Happy Friday Newsletter 7.10.26

Posted on by Ande Dunn

Neighborhood News

  • 80 Arts, Culture, Heritage, and Science Organizations Funded by Tacoma Creates for 2026-2027
    • Tacoma Creates will invest approximately $6.4 million in 80 local nonprofit organizations during its 2026-2027 funding cycle, continuing support for arts, culture, heritage, and science programming across the city. Approved by the Tacoma Creates Advisory Board, the funding marks the seventh year of Tacoma Creates, Washington’s first cultural access program of its kind. The grants will support programming from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, helping organizations provide hundreds of events and educational opportunities for residents of all ages while expanding access for underserved youth. Funded organizations include community staples such as Tacoma Art Museum, Museum of Glass, Tacoma Arts Live, Symphony Tacoma, Hilltop Artists, Spaceworks Tacoma, Oasis Youth Center, Rainbow Center, and The Grand Cinema, along with dozens of other arts, cultural, heritage, and science organizations throughout Tacoma. Learn more and view upcoming events at Tacoma Creates.
  • Steilacoom Community Pride Shines Through in Post-Fourth of July Cleanup
    • Steilacoom neighbors turned out in force for a post-Fourth of July cleanup on July 6, a small-town tradition that says a lot about how the community treats its shared spaces. Volunteers hit the parks, shoreline, and streets to sweep up after the holiday. Nineteen volunteers spread through the streets of downtown while another 11 focused on Sunnyside Beach Park. Most of the volunteers noted there “wasn’t much trash to pick up” thanks to the pride of Steilacoom’s residents.
  • Seasonal Road Maintenance Coming to UP Starting July 27
    • Starting July 27, weather permitting, city crews will begin chip sealing and fog sealing streets in designated neighborhoods as part of an annual preventive maintenance program. The process applies a layer of asphalt oil and rock to protect roadways from water damage and can extend a street’s lifespan by seven to 10 years. Crews will return beginning Aug. 3 to apply a fog seal, which helps lock down loose rock left behind after chip sealing. Residents on affected streets will receive door hangers with details about parking and traffic restrictions. Each street will be affected for only one day during each phase, though the schedule may shift if rain delays the work. For more information, contact the city’s Public Works Department at 253-460-6493.
  • Uwajimaya Confirms Tacoma Store Is Still on Track
    • Shoppers eager for Uwajimaya’s return to Tacoma can rest easy. The beloved Asian grocery chain confirmed it is still moving forward with plans to open a new store at the former Hobby Lobby site at 3130 S. 23rd St., with a targeted opening in 2027. A commercial alteration permit was filed with the City of Tacoma on May 29 and is currently awaiting revisions, a normal part of the permitting process. Company President and CEO Denise Moriguchi said grocery store projects require extensive planning, particularly for specialized refrigeration and equipment. Initial renderings and “Coming Soon” signage are expected in the coming weeks. Founded in Tacoma in 1928, Uwajimaya relocated to Seattle following the incarceration of its founding family during World War II and now operates stores in Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, and Beaverton, Oregon. Its return marks a homecoming nearly a century in the making.
  • Donations Needed for Ready to Learn Fair Supporting Local Students
    • Caring for Kids is collecting donations for its annual Ready to Learn Fair, which will take place Saturday, Aug. 8, at Harrison Preparatory School. The volunteer-led event serves students and families in the Clover Park, University Place, and Steilacoom school districts by providing free school supplies, hygiene products, clothing, immunizations, haircuts, and a hot dog brunch. Organizers are seeking financial contributions as well as donations of Crayola crayons, markers, colored pencils, glue sticks, and black or blue pens. School supply donations can be dropped off at the Clover Park School District administration building.

