Neighborhood News
- Free Summer Meals Are Back at Tacoma Parks
- Tacoma Parks is running its Summer Meal Program through the school break, serving free lunch Monday through Friday, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., to anyone 18 and under. No registration, no proof of enrollment, just show up. Staff lead games, crafts, and other activities alongside the meal. Find your nearest location at metroparkstacoma.org.
- New Homeless Shelters and Villages Coming to Tacoma, Pierce County This Year
- Tacoma lost nearly 200 shelter beds in 2025 to funding shortfalls, but several new projects are slated to open before year’s end. Tacoma Rescue Mission’s downtown men’s shelter expansion adds 135 beds, 314 total, by December, backed by a $7.5 million city package, though operating funds still aren’t locked down. LIHI’s medical-respite shelter at the old Oasis Inn on Tacoma Mall Boulevard opens by December with 63 non-congregate shelter units and 54 permanent supportive housing units, a $6.8 million county investment. Smaller additions on the way: 30 shelter beds from Valeo Vocation in Hilltop, a 60-bed tiny home village from LIHI in Spanaway, and Tacoma Rescue Mission’s RAIN Center shelter extended through December with 65 beds, or 80 during cold-weather activations. Pierce County is on track to spend nearly $110 million on housing and homelessness programs through 2027.
- Western Washington Burn Bans Expand Despite Cooler Weather
- Cooler temperatures and cloudy skies may dominate much of Western Washington this week, but dry conditions have prompted burn bans across much of the region. Burn bans are currently in effect in Pierce, King, Kitsap, Snohomish, Mason, Clallam, San Juan, and Whatcom counties. Island County is scheduled to implement an outdoor burn ban beginning July 1. Several cities have also enacted burn bans, including Seattle, Mercer Island, Kirkland, Renton, and Redmond. The restrictions prohibit all outdoor burning, including debris and yard-waste fires. Small recreational and cooking fires are still allowed in approved fire pits where permitted. Residents are encouraged to check with their local fire agency for specific restrictions and updates before lighting any outdoor fire.
- Beyond the Bin Returns July 3 with Free Clothing and Household Goods Collection
- Need to clear out some clutter? The Beyond the Bin community collection returns Friday, July 3, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Tacoma Recovery & Transfer Center. In partnership with Goodwill: Olympics & Rainier Region, the free event accepts gently used clothing and small household goods for reuse throughout the community. Donations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until collection trucks are full. Items may be declined based on condition, size, seasonality, or demand, so organizers recommend reviewing accepted donation guidelines before arriving.
- Tacoma Arts Industry Continues to Highlight Economic Impact
- The Washington State Arts Commission recently highlighted the significant role arts and culture play in Tacoma’s economy, pointing to an Americans for the Arts study showing the city’s nonprofit arts and culture sector generated $137.2 million in economic activity in 2016. The report found that spending by arts organizations and their audiences supported 3,656 full-time jobs, generated $86 million in household income, and produced $14 million in local and state tax revenue. While the figures are based on 2016 data, they underscore the lasting economic value of investing in Tacoma’s vibrant arts community.
- Can You Help Bob’s Java Jive? It Could Be Worth $20,000
- Bob’s Java Jive had a mural defaced with spray paint. They have video footage and need a witness to confirm the identity and follow through with court proceedings. They are offering a $20,000 reward to the person able to provide information that leads to a conviction.
- Puyallup Couple Named 2026 HALO Project Recipients
- Guardian Roofing, Gutters & Insulation has named Puyallup residents Chris Remington and Nicole Remington as the 2026 recipients of its annual HALO Project, which provides a free roof replacement to a homeowner who has demonstrated extraordinary resilience and service to their community. The Remingtons were recognized after enduring the loss of Nicole’s son in 2024 and Chris’ life-threatening workplace burn injuries later that year, while continuing to volunteer and support others throughout the South Sound. Chris remains active coaching the Seattle Cheney Studs during his recovery, while Nicole continues her work supporting local businesses and nonprofits. Guardian Roofing said the award honors the couple’s perseverance and commitment to serving their community despite immense personal hardship.
- State Seeks Public Input on Proposed Low-Income Toll Discount
- The Washington State Transportation Commission and Washington State Department of Transportation are seeking public feedback on a proposed low-income toll discount program expected to launch later this year on the SR 509 and SR 167 expressways. The proposal would provide a 50 percent discount on Good To Go! pass toll rates for eligible two-axle vehicles owned by households earning 200 percent or less of the federal poverty level. Public comments will be accepted through an online open house until July 10, with a virtual public input meeting on July 7 and a public hearing before the Transportation Commission on July 21 before a final decision is made.
