Neighborhood News
- Humane Society Welcome Center
- The ribbon has officially been cut for the Humane Society of Tacoma and Pierce County’s newly remodeled lobby and Welcome Center. The Humane Society has been a partner with the City Council, especially Member John Hines, whose Pet Mayor program helped raise more than $14,000 for low-cost spay and neuter programs. The new lobby has a pet pantry and provides a warm and welcoming space for families looking to adopt, community members needing support and pets waiting for new homes.
- Doers of Tacoma Awards
- Grit City Studio has a new initiative to honor the “Doers of Tacoma” with an award. The heart of the initiative is simple: everyone should be doing what we believe is our moral responsibility. The Doers of Tacoma Award will celebrate builders, dreamers and quiet changemakers who move our city forward. It honors individuals who don’t just talk about ideas but roll up their sleeves to make things happen. From neighborhood organizers, artists, entrepreneurs and educators to public servants, Doers of Tacoma recognizes those whose work strengthens the civic fabric and reflects the grit, generosity and creativity that define Tacoma. Nominate a Doer today at Tinyurl.com/DoersofTacomaAward
- University Place Refuse Department Releases New Convenient Drop-off Schedule
- Households that are current on their UP Refuse bills can now use a convenient drop-off service up to twice a year. A photo ID with address and check-in is required before the drop-off, and items should be no longer than 5 feet, with the exception of appliances and furniture. They will accept water heaters, propane tanks and car batteries, but no paint, liquids or other hazardous materials. Loads are to be pickup-truck size. All this is in addition to UP’s spring and fall household pickups.
- Get Fair Scones Without Fair Admission
- There aren’t many people who don’t love a fair scone, and with the addition of the mobile scone truck, they are available without the price of fair admission. The Fisher Scone truck has released its schedule, and there are plenty of locations around the Sound to get your fix.
- Here is this week’s schedule:
March 6
Fred Meyer-James Center
11am – 5pm
6901 S 19th St, Tacoma WA 98466
March 7
Mike & Key Electronics Show:
9am – 3pm
Washington State Fairgrounds
March 8
4×4 Off Road & High Performance Swap Meet:
9am – 4pm
Washington State Fairgrounds
March 8
Tacoma Boys
10am – 4pm
5602 6th Ave, Tacoma WA 98406
March 10
Gold Gate Lot
7am – 2pm
March 13
Seattle Golf Show
11am – 5pm
Washington State Fairgrounds
March 13
Fred Meyer – River Road
11am – 5pm
1100 N Meridian Puyallup, WA 98371
- Barbering Is Back at Clover Park
- Clover Park Technical College has officially relaunched its Barbering program at the Lakewood campus, reviving a popular offering that was paused during the 2008 recession. The four-quarter certificate program can be completed in about a year and is designed to lead directly to licensure and entry-level employment. Barbering jobs in Washington are projected to grow by 11 percent between 2022 and 2032, with barbers in the Puget Sound region earning a median wage of nearly $80,000, well above Tacoma’s estimated living wage of $53,000.
College leaders say the decision to bring the program back centered on practicality: a strong job outlook, accessible training length and real earning potential. Beginning spring quarter 2026, the public will be able to book low-cost services, including haircuts, beard trims and scalp treatments, at the student-run barbering salon located in the McGavick Center (Building 23). Services will be performed by students under faculty supervision, providing hands-on experience while opening the doors to the community.
- Clover Park Technical College has officially relaunched its Barbering program at the Lakewood campus, reviving a popular offering that was paused during the 2008 recession. The four-quarter certificate program can be completed in about a year and is designed to lead directly to licensure and entry-level employment. Barbering jobs in Washington are projected to grow by 11 percent between 2022 and 2032, with barbers in the Puget Sound region earning a median wage of nearly $80,000, well above Tacoma’s estimated living wage of $53,000.
- Pierce Transit Schedule Improvements to Tacoma’s Downtown Core
- At the end of March, Pierce Transit will make schedule improvements to many of its bus routes and extend its Stream Community Line route into Tacoma’s downtown core. The Stream will now serve the Commerce Street Station, with four new stops added between there and the Tacoma Dome Station.
Route 1 between TCC and Spanaway will have eight northbound and 10 southbound trips. Route 3 will add nine northbound and 10 southbound trips to the weekday schedule, and Route 11 timetables will be adjusted to better align with school bell schedules. Preview all service changes at PierceTransit.org/service-change.