Local Governance

  • Community Invited to Help Shape Commencement Bay’s Future
    • The City of Tacoma and its regional partners are inviting the public to help shape the future of Commencement Bay during a free open house on Wednesday, July 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Owen Beach Pavilion. The event will showcase draft concepts for the Commencement Bay Restoration and Resilience Master Plan, a collaborative effort among the City of Tacoma, Parks Tacoma, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, the Port of Tacoma, and the Center for Urban Waters. Attendees can explore interactive displays, learn about climate resilience and shoreline restoration, provide feedback on proposed projects, and enjoy family-friendly activities, complimentary food, and prizes. No registration is required.
  • Tacoma Seeks Public Input on Proposed Parking Code Changes
    • The Tacoma Planning Commission is seeking public feedback on proposed updates to the city’s off-street parking regulations during a public hearing on Aug. 5, at 5:30 p.m. at the Tacoma Municipal Building and online. The proposed changes would eliminate minimum off-street parking requirements citywide in response to new state laws, while giving property owners more flexibility over how much parking to provide. The proposal does not affect on-street parking rules or prohibit parking, and existing standards for parking lot design and landscaping would remain in place. Public comments will be accepted through Aug. 7 before the commission forwards its recommendations to the Tacoma City Council.
  • Tacoma Community Survey Shows Rising Satisfaction with City Services
    • A new 2026 community survey found that resident satisfaction with City of Tacoma services improved in 85 percent of measured areas over the past two years. Conducted by an independent research firm, the survey gathered feedback from 902 residents and found notable gains in customer service, public library services, arts and culture, environmental stewardship, and emergency response. The Tacoma Fire Department received the highest ratings, with 83 percent satisfaction for fire services and response times, while satisfaction with police patrol presence and emergency response also increased. The survey also identified key areas where residents want the City to focus future investments, including the rising cost of living, local code enforcement, and the condition of major streets. City leaders say the findings will help guide future budgeting, strategic planning, and service improvements across Tacoma.
  • Tacoma to Discuss Potential $20 Minimum Wage Proposal
    • Joe Bushnell has released a community engagement report summarizing feedback from businesses, nonprofits, labor representatives, students, child care providers, health care organizations, and other stakeholders on the future of Tacoma’s minimum wage. The report, presented to the Tacoma City Council’s Economic Development Committee, reflects a range of perspectives on how wage increases could affect workers, employers, and the local economy. A policy discussion on a proposal to raise Tacoma’s minimum wage to $20 per hour is scheduled for the committee’s July 14 meeting, where councilmembers will begin considering potential next steps.
  • Tacoma Begins Collecting New Development Fees for Utility Infrastructure
    • As of July 1, the City of Tacoma began collecting System Development Charges for new construction and redevelopment projects connecting to the city’s wastewater and stormwater systems. The one-time fees are designed to help fund infrastructure improvements needed to support future growth. Stormwater charges will be based on the amount of new impervious surface, while wastewater fees will vary by the size and type of development. The new program replaces Tacoma’s previous connection charge system and is expected to generate between $2 million and $8 million annually for utility capital projects. City staff are also exploring potential fee reductions or exemptions for affordable housing developments later this year. The Washington State Department of Health is developing new operational, health, and safety standards for private detention facilities, including those that house juveniles, following legislation passed in 2023 and 2025. The rulemaking is intended to establish statewide standards for the treatment and well-being of people held in private detention facilities. Tacoma leaders, including members of the City Council, participated in the stakeholder process and supported the legislation during the state legislative session. The Department of Health is now refining the draft rules before beginning the formal rulemaking process. The initial informal public comment period has concluded, and additional opportunities for public input are expected as the rules move forward.
  • Pierce County Home Values Dip Slightly While Commercial Properties Rise
    • Residential property values in Pierce County declined by an average of 1 percent this year, while commercial properties increased 3 percent, according to the Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer’s Office. The updated assessments, which will be used to calculate 2027 property taxes, reflect cooling residential values affecting about two-thirds of property owners, while demand for warehouse, industrial, and retail properties continued to push commercial values higher. Assessor-Treasurer Marty Campbell emphasized that lower property values do not necessarily mean lower tax bills, as taxes are based on the budgets of local taxing districts and each property’s share of those costs. Property owners have until Aug. 25 to appeal their assessed value, and qualifying seniors and residents with disabilities may be eligible for property tax exemptions.
  • Parks Tacoma Plans Transition of Breakwater Marina This Fall
    • Parks Tacoma says it will assume management of the Breakwater Marina at 5401 N. Waterfront Dr. by the end of September and begin offering one-year leases to current liveaboard residents starting Oct. 1. Officials now say existing liveaboards are expected to have the opportunity to remain long term through a grandfathering process, a shift from earlier plans that called for all liveaboards to vacate the marina. Information about privately owned boathouses is expected later this month. The marina will become part of Parks Tacoma’s Point Defiance Marina, with plans to expand public access and provide both transient and permanent moorage. Before finalizing rates and future operations, the agency is conducting engineering and market studies of the facility. The transition has sparked concern among many of the marina’s approximately 120 tenants, who say uncertainty over lease terms, moorage rates, and future accommodations has made it difficult to plan.

