Neighborhood News
- Air Taxis in Washington
- Air taxis could be inching closer to reality in Washington, though when or if they will take off locally remains uncertain. The state is part of a new federal pilot program designed to speed up development of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs), small electric planes that operate more like short-distance airborne taxis than traditional commercial flights. Manufacturers are expected to ramp up testing and data collection as early as this summer, but no confirmed plans exist yet for passenger flights in Washington. State transportation officials say they are actively working to attract manufacturers and position Washington as a future hub for the technology. Potential uses could include transporting passengers and cargo to hard-to-reach areas like the San Juan Islands, supplementing ferry routes, or speeding up emergency medical response. While demonstrations could happen in the coming years, officials caution that widespread “Uber-style” air taxi service is still a long way off as companies continue to navigate certification, production, and infrastructure challenges.
- Emerald Queen Has a New Head of Food and Beverage
- Emerald Queen Casino & Hotel has named Scott Goldberg as its new head of food and beverage, bringing decades of hospitality leadership to the Puyallup Tribe-owned property. Casino CEO Yale Rowe said Goldberg’s experience will play a key role as EQC continues to reinvest in and elevate its guest experience, with a renewed focus on dining and beverage offerings. Goldberg was vice president of food and beverage at Ameristar Casino and Resort in Missouri, where he oversaw a $40 million operation spanning restaurants, nightlife, and catering. His background also includes leadership roles with major hospitality and entertainment brands such as Ryman Hospitality, Live Nation, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Levy Restaurants. In his new role, he will lead all food and beverage operations at EQC, with an emphasis on innovation, efficiency, and enhancing the overall guest experience.
- Centralized Homeless Shelter Can Operate for a Few More Years
- Pierce County’s first centralized homeless shelter access hub will continue operating for at least two more years after securing new county funding. The hub, operated by Family Promise of Puget Sound in Parkland, launched in 2024 to provide a 24/7 point of contact for people facing homelessness, a service the county previously lacked. County officials say the program now serves roughly 2,700 households annually and plays a key role in streamlining access to shelter and services. A new $1.1 million grant will allow the hub to expand beyond referrals and begin offering crisis assessments and case management, helping individuals and families create short-term plans to secure stable housing. Since opening, the hub has fielded requests from more than 5,000 households, far exceeding initial expectations, highlighting the scale of need in Pierce County and shaping how local providers respond to the region’s homelessness crisis.
- Tacoma/Pierce County Area Chosen by Habitat for Humanity for Housing Project
- Pierce County says Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity will build up to 28 affordable homes on 4.22 acres of public land at 200th Street East and Knoble Road East in Frederickson. The homes, part of a project called Frederickson South, are expected to sell for about $220,000 to $320,000, roughly half the area’s current median home price. County officials say the lower prices will be possible through a land-lease model, where buyers purchase the home but lease the land from the county. Future homeowners will also be required to complete HUD-approved financial counseling and contribute at least 100 hours of construction labor. Habitat is partnering with nonprofit 1Drop to hire local contractors of color and provide on-the-job training as Pierce County works to address a projected need for more than 100,000 new housing units by 2044, including 77,000 affordable homes.
- Parks Department Announces Planned Dog Park
- There is a house located at 4015 Norpoint Way in NE Tacoma, and Parks Tacoma told residents who recently attended the Neighborhood Council meeting that the city plans to demolish the home this summer and turn it into a dog park, with a completion date of 2027. This is subject to the passage of the bond in April during the special election, which will replace an expiring bond from 2005. This bond will also pay for the restoration of the Dash Point Pier, Browns Point playfield and playground, and the HVAC system at the Center at Norpoint, among other things. In order to pass, the measure will need 60 percent plus one.
- Tehaleh’s Big Bet: Grocery Hub
- A long-anticipated town center in Tehaleh is beginning to take shape, with developer Brookfield marketing a proposed retail hub at the intersection of Cascadia Boulevard and Tehaleh Boulevard. Plans call for 150,000 to 200,000 square feet of commercial space anchored by a grocery store, along with restaurants, small retailers, and services aimed at serving the growing master-planned community and surrounding areas. The proposal aligns with Tehaleh’s broader buildout, which includes thousands of homes and hundreds of acres set aside for commercial and light industrial use. Developers say interest is already building, with nearby projects like the Tall Firs Industrial Park bringing jobs closer to home. While no construction timeline has been set, leasing efforts are underway, and if a grocery anchor and key tenants sign on, residents could eventually see more everyday shopping options within walking distance instead of traveling down the hill.
Local Governance
- Historic Preservation Awards Nominations Extended
- The Tacoma Landmarks Preservation Commission is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Historic Preservation Awards, which recognize standout preservation projects, programs, and community efforts across the city. Categories include everything from residential and commercial renovations to community engagement, sustainability, heritage businesses, and leadership in preservation, as well as efforts that highlight underrepresented historical narratives. Nominations are now open through March 31, with winners to be celebrated at an in-person awards ceremony and reception on May 21. City officials encourage community members to submit projects and individuals who are helping preserve and elevate Tacoma’s historic character.
- Pierce County New Collections Agency
- The Tacoma Municipal Court has transitioned to a new collections agency, with Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson taking over collection accounts as of March 2026. The previous agency, TSI, is no longer handling collections. Individuals with accounts in collections can make payments by phone, mail, or online through the new provider. Court officials note that this change applies only to accounts already in collections, and those paying standard court fines should continue using the court’s regular payment methods.