- At the end of March, Pierce Transit will make schedule improvements to many of its bus routes and extend its Stream Community Line route into Tacoma’s downtown core. The Stream will now serve the Commerce Street Station, with four new stops added between there and the Tacoma Dome Station.
Local Governance
- Ferries Charging New Fees in March
- Washington State Ferries has started charging a new fee on card transactions as ordered by state legislators. A 3 percent cost-recovery surcharge will now be added to all credit and debit card purchases (RCW 47.60.860) so the state can recover the cost of processing card payments. The 3 percent fee applies to all in-person, kiosk and online fare purchases. Customers can avoid this fee by paying with cash or using a preloaded ORCA card. For more information, read wsdot.wa.gov/travel/washington-state-ferries/tickets/ticket-information.
- Budget Cuts Could Affect Tacoma Trees
- Tacoma’s Urban Forestry Program works to build and expand forest and green spaces around the city. In 2010, a comprehensive plan was developed to directly link urban forestry and the health of the community. Recent announcements were made by the Appropriations Committee that budget cuts could eliminate urban forestry programs statewide. This comes as the House is trying to remedy a challenging 2025–2027 budget cycle with a deficit said to be in the billions. Tacoma was awarded $1.3 million for five projects from the Washington State Urban and Community Forestry Program. Without these grants, the programs are now in jeopardy. Specifically, programs and partners like the Tacoma Tree Foundation would suffer. Though the budget is not final, there are concerns as the House goes into negotiations with the Senate.
- You’re invited to District 5 Charter Review Listening Session
- Pierce County District 5 commissioners invite you to attend a local listening session to share ideas, concerns and priorities for Pierce County’s future. On Sunday, March 8, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Summit Pierce County Library, the Charter will be reviewed for the first time in 10 years. The Charter is the governing document that serves as the constitution of our county and defines how we operate. The committee’s responsibility is to review the Charter, recommend amendments and submit any that receive majority support to voters for approval. The 2026 review process is designed to make sure community members have a chance to contribute.
- State of Key Peninsula District
- The County Council is headed to the Key Peninsula on April 2 at 5:30 p.m. at the Key Peninsula Civic Center, 17010 S. Vaughn Road, Vaughn. The meeting will bring together Pierce County departments and community partners to share updates on programs, services and projects impacting and of interest to the Key Peninsula. Attendees can arrive at 4:30 p.m. to visit informational tables, ask questions and connect directly with staff and partners. The formal meeting begins at 5:30 p.m.
- Tacoma’s Economic Development Board Annual Meeting
- The Economic Development Board Annual Meeting will take place at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center on March 24 at 11:30 a.m. This must-attend event celebrates the people and projects shaping Tacoma’s future. Attendees can experience the presentation of the Excellent 10 and Golden Shovel awards and hear from Tacoma’s new mayor on his vision for the city. The program will also feature a World Cup panel on what the Seattle matches will mean for Tacoma, including the Fan Zone plans, business opportunities and long-term economic impact of this global event.
- Health Department Weighs in on Pacific Avenue Subarea Plan
- As the City of Tacoma advances its long-range vision for the Pacific Avenue corridor, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is urging leaders to prioritize health and equity alongside growth. The Pacific Avenue Subarea Plan, known as “Picture Pac Ave,” will guide development, housing, transportation and infrastructure decisions from Interstate 5 to South 96th Street. Through a Health Impact Assessment, the Health Department evaluated how the plan could affect residents’ well-being, particularly in neighborhoods that already experience higher rates of chronic illness and health disparities.
The department issued 15 key recommendations aimed at creating safer, healthier and more equitable conditions along the corridor. Priorities include improving pedestrian and bike safety through Vision Zero strategies, expanding sidewalks, street trees and green buffers to reduce air pollution, strengthening anti-displacement policies and affordable housing tools, and increasing access to preventive health care services, including mobile clinics and better transit connections to essential destinations. The recommendations emphasize designing Pacific Avenue not just as a transportation corridor but as a connected, community-centered place where residents can safely live, work and access the services they need. Read the full plan at Tpchd.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Pacific-Avenue-Subarea-Plan-HIA-Final.pdf.
- As the City of Tacoma advances its long-range vision for the Pacific Avenue corridor, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is urging leaders to prioritize health and equity alongside growth. The Pacific Avenue Subarea Plan, known as “Picture Pac Ave,” will guide development, housing, transportation and infrastructure decisions from Interstate 5 to South 96th Street. Through a Health Impact Assessment, the Health Department evaluated how the plan could affect residents’ well-being, particularly in neighborhoods that already experience higher rates of chronic illness and health disparities.