Arts & Entertainment

  • Arctic Sea Ice Weekend at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium | 7/11 to 7/12
    • Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium marks Arctic Sea Ice Weekend with family-friendly programming, including animal enrichments and Keeper Chats featuring the walruses, Arctic wildlife, and the zoo’s polar programming. Included with regular admission. The program highlights the growing threat of sea ice loss and the conservation work the zoo does around it. pdza.org.
  • Voices of Valor Explores Untold Stories of Early America
    • Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with Voices of Valor on Friday, July 10, at 4 p.m. at the University Place Library. Designed for adults and high school students, the presentation highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women, Black Americans, and Indigenous people who helped shape the nation’s early history. Through powerful storytelling, the program offers a broader, more inclusive perspective on America’s founding and the diverse voices that influenced its development.
  • Chowdown Festival Brings Tokyo-Inspired Flavors to Tacoma
    • Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Japan at the Chowdown Festival: Welcome to Tokyo on Saturday, July 11, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Scottish Rite Center. The family-friendly event will transform the parking lot into a Tokyo-inspired street festival featuring a wide variety of food vendors, boba and specialty drinks, live entertainment, artisan and retail vendors, themed décor, and photo opportunities. Admission is $10, with free entry for children under 5. Organizers are also accepting applications from food, beverage, retail, and artisan vendors, along with sponsors, for what promises to be one of Tacoma’s biggest food festivals of the summer.
  • Caribbean Queens Festival Returns to Downtown Tacoma in August
    • Celebrate Caribbean culture at the free Caribbean Queens Festival: Carnival in the Streets on Saturday, Aug. 16, at Theater Square. Founded by local entrepreneur Julie Davidson, the festival grew from a small gathering of Caribbean women-owned businesses in 2022 into a community celebration that drew more than 700 attendees in its inaugural year. This year’s event will feature live music, dance, art, food, and cultural experiences that showcase the vibrant traditions of the Caribbean while bringing together families, the Caribbean diaspora, and the broader Tacoma community. The festival is supported in part by the City of Tacoma’s Community Arts Projects, which funds inclusive, accessible arts programming throughout the city.
  • The Last Picture Shows: PNW Premiere at The Grand Cinema | July 14, 1:15 p.m. and 7 p.m.
    • The Pacific Northwest premiere of the feature documentary The Last Picture Shows lands at The Grand Cinema on Tuesday, July 14, with two screenings, 1:15 p.m. and 7 p.m. The film is being described as a love letter to the movies. Tickets at grandcinema.com.
  • Curran Apple Orchard Summer Concert Series Begins | Thursday, July 23
    • Pack a picnic and enjoy free live music as the Summer Concert Series returns to Curran Apple Orchard Park. The five-week series kicks off Thursday, July 23, at 6:30 p.m. with the James Lee Murray Band, bringing an evening of soul, funk, and blues to the orchard. Guests are encouraged to bring picnic blankets or camp chairs and enjoy a relaxing summer evening with neighbors. Alcohol is not permitted in city parks, and in the event of rain, performances will move to the cafeteria at Curtis High School. The concert series is made possible through sponsorship from America’s Credit Union, with support from the City of University Place.
  • Nisqually Live! at Fort Nisqually with Oly Mountain Boys | Friday, Aug. 7
    • Parks Tacoma’s new Nisqually Live outdoor concert series at Fort Nisqually kicks off Friday, Aug. 7, with bluegrass band Oly Mountain Boys playing inside the historic fort. Details and tickets through Parks Tacoma.
  • Save the Date: The Next Existential Crisis! | Friday, Aug. 21
    • The next installment of the Existential Crisis! variety show lands Friday, Aug. 21, courtesy of Rotator Creative. It will be Rotator’s 10-year anniversary, so it will be a cause for major celebration and crises of the existential variety. Not all the details are ironed out yet, but save the date.
