Are you interested in joining a Health Impact Assessment Advisory Group?

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department sent this bulletin at 03/28/2024 08:05 AM PDT

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Are you interested in joining a Health Impact Assessment Advisory Group?

Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) study the beneficial and harmful effects of a planning decision or policy. We use them to create recommendations to increase positive health outcomes and minimize adverse health outcomes.

You can serve on an Advisory Group for two upcoming HIAs. Read more information about the HIA focus areas below.

What do Advisory Group members do?

  • Contribute valuable insight and perspectives from the community you represent.
  • Ensure the HIA reflects the needs of your community.
  • Have the option to receive compensation for your time ($50 per hour).
  • Spend about 30 hours reviewing and providing feedback on the HIA process and results.
  • Participate in 8 meetings April through December 2024.

If you are interested in joining an Advisory Group, complete this Interest Form by Thursday, April 11, 2024.

We will keep your information confidential and only use it to form an Advisory Group. We want to ensure Advisory Group members reflect the communities most affected by the planning policies.

Your participation will not affect any service or benefit you receive from the Health Department.

Health Impact Assessment focus areas

South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District Land Use Code Update

South Tacoma groundwater aquifer is a significant source of drinking water for City of Tacoma. It can supply 40% of the City’s water demand during the summer.

This area is a center for manufacturing and other heavy industry. City of Tacoma established the South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District (STGPD) in 1988 to protect the City’s aquifer from contamination.

The City is currently reviewing and updating the STGPD code. This may include changes to land use and transportation planning that affect air, water, soil quality, traffic safety, economic development, and more. 

Tideflats Subarea Plan

Tacoma Tideflats is Pierce County’s hub for heavy industry and manufacturing. It is also the natural estuary of the Puyallup River—part of the traditional and current homelands of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. This sovereign nation actively participates in decision-making for the area.

The Tideflats has many economic opportunities for businesses and residents. But its industrial nature also presents risks to our air, water, land, and public health.

City of Tacoma’s Tideflats Subarea Plan will:

  • Create a long-term vision for growth and development.
  • Guide future investments and land use permitting decisions.
  • Support transit improvements in the area.