborhoods, our sense of safety, and our shared spaces. 

We’re making real progress. In just the past two years, the City has removed approximately 25,000 instances of graffiti and responded to over 1,100 community reports. In the current biennium, we’ve increased our investment in graffiti cleanup by 47%, added a second full-time removal worker, and strengthened our support for private property owners—including offering one free removal service per year. We’ve also committed $480,000 to private property cleanup, helping to ease the burden for homeowners and businesses alike. Through continued collaboration with WSDOT, we’re working to keep our state highways and interchanges clean too.

Remember--if you see graffiti, please report it to Tacoma FIRST 311 so that our crews can get out to remove it! 

Breaking Ground on Aviva Crossing: New Affordable Housing in the West End 

This past week, I had the honor of joining community partners to celebrate the groundbreaking of Aviva Crossing, a new affordable housing development that will bring 129 much-needed apartment homes to the West End of Tacoma. This project is an exciting example of what happens when we bring vision, collaboration, and community-centered planning together. Built on the site of a formerly underutilized shopping center, Aviva Crossing will transform the space into a vibrant residential hub near transit, schools, grocery stores, and Tacoma Community College. 

What makes Aviva Crossing especially meaningful is its focus on family-sized units—with half of the homes offering two or three bedrooms—and the deep affordability made possible through Tacoma Housing Authority’s Housing Choice Vouchers. Families will pay no more than 30% of their income in rent, and on-site services will support residents holistically, especially children. With strong partnerships from Tacoma Public Schools, the Metropolitan Development Council, and many others, this project offers not just housing, but opportunity. I’m proud to support developments like this that center families, create pathways out of housing insecurity, and build stronger, more inclusive neighborhoods.

Connecting with Future Leaders at Hunt Middle School Career Day 

I had the pleasure of participating in Career Day at Hunt Middle School this past month, where I shared what it’s like to serve on the Tacoma City Council. As a former classroom teacher, I always enjoy spending time with students—especially when they come ready with thoughtful questions and curious minds. I had a great time explaining what my day-to-day work looks like as a Council Member and hearing from others who shared their own career journeys with the students. 

One of the highlights of the day was visiting my son’s class—he asked some great questions, and it was a joy to chat with his friends and classmates. The students were especially interested in topics like animal welfare, speeding cars, and how zoning and permitting work in our city. It was clear they’re paying attention to what’s happening in their neighborhoods and already thinking critically about how cities function. I’m grateful for the invitation and hope to be invited back again soon!

Welcoming Elected Officials from Across Washington to Tacoma 

This past month, I was proud to join the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) in hosting the Elected Officials Essentials training right here in Tacoma. As a member of AWC’s Executive Board, I deeply value the work this organization does to equip newly elected and returning officials with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to serve their communities effectively. It was especially meaningful to welcome leaders from across the state to the City of Destiny and share what makes Tacoma such a dynamic and inspiring place to serve. 

During the training, I had the opportunity to speak with many new Council Members and Mayors about what it means to lead with integrity, to stay connected to your community, and to govern with both courage and care. These conversations reminded me how important it is to invest in each other as public servants—and how valuable it is to have a strong network of peers committed to doing this work well. I’m always glad to share Tacoma's great work with others and look forward to seeing these newly elected officials thrive in their roles.