Neighborhood News
- Long Standing VMFH Offices Could Make Way for More Downtown Apartments
- A downtown Tacoma office and parking structure could soon be converted into housing as a longtime tenant prepares to move out. A pre-application proposal filed with the City of Tacoma outlines plans to transform part of the five-story building at 1149 Market Street into up to 50 apartments once the administrative offices for Virginia Mason Franciscan Health relocate. According to a project narrative from BCRA Architects of Tacoma, the proposal would convert existing office space and part of the parking structure into a mix of studio, one-, and two-bedroom units while retaining parking on the lower levels. The estimated $10 million project could submit permits this summer, with construction potentially beginning this fall. Health system officials say the current administrative offices will move primarily to the Franciscan Education and Support Center in Tacoma as part of a consolidation effort.
- Spring Makers Market at Peace Lutheran Church Tacoma
- The Spring Makers Market at Peace Lutheran Church will feature locally made products including pottery, baked goods, greeting cards, candles, soaps, books, and plant starters. The event will also include silent auction baskets, raffle drawings, and a salad lunch with a suggested $10 donation. Proceeds will benefit the church’s women’s ministry.
- Asphalt Repairs on Ruston Way to Cause Delays March 21
- To minimize impacts to workday commuters, Tacoma’s Street Operations will conduct asphalt repairs on the southbound lane of Ruston Way on March 21 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Traffic will be reduced to one lane, and delays are expected. Drivers are advised to use alternate routes if possible. Access to businesses and buildings will remain open. The work is weather dependent, and scheduling changes may occur.
- Storage Locker Garage Sale
- A large storage locker garage sale will take place at 821 Dock Street before the units are vacated and removed. The marina is hosting the sale to help tenants reduce the number of items they need to move ahead of future redevelopment on the property. Sales will be held March 21, 22, 28, and 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Local Author John Horton Houck Book Signing at PNW Shop
- Local author John Horton Houck will host a book signing for Keeping the Zoo: Memories of a Forty-Four-Year Zoo and Aquarium Career at the PNW Shop on March 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Houck’s 44-year career included work at the Oregon Zoo and decades at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. The book shares stories from his experience working with animals and helping shape the zoo.
- Chowder Social at the Foss Waterway Seaport
- The Foss Waterway Seaport will host its annual Chowder Social fundraiser April 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Balfour Dock Building. The event will include a hosted social hour, dinner featuring chowders and salads, a silent auction, live auction, dessert dash, and paddle raise. The evening will be hosted by author Chris Staudinger and is open to guests 21 and older.
Local Governance
- Early Learning Program Accepts Grant to Expand for 10,000 More Kids
- Washington will expand access to early childhood education after Gov. Bob Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5872 into law, creating a new state account to support preschool programs. The legislation establishes the PreK Promise Account, allowing Washington to accept private gifts, grants, and donations dedicated to expanding the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program. The move follows a major commitment from Ballmer Group to fund early learning opportunities for up to 10,000 additional children over the next decade, an investment that could total more than $1 billion. ECEAP currently serves more than 14,000 low-income children statewide. State officials say the new account will help accelerate expansion, with a goal of enrolling about 2,000 additional students as early as the next school year.
- District 5 Charter Review Listening Session
- District 5 commissioners invite residents to attend a local listening session to share ideas, concerns, and priorities for Pierce County’s future. The session will take place March 22 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Center at Norpoint, Meeting Room 101. The charter review commission last conducted a full review 10 years ago. The charter serves as the county’s governing document, outlining how the government operates. Residents can also submit ideas online through Pierce County’s charter review portal.
- Tacoma School Board Has a New Member
- The Tacoma Public Schools Board of Directors has selected Shawna Freeman Lane, vice president of equity, engagement, and belonging at Pierce College, to fill an open board position. The board voted 4-0 at its March 12 meeting following an interview process that began after longtime board member Enrique Leon resigned at the end of December. Freeman Lane, who also teaches business part-time at the University of Washington Tacoma, will be sworn in March 26 and will serve through November 2027. She was selected from a pool of 25 applicants. The appointment comes as Tacoma Public Schools addresses a multimillion-dollar budget deficit.
- Tacoma Public Schools Buys Orchard Street Site for Future Central Kitchen
- Tacoma Public Schools has purchased a two-building industrial complex on South Orchard Street for about $12.1 million to create a centralized kitchen for districtwide meal preparation. The roughly 86,000-square-foot property will consolidate food production, warehouse, and maintenance operations currently spread across multiple locations. Plans include a 30,000-square-foot production kitchen. The purchase, recorded Feb. 17, is funded through the district’s 2024 capital bond. District officials say the project will support scratch cooking, reduce reliance on prepackaged meals, and expand the use of locally sourced ingredients. The district aims to open the facility in fall 2027.