- LivingWorks ASIST Workshop Teaches Suicide First Aid Skills
- Community members ages 16 and older are invited to participate in LivingWorks ASIST, or Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, a two-day, interactive workshop designed to teach participants how to recognize when someone may be thinking about suicide and safely intervene. The evidence-based training covers a six-step suicide first aid model, helping participants build confidence in creating personalized safety plans and connecting individuals with additional support. Intended for family members, friends, coworkers, health care professionals, counselors, and anyone who wants to be prepared to help, the workshop combines presentations, videos, group discussion, and hands-on practice to develop practical intervention skills. More than 1 million people worldwide have completed the training over the past 35 years.
Local Governance
- City Council OKs $1.75M South Tacoma Tree Canopy Partnership
- City Council has approved a $1.75 million partnership with the Washington State Department of Ecology to expand tree canopy coverage in South Tacoma, a neighborhood that’s long had some of the thinnest tree cover in the city. The funding goes toward planting and long-term maintenance in an area that tends to run hotter in summer without the shade. Project specifics are still emerging. Watch tacoma.gov as plans firm up.
- New Hours Take Effect at Tacoma Community Centers | Starting Wednesday, July 1
- Parks Tacoma is facing a structural budget shortfall, and starting July 1, it’s solving for it with shorter hours and an all-Sunday closure at Norpoint, Eastside, People’s, and STAR Center. STAR takes the biggest hit, opening at 9 a.m. instead of 6 a.m. on weekdays; People’s loses the most ground overall, opening an hour later, closing an hour early Monday through Friday, and cutting three hours off Saturday. Indoor pools close Sundays too; lap swim at Eastside and People’s now starts at 8 a.m. instead of 7 a.m., though Norpoint and People’s are stretching evening swim lesson windows later to make up the difference. Senior Hubs, Teen Centers, and most fitness classes are untouched; only STAR’s 8:45 a.m. classes shift to 9 a.m. Building rentals and STAR’s Sunday Treetops Playground birthday parties still run, just staffed by rental monitors instead of regular center staff. Full new hours are posted at each center and online. It’s worth a check before you go.
- State Finalizes Retirement Compact with Tribal Police Officers
- Washington has finalized a retirement compact extending state pension benefits to tribal police officers, closing a long-standing gap that left tribal law enforcement agencies without parity with their municipal and county counterparts. The change reaches departments serving Puget Sound-area tribes, including those patrolling land in and around Tacoma. More detail expected as agencies roll out the new compact.
- Washington Updates Rules for Family Burial Grounds and Home Sales
- A new Washington law allows property owners to designate a portion of their land as a family burial ground, effective June 11, 2026. The designation is subject to certain state agency requirements but is exempt from oversight by the Funeral and Cemetery Board. Beginning January 1, 2027, real estate brokers must also use an updated seller disclosure form requiring sellers to indicate whether a property contains a family burial ground, mausoleum, or columbarium. The changes stem from Substitute House Bill 2239, passed during the 2026 legislative session. No immediate action is required beyond using the updated disclosure form when it takes effect.
- Parks Tacoma Plans Financial Oversight Reforms after Budget Cuts
- Following the approval of $9 million in budget cuts, Parks Tacoma is implementing new oversight measures aimed at rebuilding public trust and strengthening financial accountability. The agency plans to establish a finance committee made up of board members and community advisors and has hired accounting firm CliftonLarsonAllen to conduct a $157,500 external review of its budgeting practices. The changes come after the resignation of former Executive Director Shon Sylvia amid a growing budget crisis and the board’s approval of controversial cuts that eliminated funding for several after-school programs. Agency leaders also plan to meet with the City of Tacoma and the local school district to explore long-term funding solutions for youth programming.
- Tacoma Council Committees Preview July and August Agendas
- The Tacoma City Council has released its upcoming committee schedule, with several community-focused topics on the agenda. The July 14 meeting will include interviews for the Equity in Contracting Advisory Committee and discussion of a proposed $20 minimum wage. Upcoming meetings will also feature the annual report from Spaceworks Tacoma on July 28 and interviews for the Tacoma Creates Advisory Board on August 11, continuing the city’s work on community engagement and policy development.
