Neighborhood News
- What Sparked the Temple Theatre Roof Fire?
- A fire broke out on the roof of Tacoma’s historic Temple Theatre, at 47 St. Helens Ave., and Tacoma Fire spokesperson Chelsea Shepherd said it likely traces back to an electrical failure. The department was still finalizing its official report as of this writing and did not have a confirmed reopening date or damage breakdown, so treat the closure as ongoing until the theater posts otherwise. Check the venue’s social media before planning a trip downtown for a show.
- Old City Hall’s Second Floor Trades Empty Space for Local Businesses
- Tacoma’s Old City Hall, the landmark clock tower at 625 Commerce St., is quietly filling back up: the second floor is now open to tenants, with a mix of local businesses moving into space that has sat dormant for years. It is a notable turn for a building that has spent more time scaffolded than occupied this past decade. There is no fixed grand opening date. It is a rolling lease-up rather than a single event, so keep an eye out for signage and ribbon cuttings downtown in the coming months.
- Beyond the Bin Donation
- The City of Tacoma and Goodwill are teaming up to bring a donation drop-off event to Eastside Tacoma this Saturday. Swing by First Creek Middle School, 1801 E. 56th St., between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., or until the truck is full. Earlier is smarter. Bring clothing and shoes, linens, toys, books, household décor, tools, and cookware you no longer need. Items stay out of the landfill, end up priced affordably for people who need them, and support hundreds of jobs in the Tacoma community. Full accepted items list at goodwillwa.org/donate/donation-guidelines.
- Streets Levy Replacement Heads to August Ballot
- Tacoma’s Connect Tacoma: Safe Streets and Sidewalks Levy is picking up steam as it heads toward an August vote, with Tacoma on the Go and the Tacoma Citizens for Safer Streets coalition formally endorsing it. The levy replaces the expired Streets Initiative but shifts focus from basic street repair to safety and mobility: safe crossings, bike infrastructure, neighborhood traffic calming, and arterial fixes guided by Vision Zero crash data. The coalition kicks off its Vote Yes campaign with canvassing Saturday, June 27, 1 to 4 p.m. at Willard School, 3201 S. D St. Details at tacomacitizensforsaferstreets.com.
- Sound Transit Wrapped Up Tacoma Dome Extension Feedback
- If you were hoping to weigh in on the Tacoma Dome Link Extension, the window is closed: Sound Transit’s online survey and three open houses, in Federal Way, Fife, and Tacoma, all wrapped by May 20, ahead of the agency’s May 28 board vote on a broader $34.5 billion budget plan. The good news for Pierce County: thanks to local advocacy, the Tacoma Dome extension survived that budget review with no cuts or delays, and the T Line and Sounder South investments stayed largely intact too. The project still connects Tacoma to Link light rail via four new stations: South Federal Way, Fife, Portland Ave, and Tacoma Dome. No new public comment period has been announced as of this writing, but it is worth watching soundtransit.org for the next chance to weigh in as design work continues.
- Parkland’s Long-Awaited Trail to PLU Inches Forward
- Phase one of the Parkland Community Trail, which will eventually link Sprinker Recreation Center to Pacific Lutheran University, broke ground last fall after years in planning. Crews have reportedly been installing a footbridge as part of the work. Exact mileage, cost, and a firm completion date were not available in what we could confirm, but the project has been a long time coming for Parkland residents who have wanted a safer way to walk or bike between the two campuses. Worth keeping an eye on for an opening announcement later this year.
- Parks Tacoma Free Summer Meal Program Returns for 2026
- Parks Tacoma’s Free Summer Meal program is back for 2026, providing free meals to kids at park sites throughout the summer. It is one of those programs that is easy to overlook and matters enormously: free, no forms required for kids, just show up at a participating park site. Full schedule at parkstacoma.gov.
- Styrofoam Recycling Returns in Tacoma
- The City of Tacoma restored free Styrofoam recycling at the Tacoma Recycle Center, 3510 S. Mullen St., after installing new equipment to handle the material. Tacoma Solid Waste said residents may again drop off accepted Styrofoam packaging materials at the recycle center at no charge. The service had been unavailable because of equipment problems. The new compactor allows the city to process the material again and divert accepted foam packaging from the waste stream. More information: tacoma.gov/news/styrofoam-recycling-returns-to-tacoma-recycle-center.
- JBLM Opens New Housing Development
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Liberty Military Housing opened Meriwether Landing with a ribbon-cutting ceremony June 16 on Lewis North. The first family was expected to move in June 19. The $130 million project will add 212 four-bedroom duplex homes by December 2027, with about ten percent of the homes move-in ready at the opening. Each home includes a fenced backyard, covered patio, two-car garage, energy-efficient appliances and built-in Wi-Fi. JBLM officials said the new housing supports military readiness by improving stability and quality of life for service members and families. More information: dvidshub.net/news/568085/jblm-opens-new-housing-community.