  • DuPont BBQ Cookoff Fires Up for Ninth Annual Celebration
    • One of the South Sound’s favorite summer traditions returns Aug. 21-23 as the Ninth Annual DuPont BBQ Cookoff takes over Clocktower Park. The three-day festival features championship barbecue from nationally recognized pitmasters, live music, a beer garden, local vendors, and family-friendly activities. Admission is free, with barbecue tastings and select special events available for purchase. Hosted by American Legion Pat Tillman Memorial Post 53, the event raises money for local youth programs, scholarships, leadership opportunities, and services supporting veterans and military families. Organizers say the cookoff has become more than a barbecue competition, serving as a community celebration that brings together thousands of visitors from across the South Sound each summer.
  • Discover Marine Life at Titlow Beach’s Low Tide Tour
    • Get an up-close look at the wonders of the Salish Sea during a free Low Tide Tour on Sunday, July 12, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Titlow Beach Park. Led by biologists and volunteer naturalists from Harbor WildWatch, the guided beach walk explores the intertidal zone, where participants can discover sea stars, crabs, anemones, and other marine life while learning about local ecosystems and conservation. The family-friendly program is open to all ages, takes place rain or shine, and is free to attend, with an optional donation to support Harbor WildWatch’s educational programs.
  • Sip and Stroll at the Proctor Wine Walk
    • Spend an afternoon exploring Tacoma’s Proctor District during the Proctor Wine Walk on Saturday, July 11, beginning
      at 2 p.m. Guests will stroll between neighborhood businesses sampling wines from more than 20 regional wineries while shopping and discovering local favorites. Each ticket includes 10 tasting pours, a commemorative wine glass, and a tote bag for each couple, with check-in at the Blue Mouse Theatre. Proceeds benefit Tacoma Neighborhoods Together, supporting neighborhood events, beautification projects, and community initiatives throughout the year. Tickets are limited and may be transferred but are nonrefundable.
  • Explore Local Makers at the Northwest Metaphysical Mini Market
    • Browse handcrafted goods, intuitive services, and holistic wellness offerings at the Northwest Metaphysical Mini Market on Sunday, July 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Church Cantina. The community-focused event features crystals, candles, artwork, tarot and astrology readings, wellness practitioners, and a variety of local makers and small businesses. Whether you’re deeply involved in metaphysical practices or simply curious, the market offers a welcoming space to shop, connect, and discover unique Pacific Northwest creators.
  • Steilacoom’s Pioneer Park Revives Summer Concert Series for 38th Year
    • Steilacoom’s Pioneer Park has revived its summer concert series thanks to donors who have helped keep the tradition alive. While organizers have reached the milestone to put on the show, they are still accepting donations to help strengthen this year’s concert series and ensure its future. Enjoy the music Wednesday evenings at Pioneer Park, and if the weather is bad, the show goes on in the Steilacoom Community Center.
  • Cascade PBS Launches Streaming Platform for Local Public Media Stations
    • Cascade PBS has launched Local Public, a new public benefit subsidiary that helps public media stations across the country create locally branded streaming services for connected TVs, mobile devices, and the web. Developed from Cascade PBS’s own digital strategy, the platform allows stations to highlight local programming, community stories, and regional priorities while strengthening relationships with viewers in the streaming era. The platform is already powering streaming apps for 18 PBS stations nationwide, with more expected to join in the coming months. According to Cascade PBS, stations using Local Public have seen a 53 percent increase in donation revenue, 30 percent more new donors, and 7 percent higher donor retention, demonstrating the impact of connecting audiences with locally focused public media content. Cascade PBS is a community-supported, locally owned public media organization serving the Cascade region with PBS national programming, original local TV series, and a diverse range of community events.