- Washington Dams Must Allow More Water to Pass to Save Salmon
- A federal judge in Oregon has ordered dams operating on the Columbia and Snake rivers to generate less hydropower and allow more water to pass in an effort to keep salmon populations from dying out. The order largely restores measures that were in place under a landmark deal to protect salmon that the Trump administration canceled last year. A U.S. District Court judge granted many of the changes that environmental advocates, tribes and the states of Oregon and Washington sought in their decades-long lawsuit over the federal government’s operation of dams on the Columbia River and its largest tributary, the Snake River.
Opportunities
- Join the Lakewood Playhouse Board
- Lakewood Playhouse invites passionate, community-minded leaders to apply to be on the Board of Directors. Since 1938, Lakewood Playhouse has built community through theater. From the 175-seat theater-in-the-round in the Lakewood Towne Center, they present productions that entertain, educate and enlighten the full human experience. They are committed to fostering an atmosphere of respect and belonging for all, creating space for everyone to be seen, heard, uplifted and empowered. They seek engaged board members who are enthusiastic supporters of the arts and committed to advancing transparency, accountability, empathy, collaboration, respect, resiliency and joy in the community. More information available at Lakewoodplayhouse.org/jobs–opportunities.html.
- City of Fife is Hiring
- The City of Fife is hiring for a wide variety of positions ranging from seasonal and regular roles at Fife Parks, Recreation and Aquatics to entry-level and lateral police officers. You can learn about all of these jobs and their benefits at Governmentjobs.com/careers/cityoffife.
- Learn About AI for Small Businesses Practical Tools for Growth
- The City of Tacoma’s Community and Economic Development Department will host AI for Small Businesses: Practical Tools for Real Growth on Tuesday, March 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Tacoma Public Library Main Branch. This free workshop is designed to help business owners understand and apply artificial intelligence in practical, responsible ways. Led by The Data Guys™, the session will demystify AI and provide real-world demonstrations focused on marketing, customer service, workflow efficiency and day-to-day operations. The workshop is ideal for entrepreneurs, early-stage startups and established small businesses across industries, including retail, food services, construction and professional services. Registration is required. Space is limited. Register at Cedworkshop.eventbrite.com.
- Tacoma is Looking for Public Utility Board Members
- The Tacoma City Council is seeking applicants to fill a position on the Public Utility Board. The board is composed of five members who are nominated by the Government Performance and Finance Committee and appointed by a majority vote of the City Council. The membership term is five years and is composed of Tacoma residents. The Public Utility Board acts as the governing body for Tacoma Public Utilities and oversees the management and operations of Tacoma Public Utilities, which include Tacoma Power, Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. Applications must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office by noon on March 25, 2026, and can be found at Tacoma.gov/cbcapplication.
Recreation
- Sham-Walk, Run and Jig in the Harbor
- Reboot your resolutions and put on your green to join the fifth annual Shamrock’n the Harbor 5K and 12K on March 14. This festive, family-friendly walk and run blends fresh air, fun and a whole lot of Irish spirit. Both courses wind along the Cushman Trail, and the 12K rewards you with stunning views of the Narrows Bridges. Whether you walk, run or jig your way to the finish line, you have permission to get Irish o’er the hills, dales and trails of your journey. Register at Gghf.redpodium.com/shamrockn-the-harbor-2026.
- Youth Membership PGA Junior League
- Youth can learn and play the game of golf with expert coaching and guidance from PGA professionals. Participants will wear numbered jerseys and compete on teams with friends in a two-person scramble format that encourages mentorship and builds confidence. Registration includes two jerseys, team practices and matches. To learn more, go to Parkstacoma.gov/youth-golf-meadow-park-golf/.
- WFEA to Highlight Tacoma’s Role in FIFA World Cup 2026
- Wednesday, March 11 at Emerald Queen Casino, learn how Tacoma organizations will be involved in FIFA World Cup 2026 activities. Registration is $50 for nonmembers and $40 for WFEA members. More info: wfea.org/event-6586078photo/?fbid=981837790838560&set=pcb.981837844171888.
- There’s a New L&L in Town (Bonney Lake)
- L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, known for its island-style plate lunches, recently opened its newest location in Bonney Lake. This location joins 11 in Washington and 230 locations nationwide. This is the first location for franchise owners Robert Ramos and Ephraim Rollolazo, but not their first food business, as they have experience operating successful mobile food businesses. Check them out at 20621 Highway 410 E, Bonney Lake.
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