- Yes Vote for Parks Bond Will Not Increase Taxes
- Pierce County voters will soon receive ballots for the April special election, which includes a single local measure: Proposition 1 for Parks Tacoma. The proposal would authorize $155 million in general obligation bonds to fund park and recreation facility improvements and safety upgrades. Ballots will be mailed and drop boxes will open April 10, with all ballots due by 8 p.m. on April 28. As a vote-by-mail state, Washington automatically sends ballots to registered voters, who then have 18 days to return them.
- Listen In on the City’s Events and Recognitions Committee Meetings
- Did you know you can tune in to the City’s Events and Recognitions Committee meetings by phone or Zoom? CERC plays an important role in shaping how Tacoma celebrates its people, milestones, and community. From recognizing individuals to helping guide meaningful city events, it is one of the ways the city honors what makes Tacoma unique. These meetings are open to the public, and participation is encouraged. The next meeting is April 15 at 4 p.m. Zoom Meeting ID: 838 6221 7228. Join via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83862217228 or dial in: (253) 215-8782. Passcode: Not required.
- City Leaders Return After National League of Cities Conference
- Mayor Anders Ibsen and the Tacoma City Council have returned from the National League of Cities conference, where they advocated at the federal level for resources for Tacoma. Topics included funding for the Fishing Wars Memorial Bridge, transportation safety through the BASICS Act, affordable housing legislation, and federal oversight of the Northwest ICE Processing Center. Past outcomes from this conference include securing a new fire engine and $2.5 million for Portland Avenue freight corridor improvements. Participation helps ensure continued federal investment in Taco
Arts & Entertainment
- Embroider Your Pet
- Learn how to embroider a portrait of your pet. Before the workshop, Sara of Bear&Bean will draw a custom portrait of your pet and a pattern for you to stitch. During the workshop, you will learn beginner-friendly techniques to fill in the design with thread, paint-by-number style. No experience is necessary. You will need to send a photo of your pet prior to the workshop and have a smartphone or tablet to access the digital elements of the project. Sign up and learn more at Tinyurl.com/CraftyAF-PetEmbroider
- 1st Annual SENCo Creates, South End’s Free Art Class
- SENCo is announcing the first SENCo Creates South End free art class, co-produced with the South End Tacoma Public Library branches. Shattered But Not Broken is an introductory experiential art therapy workshop designed to help individuals explore and process grief, loss, trauma, and emotional distress through creative expression. The workshop recognizes that healing does not rely solely on verbal communication. Participants are encouraged to engage with artistic media as a way to access emotions, memories, and experiences that may be difficult to articulate. The workshop takes place Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Tacoma Public Library Fern Hill Branch. Sign up at bit.ly/4bGw1qR
- Tacoma Flea This Weekend
- The Tacoma Flea is back at the Ruston Waterfront Market for a two-day, 60-plus vendor vintage market. Snack, shop, sip, or simply get out of the house and into the community for a full weekend. You can expect vintage apparel, shoes, accessories, designer handbags, housewares, art, small furniture items, makers, bakers, specialty coffee, florists, and more. The flea is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free entry and parking. The event is family friendly, but pets other than service animals are not allowed.
Opportunities
- Applications Open for Four Positions on the Tacoma Planning Commission
- The Tacoma City Council is seeking applicants to fill four vacancies on the Planning Commission, including positions representing architecture or historic preservation, the development community, public transportation, and District No. 1. Applicants for the district seat must live within that district, while all other applicants must reside within Tacoma city limits. The Planning Commission plays a key role in shaping the city’s growth, overseeing updates to the Comprehensive Plan and reviewing land use, zoning, urban design, and transportation issues. Meetings are held twice monthly, and the city is encouraging applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Applications are due by noon on April 13, 2026.
- Tibbits Fern Hill Plans Another Easter Feed the Community Drive
- On Easter, April 5, Shawn Tibbits will cook and host another Feed the Community drive. Volunteers and drivers are needed to help serve meals throughout Tacoma. This is the 10th annual Easter event and includes free meals available for pickup or delivery to single individuals, elders, and those experiencing homelessness. To volunteer or request a meal confidentially, email tibbittsfeast@gmail.com. Meals can be picked up from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in downtown Tacoma.
Recreation
- Eastside Community Center Temporary Closure
- From April 6 through April 10, the Eastside Community Center will temporarily close for routine annual maintenance. All areas of the building will be closed to the public, and programs will be paused. During the closure, visitors are encouraged to use other Parks Tacoma community centers. Visit ParksTacoma.gov/communitycenters for more information.
- Spring Is Here, So Is the Fair
- The Washington State Spring Fair returns April 10 to 12 and April 17 to 19. Attractions include DockDogs, Racing Pigs, the World of Animals, and the Goat Playground. Visitors can explore hands-on experiences at the KidZone, enjoy food at the BBQ Playoffs and Outdoor Adventures, and browse the Shopping Marketplace for local goods and handcrafted items.
- First Event of the Season at Fort Nisqually
- Fort Nisqually welcomes visitors back for the season with Klahowya on Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. In 1855, the fort was a trading center where people greeted each other using Chinook Jargon, saying “Klahowya,” meaning welcome. The event includes guided tours, historic demonstrations, hands-on activities, seed planting, dairy demonstrations, food sampling, and Victorian games. Admission is free for Pierce County residents and Tribal members.
- Save the Date for Fircrest Fun Days
- Fircrest Fun Days returns July 17 and 18 at Fircrest Park. This year’s theme is the Old West, with activities planned throughout the weekend. The event includes live concerts, entertainment, artist and maker booths, food trucks, a beer garden, a kid zone, pet adoption, and more. The Furry 4K Pet Walk returns, along with the Kids’ Kraft Makers Market, Fir’Crust Pie Bake Off and Junior Bake Off, a watermelon eating contest, and yoga in the park. Saturday evening concludes with fireworks.
Screenshots
