Greetings District 5!

We are past halfway through the year already! Where is the time flying? Like many of you I’ve had the chance to enjoy family time and a plethora of events happening all over our district. In this newsletter I have some fantastic news and also some tough news to break. I’ve been working hard to respond to all the changes and challenges we are experiencing at the federal level, as well as addressing some of the real quality of life issues in Tacoma that I wanted to give some updates on. I hope you’re having a fantastic summer!

Thank you,
Council Member Joe Bushnell
City of Tacoma, District 5

Topics in this newsletter include: 

• Statement from City Council Member Joe Bushnell on the Upcoming Closure of Tacoma’s Pacific Fred Meyer Store
• City Services Spotlight: Tacoma Fire Department Welcomes New Fire Engines
• Enhancing the City’s Code Compliance Tools
• Website Modernization: Introducing Tacoma.gov
• Tacoma Police Department Community Police Academy
• South Tacoma Neighborhood Planning Program
• National League of Cities 2025 Summer Board and Leadership Meeting
• Out in Community

Statement from City Council Member Joe Bushnell on the Upcoming Closure of Tacoma’s Pacific Fred Meyer Store

I want to express my disappointment regarding the news of the upcoming closure of our local Pacific Fred Meyer store. For years, this store has been more than just a place to shop; it has been a community hub, a vital source of groceries and prescriptions, and an employer for many of our residents.

We have been in communication with Kroger, the parent company, and we understand this was a difficult decision for them, and that this closure is part of a larger company-wide decision to run more efficiently and ensure the long-term health of their business.

Our immediate concern is for the dedicated employees and their families who are affected by this announcement. We are encouraged that Kroger has committed to offer each impacted associate the opportunity to transfer to a new location, and Tacoma’s workforce development partners stand ready to provide resources and support to any individual who needs it.

While the loss of this store is a setback, we must also view it as an opportunity. This is a prime commercial space in a thriving area of our city, and its vacancy opens a new chapter. Our Community & Economic Development Department is already working to engage the property owners to begin a proactive discussion about the future of this space. We are optimistic that we can attract a new tenant, or combination of tenants, that will serve the needs of our community and re-energize this location.

Tacoma is a resilient and dynamic city. Though we are sad to see a long-standing business close its doors at this location, we are confident that by working together with community members and the property owner, we will bring a new and vibrant presence to this space that will work for our community for years to come.

City Services Spotlight: Tacoma Fire Department Welcomes New Fire Engines

Check out this video highlighting the Tacoma Fire Department’s Push-In ceremonies, celebrating bringing 3 new fire engines to Tacoma. These replaced three engines that served over 158,000 calls:

• Engine 1 serves Downtown Tacoma and replaces a unit in service 16 years,
• Engine 8 serves the South End and replaces a unit in service 15 years, and
• Engine 4 serves Hilltop and replaces a unit in service 15 years.

Based on our fleet’s usage, call volume, and operating conditions, Engine replacement is recommended after eight years in frontline service and 13 years in reserve status. With the addition of these three new engines, the average age of TFD’s engine fleet is now 9.3 years old.

As a city, we’ve strategized how to respond to our need for new equipment. In June, the Council acted fast to approve the purchase of two new fire engines that became available on short notice. The normal wait time after ordering a fire engine can be 30-48 months, but because we quickly seized an opportunity, we’re able to access these two engines in about 6 months. I look forward to celebrating bringing additional new engines to Tacoma!

Enhancing the City’s Code Compliance Tools

The City is tackling a vital initiative to update and unify several property-related codes into one comprehensive framework called the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC). Currently, the city enforces multiple separate codes including minimum building and structures standards and public nuisance regulations. The proposal seeks to consolidate approximately 95 percent of these codes, creating a streamlined and efficient enforcement system while maintaining local policy control.

Adopting the IPMC aligns our city with neighboring municipalities, bringing consistency and improving the overall effectiveness of code enforcement. The new unified code will help ensure that every neighborhood remains safe, healthy, and visually appealing by setting clear standards for property maintenance and cleanliness.

As a Council Member, I will have a role in determining enforcement standards for this policy. I believe strongly in the importance of shared responsibility among residents to maintain their properties and am exploring enhanced accountability tools to encourage voluntary compliance. The plan also includes tighter timelines for resolving issues and a fair approach to recovering City costs, especially when multiple abatements are necessary.

This policy is currently under review by the Council Community, Vitality, and Safety Committee with a full Council vote anticipated between January and March 2026. While it’s developed, the City is working on numerous process improvements to streamline our existing system. This includes software enhancement to provide instant access to records, photos, and other compliance related information, modifying business processes to streamline enforcement pathways, and launching a pilot program for City-funded abatement for chronic neighborhood issues. Stay tuned as we work toward healthier, safer, and more vibrant neighborhoods for all residents.

Website Modernization: Introducing Tacoma.gov

I’m excited to announce that the City of Tacoma’s newly redesigned website has officially launched at tacoma.gov!

This long-anticipated upgrade delivers a modern, secure, and user-friendly platform that better reflects the needs of our community. As our primary online resource for residents, businesses, and visitors since 2013, the previous site served us well, but a 2023 assessment revealed the need for major improvements in accessibility, mobile usability, and cybersecurity.

What you’ll find at tacoma.gov:

• A clean, modern look with updated, relevant content
• Streamlined navigation to help you find what you need faster
• A fully mobile-friendly and accessible experience
• Enhanced security by moving to a trusted .gov domain
• Greater equity, with improved access for low-income, BIPOC, and youth communities

With over 5.5 million page views each year, this redesign represents a significant step forward in how we deliver information and services online. It also supports City Council priorities to build trust, expand digital access, and ensure that all Tacoma residents can easily engage with their local government.