- DuPont Responds to Truck Traffic Concerns
- The City of DuPont said June 15 that it is working with local businesses, trucking operators and navigation services after GPS systems routed truck traffic onto residential streets. The issue followed WSDOT work at Exit 119 from May 26 through June 4, when commercial and industrial vehicles were temporarily rerouted. DuPont temporarily waived its local restriction on vehicles over 14,000 pounds on Center Drive during the approved detour, then saw some trucks continue to be routed incorrectly after the work ended. Police have been monitoring the issue, and the city added wayfinding signs off Exit 118 and on Wilmington Road. More information: dupontwa.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/1182.
- DuPont Begins Center Drive Pavement Work
- The City of DuPont announced June 16 that pavement preservation work on Center Drive between Powerline Road and Kincaid Street would begin with saw cutting and removal of concrete ramps at Center Drive and Bob’s Hollow Lane, Center Drive and Palisade Boulevard, and Center Drive and Civic Drive. Traffic control lights will run on a fixed schedule because underground detection loops are affected by the sidewalk ramp work. The city said restoration of the loops is expected at the end of July, along with new concrete ramps and asphalt. More information: dupontwa.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/1183.
- Redd Dog Brewing Co. Taps In on the Brewery District
- Redd Dog Brewing Co. has officially opened in Tacoma’s semi-official Brewery District, joining the city’s growing cluster of taprooms. The lineup starts with eight house beers and a kitchen turning out tacos à la carte, esquites and elotes, and adobo wings: Mexican-inspired snacks that put it a notch above standard pub grub. Check it out at facebook.com/redddogbrewingco.
- Key Peninsula Senior Nonprofit Wins National Innovator Award
- The Mustard Seed Project of Key Peninsula just landed the National Council on Aging’s 2026 Innovator Award. The Lakebay-based nonprofit runs transportation, social activities, and home-delivered meals for seniors and adults with disabilities in one of Pierce County’s more rural corners, where isolation and transportation gaps hit older residents hardest. Staff say they are open to interviews, photos, or more background for anyone covering the story. Reach engagement director Madysen Pederslie at engagement@themustardseedproject.org or 253-303-0700, or just go straight to themustardseedproject.org.
Local Governance
- Health Department Shuts Down Ten Unpermitted Roadside Food Stands
- Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department inspectors spent the past month pulling the plug on ten unpermitted roadside food vendors, mostly fruit and taco stands working corners and parking lots without a permit in sight. That means no commissary kitchen, no health inspection, and no paper trail if something in that mango cup makes you sick. The crackdown is part of a broader enforcement push rather than a one-off sting, so expect more closures if other vendors do not get legal. Selling food in Pierce County requires a permit through the health department, and inspectors are not just going to look the other way because the line is long and the prices are good.
- Tenant Safety Petitions Move Through Tacoma Process
- Tacoma lists four 2026 initiative petitions on tenant safety and protection laws through the City Clerk’s Office. The petitions are intended to strengthen enforcement of Tacoma’s rental housing rules and tenant protections. Under Tacoma’s initiative process, petitioners submit signatures to the City Clerk, who forwards them to the Pierce County Auditor for verification. If enough valid signatures are confirmed, the City Council may enact or reject the initiative, and a rejected initiative would go to voters. More information: tacoma.gov/government/departments/city-clerks-office/initiative-and-referendum-process.
- Parks Tacoma Still Untangling Its $9 Million Budget Hole
- Metro Parks Tacoma is still working through how to cut more than $9 million from its 2026 budget after faulty revenue forecasting blew a hole in the agency’s finances. A fall budget amendment failed to fix the problem, forcing the agency to drain its reserves covering shortfalls in parks, recreation, and administrative services. The Park Board held a special meeting and public hearing on the issue May 18 at Parks Tacoma headquarters, but the actual cuts are still being decided: shorter hours, including possible Sunday closures, at all four community centers; the end of Beyond the Bell and Club B after-school programs; elimination of licensed childcare at several elementary schools; closures of some underused public restrooms; scaled-back arts, fitness, and senior programming; and less irrigation. “These proposed cuts are hard on the community and they are hard on our staff,” said Park Board President Matt Mauer. Board Vice President Alisa Lee says the agency is bringing in an independent auditor, forming a Finance Committee, and centralizing internal support services so this does not happen again. Track the process and submit comment at parkstacoma.gov/about/budget-performance-data.
