August has been a full and lively month for the Hines family. From neighborhood gatherings to soccer games to some of our favorite late summer events, we’ve been soaking up everything that makes Tacoma special at this time of year.

Whether cheering from the sidelines or joining neighbors for special celebrations, I’m always reminded of how much I value being part of this vibrant community. As summer begins to wind down here in the City of Destiny, I’m excited to share a bit about what I’ve been up to and what’s ahead for our city as we move into fall.

The proposed updates aim to encourage more density, improve outreach to help people access affordable units, and ensure that more of the program’s benefits go to residents. One change would increase the minimum size of projects that qualify for the 8-year exemption to help push more developments toward the 12-year version that requires affordable housing. Another key adjustment would allow renters to remain eligible even if their income rises slightly, helping people stay in their homes without being penalized for small financial gains. We’re also considering changes to the program around extensions to make sure that there is more affordability as part of them. These thoughtful changes reflect conversations with developers, community partners, and fellow Council Members and they’re designed to help us keep building housing while also protecting the people who call Tacoma home. 

You can listen to the discussion at Government Performance and Finance on August 5 here and the full City Council will discuss these updates at our September 16 Study Session. I look forward to continuing this conversation and finding ways to ensure that our housing tools are helping all Tacomans thrive. 

Facing Budget Realities with a Focus on Priorities 

One of the most important responsibilities we have as a City Council is making sure your tax dollars are used wisely. As Chair of the Government Performance and Finance Committee, I take that responsibility seriously, especially now, as we face growing financial pressures. Like many cities, Tacoma is dealing with a gap between rising costs and slowing tax revenues. It’s a challenge that requires us to take a close look at our priorities and make thoughtful decisions about how to move forward. 

On August 26, the Council received a budget update that will help guide our conversations as we prepare for mid-biennium budget adjustments this fall. Tacoma operates on a two-year budget cycle, which we last adopted in November 2024, so now is the time to evaluate where we are and where adjustments may be needed for 2025. I encourage you to watch the budget presentation and learn more about the financial landscape ahead. Your feedback will be important as we consider how to align our resources with the critical services and investments that matter most to our community. 

Planning the Future of the Tideflats 

At our August 12 Study Session, the City Council received an important update on the Tideflats Subarea Plan, a long-term land use plan that’s been years in the making. This effort represents a collaborative partnership between the City of Tacoma, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, the Port of Tacoma, Pierce County, and the City of Fife. Together, we've worked toward a shared vision for the Tideflats area, one that recognizes the critical role this region plays in our economy while also being mindful of the environmental and public health impacts tied to industrial activity. 

The Planning Commission has completed its review and submitted recommendations, which the City Council is now considering alongside a recently completed Health Impact Assessment from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. A follow-up discussion is scheduled for September 9 at the Committee of the Whole, with a public hearing on October 28. We anticipate final City Council action later this year. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made and the partnerships we’ve built to get here. This plan helps lay the foundation for a more balanced, responsible, and forward-looking approach to how we manage growth and protect community well-being in one of Tacoma’s most vital areas. 

You can read the watch the presentation here and access it here.  

Protecting Tacoma’s Groundwater 

The City Council reviewed proposed updates to the South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District this month. This is a policy that’s been in place since 1988 and was originally created to protect a vital source of drinking water for our community. As Tacoma grows and as our reliance on groundwater increases, this protected area will play an even greater role in providing safe, clean water for our residents. That’s why the City of Tacoma has been working closely with Tacoma Water and the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department to bring our code up to date with the best available science and environmental practices. 

The proposed updates aim to limit certain land uses that pose a risk to our water supply and ensure stronger protections for the groundwater recharge areas in South Tacoma. We held a public hearing earlier this summer, and the City Council had its first reading of the updated ordinance on August 26. Final consideration is scheduled for September 9. Last summer, I had the chance to tour the groundwater system and see firsthand just how essential this resource is for Tacoma’s future. Protecting our water isn’t just good policy, it’s a commitment to future generations. 

You can read the watch the presentation here and access it here. 

Investing in Public Safety Through Strategic Hiring 

At our August 26 study session, the City Council received a presentation from Police Chief Patti Jackson on a proposed lateral hire incentive program designed to strengthen Tacoma’s police staffing. The goal is to encourage experienced officers from across Pierce County to join the Tacoma Police Department. Right now, we continue to face a gap between the number of officers we’re funded for and those currently serving. I know this is something many of you have brought up to me personally, and I’ve been listening. This plan is a focused effort to close that gap and improve overall response and visibility in our neighborhoods. 