I encourage you to visit the new site, explore the updates, and share your feedback with us. Your input continues to shape the future of how we serve you online.

Tacoma Police Department Community Police Academy

Would you like to gain insight into how the Tacoma Police Department works? The Community Police Academy is for you.

The Community Police Academy highlights the Tacoma Police Department’s Community-Oriented Policing philosophy, which strengthens the bond between our community members and our police officers as we proactively work together to solve community issues of varying complexity.

We are now accepting applications through August 15, 2025, for the next Community Police Academy. Classes run from September 17 to November 19, 2025, meeting each Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the City of Tacoma Fleet Operations classroom, 3639 South Pine Street, adjacent to Tacoma Police Department headquarters. The Community Police Academy is open to adults 18 years of age and older.

Completed applications (with a copy of your Washington State driver’s license) can be submitted via email to TPD-CommunityPoliceAcademy@tacoma.gov or can be mailed to:

Tacoma Police Department Attn. Community Police Academy 3701 S. Pine Street Tacoma, WA  98409

South Tacoma Neighborhood Planning Program

Marking a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to community-informed work, in June the City Council adopted the South Tacoma Neighborhood Plan. The neighborhood plan, crafted to reflect the diverse priorities of community members in South Tacoma, focuses on economic opportunity, transportation safety, community health, environmental sustainability, cultural identity, and affordability.

I’m proud to celebrate the adoption of the South Tacoma Neighborhood Plan — a plan shaped by the voices, values, and vision of this community. This is more than just a document; it’s both a plan of action and a roadmap for a more connected, vibrant, and resilient South Tacoma. This plan reflects what neighbors have long known: South Tacoma is full of potential. I want to thank everyone who contributed to this effort. Your time, engagement and passion made this possible. Now, the real work begins to advance this plan with the community.

The City of Tacoma’s neighborhood planning process in South Tacoma was shaped throughout more than 1,300 community interactions, with broad participation from youth, small business owners, and long-term residents.

To supplement the South Tacoma Neighborhood Planning Booster funding, I sponsored a resolution for $15,000 in one-time Council Contingency funds to expand the reach of a tree planting initiative, a critical need identified by the South Tacoma community. The tree planting initiative, which will be implemented through the City’s Urban Forestry Program, is one of several tangible outcomes poised to emerge from the South Tacoma Neighborhood Plan.

National League of Cities 2025 Summer Board and Leadership Meeting

In July, I joined the National League of Cities for their 2025 Summer Board and Leadership Meeting. This is where the Board of Directors and Federal Advocacy Committees convene to discuss the organization's advocacy priorities, policy positions, and share resources needed to better serve their communities. I joined elected officials from across the country on a panel to share knowledge about "Cities on the Front Lines: Maintaining Community Cohesion in Times of Crisis”. In the face of global crises and a fraught domestic political climate, local leaders are witnessing increased polarization and other threats to social cohesion. In this session, we explored how local governments in the United States are navigating the tensions resulting from these crises, while also working to prevent and respond to the rising levels of on- and off-line hate and conspiracy narratives surrounding these issues. I shared examples of how we strive to build belief and trust and healthy community connections in Tacoma.

I also hold leadership roles in NLC. I chaired the National League of Cities’ Military Communities Council, where Maria Tobin from the South Sound Community and Military Partnership presented on the work happening to support military families in the south sound. I also sit on the NLC Federal Affairs Economic Development Committee, which is responsible for developing policy positions and leading NLC's advocacy on issues involving housing, community and economic development, land use, recreation and parks, historic preservation, and international competitiveness. I spoke on behalf of this committee’s recommendation that NLC include fair trade policy language in the legislative agenda, and this recommendation was adopted by the full board.

Out in Community

At the 2025 City of Destiny awards I had the honor of presenting the Champion for Civic Engagement award to Mattice Hoyt. Mattice, known affectionately by many as the “Unofficial Mayor of Tacoma,” is a bold, unapologetic force for community and culture in Tacoma—an everyday civic powerhouse who turns ideas into action and barriers into opportunities.

There was an amazing crowd at Tacoma’s Juneteenth celebration at Stewart Heights Park in District 5! I stopped to chat with all of the City staff who attended to connect community with City services, including the Tacoma Fire Department.

July is Pride month in Tacoma, and we kicked it off this year by unveiling the City’s Pride crosswalk in the heart of downtown Tacoma!

I ran into Congresswoman Strickland at Tacoma’s Pride Festival in Wright Park!

I had a blast celebrating Tacoma Pride with the entire community.

I joined my Council Colleagues in celebrating the unveiling of the multilingual Puyallup language signage in east Tacoma.  This provides cultural acknowledgment and raise public awareness of the Puyallup Tribe and their ancestral lands. The honorary street names were developed in collaboration with the Puyallup Tribe and reflect stories of creation and cultural identity in the Tribe’s traditional Twulshootseed language. This project is the result of a multi-year collaboration between City and Tribal staff, which informed recent updates to the City’s Place Naming Policy. These updates now allow for multilingual honorary street naming as a way to recognize and celebrate cultural heritage.

I joined the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) for an event celebrating another significant milestone for our gateway. Husky shore power was completed June 15^th, making it the third NWSA terminal shore power capable, and the first international terminal in Tacoma to boast this infrastructure.

At my Civic Summit in the spring we talked about the importance of community gatherings and encouraged people to organize National Night Out events. Thank you to everyone in District 5 who organized or attended National Night Out! There were six events put together across the district. I was able to stop by two, here I am with the Birney/Baker group.