- Tacoma Police Report Staffing Improvements and Crime Trends
- Tacoma Police Department representatives reported improving staffing levels and shifting crime trends during a March meeting of the New Tacoma Neighborhood Council. Community liaison Officer Ryan Warner said the department currently has seven vacancies, the lowest level in several years. Police reported increased narcotics-related activity alongside declines in burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft. Traffic safety remains a concern following recent fatal collisions near Yakima Avenue. Residents are encouraged to report ongoing issues through Tacoma’s 311 system.
- Friday Forums: What’s Next for Tacoma and Pierce County on April 3
- A free Friday Forum panel discussion featuring Tacoma Mayor Anders Ibsen and Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello will take place April 3 from noon to 1 p.m. at Milgard Hall, Room 110, at the University of Washington Tacoma and online via Zoom. The discussion will focus on transportation policy, regional collaboration, and future planning efforts.
- Future of Light Rail in Tacoma Transit Town Hall April 27
- Transportation Choices Coalition and Tacoma on the Go will host a town hall April 27 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the University of Washington Tacoma’s Milgard Hall, Room 110. The event will address the future of light rail following Sound Transit’s announcement of significant cost increases for its long-range plan. The event will include a presentation and public question-and-answer session with local officials and Sound Transit staff.
Arts & Entertainment
- Tacoma’s Inaugural #LITFEST May 2
- Tacoma will host its inaugural Tacoma Literature Festival on May 2 at the Tacoma Armory. Produced by the nonprofit Grit City Studio, the event will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops, a book fair, and youth programming. Scheduled speakers include journalist Lewis Kamb, mountaineer Melissa Reid, Washington State Supreme Court Justice G. Helen Whitener, and author Ted Chiang.
- Explore Washington’s Southeast Asian Community at Washington State History Museum
- The Washington State History Museum will host “Our Voices: Exploring the Past, Present, and Future of Washington’s Southeast Asian Community” on March 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will include storytelling, performances, music, and panel discussions connected to the exhibition on Southeast Asian refugee experiences.
- Spring Awakening Now Playing at Tacoma Little Theatre
- Tacoma Little Theatre presents Spring Awakening, a musical set in 1891 Germany exploring themes of adolescence, repression, and self-discovery. The production follows a group of young people navigating societal expectations and personal challenges.
- Lakewood Playhouse to Present Pipeline
- Lakewood Playhouse will present Pipeline, a play by Dominique Morisseau exploring the school-to-prison pipeline through the story of a mother and her son navigating education and systemic challenges. The production runs April 24 through May 10.
Opportunities
- Applications for Port of Tacoma Paid Summer Internship Open
- Applications are open for the Port of Tacoma and Northwest Seaport Alliance paid summer internship program. Positions are available in areas including accounting, community relations, engineering, environmental services, equipment maintenance, facilities, operations, and real estate.
- Auditions for Sotto Voce at Tacoma Little Theatre March 22, 23
- Tacoma Little Theatre will hold auditions for Sotto Voce by Nilo Cruz March 22 through 24, with callbacks March 25. Auditions will take place at Tacoma Little Theatre and the STAR Center. Actors must schedule an appointment in advance.
- Tacoma Historical Society Looking for Docents for Tour May 2, 3
- The Tacoma Historical Society is recruiting docents for its 2026 Historic Homes Tour scheduled for May 2 and 3. Volunteers will work one shift and attend a training session in April. Docents will receive discounted tickets.
- Applications for the Public Utility Board Due March 25
- Applications for the volunteer position with the Public Utility Board are due on March 25, 2026. This Board acts as the governing body for Tacoma Public Utilities overseeing management and operation of Tacoma Power, Tacoma Water, and Tacoma Rail. If appointed, you’ll be required to complete Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act trainings within 90 days. Learn more and apply at tacoma.gov/cbc.
Recreation
- Tacoma Turns Into Fan Zone for FIFA World Cup
- The Puyallup Tribe of Indians will host an official Tacoma fan zone during the 2026 FIFA World Cup at its tribal headquarters, along with a regional scavenger hunt featuring handcrafted glass pieces hidden throughout the South Sound. Activities will include match watch parties, cultural programming, and community events through mid-July.
- Eastside Project to Expand Trail Access and Community Space
- A project near Eastside Community Center will expand trail access, add fitness and play equipment, and create additional gathering space. Construction is scheduled to begin March 23, with completion expected by early summer. The project is funded through bond funds and state and nonprofit grants.
- Join the Walk Tacoma 2026 Kickoff April 15
- Walk Tacoma will host a kickoff event April 15 starting at Irving Park. The event will highlight neighborhood parks, tree canopy, and community connections in the Hilltop area.
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