- Pierce County Shifts Opioid Response as Overdose Numbers Decline
- The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and its partners are transitioning from the county’s Opioid Task Force to a long-term behavioral health response after new data showed significant declines in opioid-related deaths, emergency department visits, and overdose response calls. Officials say the work will continue through existing public health and behavioral health programs, with a continued focus on treatment, prevention, and reducing barriers to care. The county also plans to continue investing opioid settlement funds in treatment services, workforce development, and naloxone distribution. More than 900 opioid awareness kits have been distributed over the past two years, and the county will host its first Suicide Prevention Summit on September 18 as part of its broader behavioral health strategy.
- Chamber Urges Review of Tacoma Rental Housing Initiative
- The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber is encouraging residents and business leaders to closely review the proposed Tacoma Rental Housing Regulations initiative before it appears on the November 2026 ballot. While supporting safe, quality housing and accountability for landlords who violate the law, the Chamber argues the proposal could increase costs for housing providers through new licensing requirements, expanded enforcement, and higher penalties. According to the Chamber, those added costs could discourage investment, reduce housing development, and affect affordability and workforce housing. The organization says it will continue providing members with policy analysis and information as the measure moves toward the November election.
Arts & Entertainment
- We the People Lecture Series at Washington State History Museum | Thursday, July 16
- WSHM’s We the People Lecture Series continues July 16 with a talk on a chapter of regional history that doesn’t always make the textbooks. Free with museum admission. Visit washingtonhistory.org for the topic and speaker.
- Indigenous Pacific Northwest Weaving at Washington State History Museum | Sunday, July 26
- WSHM hosts a hands-on look at Indigenous Pacific Northwest weaving traditions July 26, walking through techniques and materials, including cedar bark, wool, and plant fiber, that Coast Salish weavers have used for generations. Good one if you’ve always wanted to understand what you’re looking at in a museum case instead of just admiring it. Visit washingtonhistory.org for times and registration.
- The Last Picture Shows Documentary at The Grand Cinema | Tuesday, July 14
- The Grand Cinema screens The Last Picture Shows July 14, a documentary tracing what’s happened to America’s independent movie theaters as streaming reshapes how people watch films. Fitting venue, since the Grand is itself the kind of single-screen indie the film is about. Visit grandcinema.com for showtime and tickets.
- Garret T. Willie at Elks Temple Spanish Ballroom | Thursday, July 23
- Garret T. Willie brings his live show to the Elks Temple Spanish Ballroom July 23, one of Tacoma’s more ornate rooms for a night of music, all carved plaster and old Spanish Revival flourish. Check the venue’s site for tickets and lineup details.
- Puget Sound Book Artists Celebrate 15 Years with Anniversary Exhibition
- Puget Sound Book Artists, or PSBA, is celebrating its 15th anniversary with its annual Members’ Exhibition, showcasing the work of 70 artists exploring the theme “15” through handmade books and book-inspired art. The exhibition reflects on milestones, memories, collections, and creative journeys while highlighting the growth of the organization since its first show in 2011. The exhibition runs through July 31 at Collins Memorial Library before traveling to Daniel J. Evans Library from September 28 through December Admission is free, and visitors are
encouraged to explore the diverse collection of artist books celebrating 15 years of creativity and community.
- Puget Sound Book Artists, or PSBA, is celebrating its 15th anniversary with its annual Members’ Exhibition, showcasing the work of 70 artists exploring the theme “15” through handmade books and book-inspired art. The exhibition reflects on milestones, memories, collections, and creative journeys while highlighting the growth of the organization since its first show in 2011. The exhibition runs through July 31 at Collins Memorial Library before traveling to Daniel J. Evans Library from September 28 through December Admission is free, and visitors are
Opportunities
- Point Defiance Marina Is Hiring for Summer
- Point Defiance Marina and Owen Beach are staffing up for the season: full-time Boathouse Marina Technician, $34.60 to $42.97 per hour; seasonal Marina Lead, $19.88 to $23.28 per hour; Marina Attendant/Cashier and Kayak Rental Assistant, both $17.13 to $17.62 per hour; and Kayak Rental Lead, $19.88 to $23.28 per hour. Benefits include sick leave, a child care benefit through Kinside, an employee assistance program, and a community center fitness pass. Apply through the City of Tacoma jobs portal.
- PACK’s Party with a Purpose Gala Funds Animal Welfare
- PACK is throwing its annual fundraising gala September 11, with proceeds going toward the animal welfare nonprofit’s programs. This year carries extra weight: One of the organization’s founders is currently fighting brain cancer, and the gala doubles as support for her care. Donations and ticket info at fundraiser. support/2026PACKGALA.
