Hello, Tacoma! 

I am excited for my upcoming Coffee Chat and the chance to hear more about the issues impacting your lives! Please note that I've adjusted the date of the Coffee Chat so that it no longer overlaps with the Jr. Daffodil Parade and we can all get out there to celebrate our kids.

The new date is Saturday, May 30. I'll be at Wheelock Library from 10:30 AM to Noon. I always look forward to sharing more about the work I’ve been doing and having the chance to connect with all of you. These gatherings are a chance for me to provide updates, hear what’s on your mind, and answer questions directly in a more informal setting. If you’re not able to attend this one, I plan to continue hosting these each quarter, so there will be more opportunities ahead. 

Please also be aware that the City Clerk’s Office is seeking community member volunteers to serve on committees preparing statements “For” and “Against” Proposition 1 – the Connect Tacoma: Safe Streets and Sidewalks ballot measure – which will be on the August 4, 2026, Primary Election ballot. To be considered, letters of interest must be sent to the City Clerk’s Office by noon on April 20. You can find more details here: Notices and Public Hearings | City of Tacoma.

Fixing our Wayside Horns

Many of you have probably been hearing the loud train horn lately around Old Town. While this is a common occurrence (right now) in the West End (and I will be updating progress on the changes for the 6^th Ave. and S 19^th crossings next month) it has been an unwelcome surprise for those along Ruston Way. Rest assured that we are hearing it too and we are working on fixing it. 

Please take a look at the update below from our Public Works Department for the latest news: 

The automated wayside horn system at the McCarver Street intersection has reached the end of its operational life and is currently offline. Wayside horns are specialized, pole-mounted systems that direct a concentrated warning sound straight down the intersection. This setup effectively alerts intersection traffic while minimizing noise for the surrounding neighborhood.

Because the wayside system is temporarily offline, the crossing no longer meets the federal safety requirements necessary to maintain this localized noise reduction. In accordance with Federal Railroad Administration regulations, train engineers are now required to sound their locomotive horns as they approach the intersection.

While we understand the disruption this causes, this federal mandate is strictly enforced to help keep drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians safe. Recognizing the aging infrastructure at this crossing, the City proactively initiated the process of ordering a brand-new, modernized wayside horn system several months ago. Unfortunately, the legacy system went offline before the replacement equipment could be delivered and installed. We are in close communication with our vendor as the new system is being assembled and rigorously tested. Factoring in supply chain timelines for a few key components, we expect the new equipment to be delivered in approximately 8 to 10 weeks.

Once the equipment arrives, City crews will immediately begin installation. The City is already coordinating with BNSF Railway to see to it that as soon as our trackside work is complete, their electricians can seamlessly tie the system into their network and verify that everything is functioning as it should.

We share the community’s frustration with the temporary return of the locomotive horns. The Ruston Way waterfront is one of Tacoma’s most beautiful and heavily trafficked areas, and restoring a quieter, noise-mitigated environment is a top priority for the City.

Until the new system is delivered, installed, and certified, the locomotive horns will unfortunately be the temporary standard to help keep everyone crossing the tracks safe. We deeply appreciate the community’s patience as we work through the manufacturing timelines to replace this vital piece of neighborhood infrastructure.