Tacoma City Council Adopts South Tacoma Neighborhood Plan, Champions Resident-Led Growth and Sustainability

The City Council has officially embraced the South Tacoma Neighborhood Plan, a document shaped by the local populace to guide development in economic opportunity, transportation, public health, and environmental sustainability. Council Member Joe Bushnell heralded the plan's adoption as not only a concrete course of action but also a blueprint for fostering a more connected and prosperous South Tacoma. "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," Bushnell expressed, per the City of Tacoma.

Council Member Jamika Scott shared echoes of inspiration from her involvement, noting, "Thriving neighborhoods are vital to the health, well-being, and safety of our residents." She praised the community's dedication and the testaments of love and value residents hold for their community, as reported by the City of Tacoma. The plan's inception is credited to over 1,300 community engagements, including a wide demographic spanning youth, small business owners, and long-term residents. Innovative approaches like interactive mapping and multilingual outreach were employed, engaging nearly 400 residents in a vote to allocate a $50,000 booster funding for community projects.

The booster funding is supplemented by an additional $15,000 from the Council Contingency funds to foster a tree planting initiative. This endeavor is part of the broader Urban Forestry Program, addressing a critical need identified by South Tacoma residents. Council Members Bushnell, Scott, and Deputy Mayor Kiara Daniels sponsored the resolution for these funds, and the measure is expected to take root alongside other projects like community events organized in partnership with Parks Tacoma.

Mayor Victoria Woodards commended the project for being central to formulating the city's development plans, ensuring that resident voices steer the growth trajectory of South Tacoma. The conclusion of the Neighborhood Planning Program, which is responsible for similar growth in the McKinley Hill and Proctor districts, was also highlighted. "South Tacoma is a diverse community with a growing population and rapidly expanding business district areas," said Woodards to the City of Tacoma. Despite the program's sunset, the city plans to integrate its successful strategies into future citywide efforts, aiming to continue the emphasis on community values and priorities.