- AMOCAT Arts Awards Nominations Close Monday, July 13
- Tacoma’s AMOCAT Arts Awards are open for nominations through July 13, honoring artists, organizations, and arts educators who’ve shaped the city’s creative community over the past year. If you know someone doing the work, a teacher, a muralist, a gallery owner keeping the lights on, this is the moment to put their name forward. Submit at tacomaarts.submittable.com.
- Downtown Tacoma Block Party Needs Volunteers | Sunday, August 2
- The Downtown Tacoma Block Party returns August 2, and organizers are recruiting volunteers to help run it: setup, info booths, crowd flow, the unglamorous work that makes a street festival function. Sign up if you’ve got a few hours to give in exchange for free admission and a T-shirt. Details at downtowntacoma.org.
- Tacoma Seeks Applicants for Human Services Commission
- The Tacoma City Council is accepting applications for six openings on the Human Services Commission, including five regular member positions and one Emerging Leader seat for residents ages 16 to 24. Commissioners help review funding applications, evaluate community projects, and advise the City Council on human services programs that support community wellness. The City encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, seniors, youth, immigrants, and refugees. Applications are due by noon July 20.
Recreation
- July 4 Boating Tips at Point Defiance Marina | Saturday, July 4
- Heading out on the water for the Fourth? The marina wants you to know: There’s no log boom for the Summer Blast Fireworks Show this year, so vessels need to stay at least 1,500 feet clear of the barge before and during the show, or the Coast Guard gets involved and the show stops. Expect heavy boat-launch traffic that day. Life jackets are required for everyone aboard, and kids 12 and under must wear theirs underway on vessels 19 feet or shorter. Loaner kids’ jackets are available near the elevators, first come, first served. The Marina Store, open 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., sells jackets, fuel, and last-minute picnic supplies. One more thing to plan around: Salmon season closes Tuesday, June 30, and reopens July 23 through September 30; crabbing in Marine Area 11 runs July 5 through August 17, Sundays and Mondays only. Boat responsibly.
- Tacoma Aroma Hosts Rugby 7s Tournament | Saturday, July 25
- Tacoma Aroma is putting on a rugby sevens tournament July 25, drawing club sides for a day of fast, physical rugby in its shortened seven-a-side format. If you’ve never watched sevens, it’s the sprint version of the sport: seven-minute halves, way more space, way more scoring. Good one for newcomers to the game who find the full 15-a-side version a slog.
- TYSA & Friends Walk | Wednesday, July 8, Evening
- Tacoma Youth Soccer Association is hosting a community walk July 8, an easy evening stroll open to families, walkers, and anyone who wants to get outside without committing to a full workout. Registration is free; check TYSA’s site for the meeting point and exact start time.
- Tacoma Trails Challenge Wraps Up: Finish Top 5 for a Shot at Prizes
- Parks Tacoma’s Tacoma Trails Challenge is closing out: Fill in five challenges on a bingo card across the city’s parks and trails, then submit the finisher form for a shot at the prize drawing. It’s free, presented by Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and supported by Proliance Puget Sound Orthopaedics. Get a bingo card and the finisher form at metroparkstacoma.org.
- Brigade Encampment Returns to Fort Nisqually
- Step back to 1855 during the annual Brigade Encampment at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum on Saturday and Sunday, July 18 and 19, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can experience the arrival of a historic fur brigade, interact with living historians, learn hands-on period skills, watch artisan demonstrations, enjoy live music, and take part in traditional games and activities. The weekend also features Pacific Ohana Foundation performing traditional Hawaiian dances on Sunday in honor of Hawaiian laborers who worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company in the Puget Sound region. Food trucks, including Boss Mama’s Kitchen on Saturday and Mauka Hawaiian Shave Ice both days, will also be on-site. Admission is ticketed.
- Drive-In Movie Night Rolls into LeMay with Cars
- Rev up for a family-friendly summer evening at LeMay, America’s Car Museum, on Friday, July 24, from 7 to 11 p.m. as the museum hosts its annual Drive-In Movie Night. Guests are invited to arrive early, settle in with snacks or a picnic, and enjoy the community atmosphere before Pixar’s Cars lights up the big screen after sunset. The museum’s July lineup also includes First Responders Appreciation Day on July 11, an author talk about The Kansal Clunker on July 18, Family STEAM Day featuring Superhighway 71 on July 25, a weeklong STEM camp for students July 27 to 31, and the free monthly Cruise-In on July 30.
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