Happy Friday Newsletter 11.28.25 -

Neighborhood News

Local Municipality Building Update
- Built in 1930 as the Rhodes Medical Arts Building, the Art Deco structure was designed by John Graham Sr, and has served as the Tacoma Municipal Building since 1978. That year, it was also added to the Tacoma Register of Historic Places and is now listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and the Washington Heritage Register. The Facilities team has conducted assessments to identify cleaning and preservation needs. With the replacement of damaged elements and the application of sealing treatments, Tacoma residents will be able to enjoy this bit of local history for years to come.

Oakland High School Reopens with More Options for Learning
- Tacoma Public Schools has officially reopened Oakland Secondary School with several educational options for students. Attendees may choose traditional classes, blended online and in-person instruction, or full-time online learning with support. The school aims to provide flexible learning experiences that meet a range of student needs. Tacoma now offers three programs that support personalized learning, including Oakland Secondary School, Tacoma Online and Tacoma Flex.

Pearl Street YMCA Grand Opening Announced
- The Pearl Street Family YMCA has announced January 1, 2026 as its grand opening date. The new facility will include an aquatics center, weight room, Liz Rocks climbing wall, and more. Leading up to the grand opening, the Pearl Street YMCA is engaging the arts community by placing Pearl Shines throughout Tacoma, Fircrest and University Place to encourage residents to get outside, explore familiar and new locations, and take part in a community activity. Some Pearl Shines have already been hidden.

City Manager Survey
- The City Manager recruitment survey has been extended to November 30 so that more community members can share their thoughts about what is important when selecting a new city manager. Residents may weigh in on leadership qualities and priorities at tacoma.gov/cmrecruitment.

New Director of Community and Economic Development in Tacoma
- Tacoma has hired Tanja Carter as its new Director of Community and Economic Development. Carter described her early tenure as a time of intensive listening, learning and reflecting in order to chart a path forward and identify ways to support Tacoma’s business community and the stakeholders connected to its success. The department’s foundational role is to communicate information about policy, resources, and opportunities. A return to quarterly newsletters will help share updates about the work underway in Tacoma.

City-Wide Celebration on December 5 at 7 Seas Brewing for the.ten
- the ten, Tacoma’s yearlong storytelling project produced by Foster’s Creative, will host a community celebration on Friday, December 5 at the 7 Seas Brewing Tacoma Taproom. The event features a film premiere, book release, party, live music, and a line up of local creatives whose work shaped the project. The film premiere is a pay-what-you-can community screening. The after-party in the taproom is free and open to all. Tickets are available at theten253.com/flowers-for-my-city.

Spaceworks Announces Artist Roster
- Spaceworks’ artist roster is the engine of Tacoma’s creative placemaking. They empower local talents with livable wages to create the window displays, video art, permanent murals, and rapid-response installations that define our city’s visual character. By coordinating large-scale projects like the annual August Mural Fest, they transform public spaces into points of connection and pride. This strategic fusion of art and community is how Spaceworks actively contributes to a more culturally vibrant and engaging Tacoma for everyone. The recently announced roster can be found at spaceworkstacoma.com/current-artscapes/

Kareem Kandi World Orchestra Dinner and a Show
- On Friday, December 12, the Kareem Kandi World Orchestra will present an evening of live jazz, wine and light bites in the intimate downtown Tacoma Speakeasy. All proceeds support the group’s music and education exchange with Biot, France. Tickets are fifty dollars, and include appetizers, dinner, drinks, dessert and two sets of music performed by Kareem Kandi on saxophone and piano, Ryan Burns on organ, and Jacques Willis on drums. Tickets are available at https://tinyurl.com/yc46k59z

Puyallup Arts District Call to Artists
- Puyallup Arts Downtown Galleries are now accepting applications for the 2026 indoor gallery season. Two galleries are currently available, located at City Hall and the Puyallup Activity Center. Each gallery accommodates approximately thirty to thirty-five pieces of artwork, depending on size. A smaller gallery at the Puyallup Sumner Chamber of Commerce will hold approximately ten to twenty works. Artists interested in exhibiting individually or as part of a group should contact Paige Johansen at adtgalleries@gmail.com.

Applications Open for Tacoma Rising Shark Tank Style Event
- Tacoma Rising in now accepting applications for its Shark Tank style pitch competition scheduled for February 19, 2026. The event will feature a panel of local CEOs and founders who will judge live business pitches and award up to ten thousand dollars in grant funding to one standout entrepreneur. Early stage founders, student innovators, and small business owners are encouraged to apply. Applications available at https://bot.ly/3XjfFO2

Tacoma City Council Seeking Human Rights Commissioners
- The Tacoma City Council is seeking applicants to fill four vacancies on the Human Rights Commission, including three member positions and one Emerging Leader seat for youth ages 16–24. The 15-member Commission represents the general public and community groups while studying, investigating, and mediating issues related to discrimination based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, and more, in support of the City’s commitment to equity and anti-racism. Community members of all backgrounds, especially BIPOC, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, seniors, youth, immigrants, and refugees, are encouraged to apply; appointees must complete Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act trainings within 90 days. Applications are due to the City Clerk’s Office by noon on December 15, 2025, at tacoma.gov/cbcapplication.

A New Park for Our Furry Friends
- Wards Lake Park in Lakewood now features a 1.5 acre, off-leash, fenced dog park located off 88th Street South. The natural setting is nestled beneath a forest canopy, making it a sheltered space for dogs to run and play during any season. The dog park connects through a north gate to the park’s trail system which include a gravel walking trail, bench seating and a dog water station. Vegetation has been cleared to improve sightlines for a safer, more welcoming environment. The easiest access is at the south entry gate near the water tower, directly from the public sidewalk.