Opportunities

  • Mini Grants Available for Stormwater Improvement Projects
    • Residents, businesses, and community groups in eligible Pierce County watersheds can now apply for up to $4,000 through Pierce Conservation District’s annual Green Stormwater Mini Grant program. Applications are open through Sept. 30 and support projects such as rain gardens, large rain tanks, depaving, and replacing lawns with native habitat to help reduce polluted stormwater runoff entering local waterways. A free site visit with Pierce Conservation District staff is required before applying and is available year-round. The grants provide both funding and technical assistance to help protect the Salish Sea and improve local water quality.
  • Artists Sought for Live Painting at Downtown Tacoma Block Party
    • Artists are invited to apply for the Summer Mural Fest, where five creatives will be selected to paint live during the Downtown Tacoma Block Party on Aug. 2. Four artists will each create a 4-by-8-foot mural on provided plywood, while one artist will paint the Tollbooth Gallery. Selected artists will receive a $1,000.
  • Library Social Worker Offers Free Community Resource Support
    • Need help navigating community resources? Tacoma Public Library offers free drop-in support with its library social worker, Samie, who can connect patrons with services related to housing, shelter, domestic violence, veterans’ resources, employment, behavioral health, and more. Samie also serves on the Greater Pierce County Continuum of Care, which coordinates regional efforts to address homelessness. Visit the Tacoma Public Library events calendar for upcoming dates, times, and branch locations.

Recreation

  • Goodguys Pacific Northwest Nationals Returns to Puyallup
    • Car enthusiasts from across the region will gather July 24–26 for the Goodguys 38th Griot’s Garage Pacific Northwest Nationals at the Washington State Fair Events Center. The three-day event features more than 2,500 pre-2000 hot rods, muscle cars, customs, trucks, and classic vehicles, along with a swap meet, car corral, vendor midway, live music, and awards honoring some of the nation’s finest builds. Friday night includes the popular Vintage Drags at Pacific Raceways, while Sunday’s Meguiar’s All American Sunday welcomes American-made or American-powered vehicles of all model years for a community-wide celebration of automotive culture.
  • Celebrity Softball Returns to Cheney Stadium for Seattle All-Star Classic
    • The Seattle All-Star Classic returns to Cheney Stadium on Saturday, July 11, bringing a full day of celebrity softball, community impact, and family-friendly fun. Hosted by Rashid Shaheed and Uchenna Nwosu, the fifth annual event features a celebrity softball game and home run derby with athletes, entertainers, and local personalities, including Lofa Tatupu, Abe Lucas, Myles Gaskin, Nate Jackson, Lamar Neagle, and several other professional athletes and local favorites. Beyond the action on the field, the event supports a number of regional nonprofits, including Special Olympics Washington, Down Syndrome Community of Puget Sound, Trufant Family Foundation, Level the Field Sports, Your Money Matters, Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County, and EDOT Foundation. General admission tickets are available now, with proceeds helping support youth programs, education, financial literacy, and inclusive community initiatives across the Puget Sound.

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