While we face real financial challenges as a city, I believe it's essential to prioritize resources in areas our community consistently identifies as most urgent. For me, ensuring a fully staffed Police Department is a top priority. I support this incentive program because I believe it moves us in the right direction, toward a department that’s better equipped to respond to concerns around safety and neighborhood presence. I encourage you to watch the presentation and hear directly from Chief Jackson and the City Council on what this program could mean for Tacoma.  

Going Beyond the Bin 

Earlier this month, I joined Council Member Kristina Walker for a visit to the Beyond the Bin collection event at the Tacoma Recovery & Transfer Center. It was great to see so many community members show up with everything from furniture to household goods, items that still had life left in them. I had the chance to speak with residents dropping off donations, and it was clear how much people value having an easy, free, and responsible way to give their stuff a second chance. Programs like this help reduce waste and support local partners like Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, Northwest Center, and the Northwest Furniture Bank, who make sure these items stay in use and out of the landfill. 

As someone who’s long been passionate about recycling and waste reduction, I’m excited about what Beyond the Bin represents: real, community-driven solutions to environmental challenges. I'd love to see more opportunities like this across the city and find ways we can make it easier for people to do the right thing while also building partnerships that benefit Tacoma as a whole. If you haven’t yet participated, I encourage you to check out the program and consider bringing your items to the upcoming September 13 event. 

Tackling the Opioid Crisis Together 

This past month, I had the honor of speaking again at the Pierce County Opioid Summit. This is an important gathering of community leaders, service providers, and advocates working together to address one of the most devastating challenges facing our region. As an executive co-sponsor of the Pierce County Opioid Task Force, alongside Council Member Jani Hitchen, and as a member of the Opioid Abatement Council, I’ve been deeply involved in efforts to save lives and connect people to the care and support they need. This work is incredibly personal to me because I’ve seen how the opioid crisis has impacted some of the most vulnerable members of our community, including right here in Tacoma. 

The summit gave us a chance to reflect on the progress we’ve made and look ahead to the work still to come. We know that too many people are still dying from preventable overdoses, and it’s going to take continued coordination, investment, and compassion to turn that around. Through the Task Force, we're focused on getting the right services to the right people at the right time.  

Celebrating Culture with APCC 

I had the joy of attending the Asia Pacific Cultural Center’s annual Luau, one of my favorite community events. I brought my daughter Lauryn along, and we had an incredible time enjoying the performances, the food, and the hospitality that always makes APCC gatherings so special. It’s events like these that remind me just how vibrant and diverse our community is and why I’m so proud to call Tacoma home. 

I’m also thrilled to be celebrating another big moment for APCC: the ground opening for their new cultural center on South Tacoma Way. This long-awaited project will provide a beautiful and welcoming space for future generations to connect with the rich heritage of the Asia Pacific region. I can’t wait to see this new facility come to life and I’m grateful for the role APCC continues to play in making Tacoma stronger, more inclusive, and more connected. 

Breaking Ground for Better Transit 

In addition to serving on the City Council, I’m also proud to represent Tacoma on the Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners. This month, I had the honor of attending the groundbreaking for the new Parkland Spanaway Transit Center, the first new transit center in Pierce Transit’s service area since 1998. While this project is located just outside Tacoma, it plays a big role in how people travel into our city every day, whether they’re commuting to work, getting to medical appointments, or visiting friends and family. 

This investment will help improve access and reliability for one of the key routes connecting southern Pierce County with Tacoma. I’m excited to see Pierce Transit making bold, forward-looking moves to support regional mobility and I’ll continue advocating for projects that help more people reach the places they need to go, including right here in the City of Destiny. 

Celebrating Cleaner, Greener Shipping at the Port 

I was glad to join the Northwest Seaport Alliance in celebrating the launch of the new shore power system at Husky Terminal. This milestone allows ships to plug in at berth rather than running their engines, reducing emissions and improving air quality in our community. With a goal of providing shore power at all international terminals by 2030, this project is a powerful example of how our Port and utilities are working together to make Tacoma’s economy more sustainable, resilient, and environmentally friendly. I’m excited for more opportunities like this to come to Tacoma as we continue building a cleaner and healthier future for our city.