Neighborhood News
- New License Plate Option
- The long awaited LeMay America’s Car Museum specialty plates have been approved by the Washington State Department of Transportation. The new plate, one of the few in the nation dedicated to a car museum, will directly support ACM’s nonprofit mission: preserving America’s automotive history, expanding education programs, and celebrating car culture past, present and future. The plate reflects the museum’s bold visual identity while navigating the state’s rigorous approval process. An official release date is coming soon, with purchase available through the Washington State Department of Licensing. Interested drivers should keep an eye on ACM’s channels for updates.
- You’re Invited to Get a Holiday Ham
- Commencement Bank and Nourish Pierce County have teamed up with the Tacoma Dome and invite you to come by the Tacoma Dome Lot G on Friday December 19 to receive a ham for your holiday dinner. Sponsors and volunteers have come together to provide free hams to members of the community which will be distributed 12 – 3pm while supplies last and a limit of one ham per family.
- Ballmer Group and Bezos Family Award Grant to Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center in Tacoma
- The $50,000 grant comes from the joint funding of the Ballmer Group and Bezos Family Foundation via the Child Care Partnership Grant (CCPG) program. The CCPG is to support community-driven planning, pre-design work and strategy development to expand child care capacity in communities with limited options. So for Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center, the grant will go toward planning and design efforts – not directly into building the facility or hiring staff, at least at this time. This is important as the state will be able to eventually deliver more licensed child care slots, helping working parents stay in the workforce, supporting early childhood education, and boosting local economies. This starting step can lead to a new or expanded child-care program, potentially improving access to affordable, quality care for families in the community.
- Crossing the Narrows This Weekend, Watch Out for Lane Closures
- If you’re crossing the Tacoma Narrows Bridge this weekend, there may be a slower travel time. The Washington State Department of Transportation needs to close the two left lanes of travel of the westbound bridge to repair a pothole. The closure is set for 8am to 7pm on Saturday December 13. Crews found the hole in November and temporarily filled it the next day. The lanes need to be closed to work on the longer term solution.
Local Governance
- WA Minimum Wage Jumps to $17.13
- Washington’s minimum wage will rise to $17.13 an hour on January 1, 2026, a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment that keeps the state among the highest in the nation. The increase applies to most workers, including part-time, full-time and seasonal employees, and includes tipped and hospitality workers since Washington does not allow a tip credit. The annual adjustment is mandated by voter-approved Initiative 1433. Some cities such as Seattle, SeaTac and Tukwila will continue to enforce their own higher minimum wages. Workers who believe they are being underpaid can file complaints with the Department of Labor and Industries, which also investigates wage theft and unpaid overtime and protects employees from retaliation.
- Jinkins Seeks Public Input Through Legislative Survey
- House Speaker Laurie Jinkins is asking Tacoma residents to share their perspectives through a short online legislative survey ahead of the 2026 session. Jinkins said community feedback helps shape her policy priorities and informs the work she brings to Olympia. More than 150 people already responded, offering early insight into issues affecting families in Tacoma and across Washington. Complete the questionnaire at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/speakerjinkinssurvey2026
Arts & Entertainment
- Model Train Fest Chugs into Tacoma
- The Washington State History Museum’s beloved Model Train Festival returns December 19, 2025 through January 1, 2026, transforming all four floors into a wonderland of miniature railroads. In its 29th year, the festival brings together nine regional train clubs, with layouts ranging from Tacoma in the 1950s to European cityscapes and Washington State landscapes. Festival activities include hands-on stations for kids, model train videos, and photo opportunities with selfie stations and Seymour History, the museum’s Olympic marmot mascot. The event runs daily 10 am to 5 pm except December 24 and 25 and is included with general admission. 18 dollars for adults, 14 dollars for seniors, 11 dollars for students and free for kids 5 and under. Details at modeltrainfestival.org
- Don’t Miss the Downtown Tacoma Holiday Market
- The Downtown Tacoma Holiday Market is happening Saturday December 13 from 1 – 6pm at Theater Square. The festive outdoor winter marketplace will feature seasonal vendors, favorite local makers and brands, delicious food, festive decor, twinkling lights and festive music. Visitors can shop for handmade gifts, warm up with hot cocoa or coffee, enjoy sweet treats and savory bites and capture unforgettable photo moments that feel straight out of a holiday card. Wether you’re heading to a show, or simply checking off your holiday shopping list, the market is the perfect stop for presents, festive fun and community cheer.
Opportunities
- Help Tacoma’s Youth, Watch Them Rise
- INVERSA Power League is teaming up with Parks Tacoma and Tacoma Public Schools to reimagine middle school sports, centering belonging, confidence, and community instead of highlight-reel glory. Designed for all skill levels, the league uses a like versus like model so kids face fair competition, get real playing time and proudly represent their schools with branded uniforms, consistent coaching and a season-ending citywide tournament. INVERSA is currently recruiting paid community coaches who are ready to invest in Tacoma youth, not just run drills. Roles pay 18.45 dollars an hour, averaging 750 to 1,000 dollars per season, with a 10-week commitment of two weekday practices or games per week. Coaches receive training and must complete a background check. Contact Justin Burgher at justin.burgher@inversasports.com for more information.
- Pierce County Arts Grant Open Until January 21, 2026
- Pierce County opened the 2026 Art Grant program on December 2, inviting nonprofit organizations in Pierce County to apply for funding that expands access to the arts and uplifts communities in unincorporated areas outside the city limits of Tacoma. This annual grant program supports nonprofits that deliver arts education, programming, or cultural experiences specifically for youth and residents with limited access in unincorporated areas. Eligible projects must take place between January 1 and December 31, 2026. Grants range from 500 to 5,000 dollars and applications must be submitted online by 2pm on January 21, 2026.
- DECA Judges Sought
- Students from around the greater Seattle and Tacoma area will compete in small business and marketing events. Organizers are seeking judges for the start-up business plan event to score student start-up pitches. Judges will be provided coffee, donuts, pizza and free parking, and may even discover a future intern. If you are interested, go to bit.ly/judgeDECA26.
Recreation
- Go Snowshoeing at Rainier
- Snowshoeing around Mount Rainier is wide open this winter with routes for every ability. Forest loops for beginners. Rolling mileage for intermediates. Serious elevation for visitor who want a challenge. You can explore Mount Rainier National Park, the Mount Tahoma Trails Association system, Crystal Mountain, and the White Pass area. There are rentals and local insight for both the park and the MTTA network at Whittaker Mountaineering. Crystal Mountain Resort and White Pass Ski Area also provide rentals and guided tours. Learn more at https://visitrainier.com/activities-attractions/winter/.
- Speed Pool Tournaments at Penalty Box in Lakewood
- Speed pool is the great equalizer of talent. With just five seconds to shoot after the last ball stops moving, top players cannot over-engineer their setups and newer players cannot second guess themselves. For 20 dollars, you can enter to win cash at the Penalty Box in Lakewood this Saturday. Sign-ups are at 6pm with the tournament starting at 7pm. Call 253-302-4928 for reservations and more information.
- Co-Ed Adult Dodgeball League Forming Now
- Registration is now open for the winter 7″ foam co-ed adult recreational dodgeball league at People’s Community Center. Teams will play at least two 20 minute games each week. Games are 6v6 with a minimum of two women per team. Although competitive, the league is meant to be fun and social. Adults from all athletic backgrounds are invited. You can register as a team or a free agent. Learn more at https://www.parkstacoma.gov/activities-and-sports/category/adult-sports/dodgeball/
Screenshots
