Neighborhood News
- UP Refuse and Recycling Offers Curbside Brush Pickup May 4–15
- University Place residents can clear out yard debris during U.P. Refuse and Recycling’s spring curbside pickup, scheduled May 4–15. Oversized brush will be collected once per neighborhood on regular recycling or yard waste days, with households allowed one loose pile up to 6 feet by 6 feet by 6 feet placed at the curb by 6 a.m.
The service is open to all residential customers, though only larger branches and limbs are accepted. Thorny vegetation, loose yard debris, and noxious weeds are not permitted. U.P. Refuse and Recycling also offers customers two annual drop-off visits for one load of yard waste and one load of garbage at its Rochester Street facility, with size and material restrictions in place and proof of address required.
- University Place residents can clear out yard debris during U.P. Refuse and Recycling’s spring curbside pickup, scheduled May 4–15. Oversized brush will be collected once per neighborhood on regular recycling or yard waste days, with households allowed one loose pile up to 6 feet by 6 feet by 6 feet placed at the curb by 6 a.m.
- Celebrate Sunday Funday at the Tacoma Sunday Market
- First Sundays of the month are for the flea market at the Tacoma Sunday Market. Treasure hunt for vintage clothes, collectibles, furniture, and more. Grab a bite or a drink from the food court and enjoy the DJs. Come enjoy some free, family- and fur-baby-friendly fun. Even if the weather turns, the market is inside a covered garage at 923 Commerce St., and the food court is connected via skybridge at 917 Broadway.
- Tenant Unions Are Growing
- Tenants at the Newcastle Apartments have formed a supermajority union representing nearly 90 percent of occupied units, marking Tacoma’s second organized tenant group after the New York Apartments Tenant Union.
Residents are calling on out-of-state landlords to negotiate over lease terms and long-standing maintenance concerns, including mold, flooding, inconsistent repairs, and extended outages of hot water.
Organizers say years of neglect and frequent property management turnover have led to deteriorating conditions, prompting tenants to formalize their efforts. The union joins a growing tenant movement in Tacoma aimed at improving housing conditions and increasing accountability from property owners.
- Tenants at the Newcastle Apartments have formed a supermajority union representing nearly 90 percent of occupied units, marking Tacoma’s second organized tenant group after the New York Apartments Tenant Union.
- Cedar Flats Project Breaks Ground
- On March 31, Pierce County leaders, housing advocates, and partners gathered to break ground on the Cedar Flats project, a $110 million affordable housing development that will bring 276 apartment homes to Pierce County. One of the largest of its kind in the region, the project reserves homes for those earning 60 percent or less of the area median income. The development includes two-, three-, and four-bedroom units, with 20 percent reserved for large households and 10 percent for individuals with disabilities. Cedar Flats is located at 17320 82nd Ave. E in Puyallup.
Local Government
- Just Under 100 Days to America250
- March 26 marked 100 days until the United States’ 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, with celebrations already ramping up across Washington. The Washington State Semiquincentennial Committee is encouraging communities statewide to host events ranging from parades and trivia nights to service projects and civic activities throughout 2026. Key dates include a statewide Day of Service on June 14, Washington Museum Day in August, and a Day of Civic Engagement on Sept. 17, alongside traditional Independence Day celebrations on July 4. Residents can find local event listings and ways to participate at America250WA.org.
- Pierce County Council Approves Temporary Moratorium on New ICE Facilities
- The Pierce County Council approved a temporary moratorium on new detention facilities in unincorporated areas. The six-month pause comes after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement signaled interest in a new regional detention center, giving the county time to refine outdated codes, assess cumulative community impacts, and gather public input. Pierce County already hosts a disproportionate number of detention and involuntary confinement facilities, placing added pressure on neighborhoods, courts, and local services. During the moratorium, the county will not accept or process new permit applications while working with community partners to update regulations. Read the full release at piercecountywa.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/7138.
- Peninsula Transit Announces Funding Through 2027
- Peninsula Transit will continue operating through 2027 after receiving new funding from the Washington State Legislature. The service provides six-day-a-week fixed routes and a dial-a-ride option, supporting transportation access for residents on the Key Peninsula. County officials say the investment helps connect community members to essential services, particularly in rural areas where options are limited.
- Tacoma Police Increase DUI Patrols
- The Tacoma Police Department is increasing DUI patrols citywide through a high-visibility enforcement effort funded by a grant from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. The initiative will focus on evenings, weekends, and other high-risk periods, using data-driven strategies to reduce impaired driving crashes. City leaders say the expanded patrols support Tacoma’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2035. Officers will also conduct community outreach and education as part of the effort.
- City Expands Beyond the Bin Reuse Events
- The City of Tacoma Solid Waste utility is expanding its Beyond the Bin program in 2026, offering more opportunities for residents to donate reusable household items instead of sending them to the landfill. The free events will run weekly from April through September at the Tacoma Recovery & Transfer Center, where items will be collected and redistributed by local nonprofit partners. Officials say the program supports Tacoma’s waste reduction goals by keeping usable goods in circulation. This year’s expansion includes 26 events.
- USPS Warns of Possible Cash Shortfall Amid Congressional Review
- The United States Postal Service faces a potential cash shortfall within the next year, Postmaster General David Steiner told lawmakers during a March 17 congressional hearing on the agency’s financial future. The hearing examined whether USPS can continue operating under its current structure or if reforms, including increased borrowing authority, are needed. Officials noted the Postal Service has accumulated roughly $120 billion in losses since 2007, driven by declining mail volumes and rising costs. Lawmakers are weighing potential solutions such as postage rate increases.
- Transit Town Hall to Address Light Rail Future in Pierce County
- Tacoma on the Go and the Transportation Choices Coalition will host a town hall April 27 focused on the future of light rail in Pierce County, featuring Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello and Tacoma City Councilmember Kristina Walker. The discussion comes as Sound Transit reassesses its long-range plan following roughly $35 billion in cost overruns, with major decisions ahead on completing the Tacoma light rail spine, Sounder service, and broader system expansion. The hybrid event will include a presentation on Sound Transit’s Enterprise Initiative, followed by structured and open Q&A with agency staff and local leaders. The town hall runs 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Milgard Hall 110 on the UW Tacoma campus, with advance registration required.
- Ferguson Signs Package of Housing Bills to Boost Development
- Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a slate of housing bills aimed at expanding development and improving affordability across Washington, including a measure allowing housing in commercial and mixed-use zones. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Emily Alvarado and Rep. Chipalo Street, passed with bipartisan support during a ceremony in Everett. The broader package includes measures to streamline permitting, expand accessory dwelling units in rural areas, require flood risk disclosures for tenants, and give local governments more flexibility in funding affordable housing. Changes are designed to speed up construction and increase housing options statewide.
Arts & Entertainment
- Tacoma Artist Memorializes Green River Victims Through Art
- Tacoma-born artist Laura LeMoon has opened “What the Earth Knows,” a photography series documenting sites connected to victims of Gary Ridgway. The 49-image exhibit, on view through April 13 at Lottie’s Lounge, reframes everyday Northwest landscapes as quiet memorials, centering the lives of those lost rather than the crimes themselves. LeMoon spent two years photographing locations tied to the case, aiming to challenge stigma surrounding sex workers and highlight the systems that left many victims vulnerable.
- Tacoma Little Theatre Presents The Mountaintop
- Tacoma Little Theatre continues its 2025–26 season with The Mountaintop, an Olivier Award-winning drama that reimagines the final night of Martin Luther King Jr. at the Lorraine Motel. The production blends history with surreal elements as King, portrayed by DuWayne Andrews Jr., encounters a mysterious maid played by Ibri Brooks. Directed by Jalen Penn, the show runs April 24 through May 10. A “Pay What You Can” performance will be offered May 7.
- Tacoma Photography Group Class
- The Tacoma Photography Group is hosting a beginning photography class Saturday, April 4, at 11 a.m. in downtown Tacoma. The class covers camera settings, exposure, composition, and simple techniques to improve photography skills, including hands-on exercises and group review. Learn more at tacomaphotographygroup.com.
- Tacoma-Based Production Company Premieres Film on Addiction Recovery
- Tacoma-based L61 Productions premiered its short film El Último Tramo on YouTube March 31, aiming to spark conversation around addiction recovery and the role of community support. The 17-minute film follows a recovering addict returning to a treatment center and was created through a cross-cultural collaboration between Washington and Argentine filmmakers. Learn more at elultimotramofilm.com.
Opportunities
- City of Tacoma Recruiting for Multiple Committees
- The City of Tacoma is seeking applicants for volunteer positions on the Planning Commission and the City Events and Recognitions Committee. Applications are due April 13. Learn more at tacoma.gov/cbcapplication.
- Sign Up for Grit City Connect Networking Event
- Subcontractors can now register for Grit City Connect, a networking event connecting subcontractors with prime contractors and public agencies. The event will take place May 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the STAR Center.
Recreation
- It’s High Time for a Parade
- The 93rd Grand Floral Parade of the Daffodil Festival returns Saturday, April 4, with stops in Tacoma at 10:15 a.m., Puyallup at 12:45 p.m., Sumner at 2:30 p.m., and Orting at 5 p.m.
- Pt. Defiance Welcomes New Harbor Seal
- Pt. Defiance Zoo and Aquarium recently welcomed Onion, an 11-year-old blind harbor seal who is now thriving in his new Tacoma home.
- Baseball Season Brings Firework Fridays
- The Rainiers’ 2026 season includes Friday night fireworks on select dates, including April 3 and 17.
- Pride Gig Harbor Announces Rainbow Disco Fundraiser
- The Rainbow Roller Disco fundraiser will take place April 25 at 4:30 p.m. at the Key Peninsula Civic Center.
- Plan Ahead for PRCA Rodeo
- Tickets go on sale April 1 for presale and April 3 at 10 a.m. for the public for the PRCA Cinch Playoffs Wild Card Rodeo in Puyallup.
- Join the 2026 Historic Homes Tour
- The Historic Homes Tour returns May 2–3, offering a rare chance to step inside eight historic structures in North Tacoma. Visitors can explore architectural details and learn how Tacomans lived in years past. Get tickets and more information at Tacomahistory.org/hometour. (See story on page 18 of this newspaper.)
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