- Lakewood Wants Your Input on Walkability
- The City of Lakewood is gathering community feedback on walkability and pedestrian infrastructure as part of an active transportation planning effort. Residents can weigh in on what is working, what is not, and where sidewalks, crossings, or bike connections are most needed. Find the survey via the City of Lakewood’s Facebook page: facebook.com/share/187kADRhSx.
- Project 253 Launches to Help Pierce County Buildings Meet Clean Buildings Deadline
- Pierce County has a new ally in the race to meet Washington State’s Clean Buildings Performance Standard. Project 253 launched this week with a two-pronged mission: help 253 local commercial buildings enter the state’s compliance pipeline before the July 1, 2027, deadline and create career pathways for students interested in sustainability, energy management, and the green economy. The initiative targets Tier 2 commercial buildings, generally 20,000 to 50,000 square feet, which face penalties of up to 30 cents per square foot for noncompliance. With thousands of Tier 2 buildings across Pierce County representing tens of millions of square feet, the stakes are real. Student energy managers will work directly with building owners and operators navigating the compliance process, making this one of the more practical workforce development programs to hit the county in recent years.
Arts & Entertainment
- AMOCAT Arts Awards Nominations Open
- The AMOCAT Arts Awards are accepting nominations now for outstanding contributions to Tacoma’s arts and culture scene. If you know someone doing incredible creative work in the community, including an artist, organizer, educator, or venue, now is the time to put that person forward. Nominations are submitted through the City of Tacoma Arts Commission. Find details at cityoftacoma.org.
- Pierce County Wants Your Art on Its Signal Boxes
- Pierce County is looking for artists to submit designs for signal box wraps, those utility boxes at intersections that are genuinely improved by a little public art. This is a paid opportunity for local visual artists. Check the call to artists for full eligibility and submission details via cityoftacoma.org.
- Grit City Gala @ Downtown Tacoma
- Tacoma’s summer food bash is back Thursday, Aug. 20 for another round, and this time Chef Blanca Rodriguez of Pimienta Bistro is running the kitchen with a Latin-Euro fusion menu built on ingredients pulled straight from Broadway Farmers Market vendors. Expect a family-style, multicourse dinner with a drink ticket, a bottle of wine for the table, and no-host bar access once you are settled in. Early bird tickets are on sale now, and every ticket sold helps fund Tacoma Farmers Market’s mission to keep local farms, artisans, and small businesses thriving. Grab tickets at tinyurl.com/h4jardte before the early pricing disappears.
- Community Quilt Honoring Western State Hospital Cemetery Debuts @ Fort Steilacoom | Saturday, July 5
- Historic Fort Steilacoom’s annual Old-Fashioned Independence Day Celebration on July 5 brings the usual museum tours, historic demonstrations, and reenactors, plus something new this year: the debut of a community quilt project honoring those connected to the fort and to Western State Hospital. Rebecca, the volunteer leading the project for the Grave Concerns Association, will be on hand with the first finished quilt and ready to talk about what it represents. It is a quiet, handmade way to mark history that does not usually get a monument. Exact hours for the broader Independence Day event were not confirmed, so check Historic Fort Steilacoom’s channels before you go.
Opportunities
- Serve on the Fircrest Planning Commission | Applications Due July 6
- The City of Fircrest is looking for a volunteer to fill an open seat on its Planning Commission through June 2030. If you care about how Fircrest grows, including neighborhood character, land use, and development decisions, this is a direct way to have a say. Applicants must live within city limits and be registered voters. Submit a letter of interest, with résumé encouraged, to Fircrest City Hall, c/o City Clerk, 115 Ramsdell St., Fircrest, WA 98466, by 5 p.m. Monday, July 6. More info at cityoffircrest.net/planning-commission.
- World Cup 2026 Business Readiness Resources Still Available
- Washington Microenterprise Association and the Seattle Metro Chamber rolled out a slate of free World Cup 2026
- readiness tools for small businesses this spring, including the Small Business Ready Portal, a Small Business Readiness Playbook, a Watch Party Playbook, and the SEA&WIN mobile game built to drive foot traffic during the tournament. The standing resources are still worth a look at communitybusinessconnector.com/world-cup-ready and seattlechamber.com/world-cup, especially now that the tournament itself is underway through July 19.
Recreation
- Northwest Trek Welcomes Two Bison Calves to the Free-Roaming Area
- Northwest Trek’s bison herd just grew by two: a male calf named Torrent was born to mother Rainy on May 8, followed five days later by a still-unnamed calf born to mother Cloudy. Both mothers briefly broke off from the herd to bond with their newborns before rejoining the group, and the park is now home to twenty bison total, tracing back to six animals transferred from Montana’s National Bison Range in 1971. Spot the rust-orange, wobbly-legged calves on Discovery Tram Tours, Wild Drives, or Keeper Adventure Tours through the 435-acre Free-Roaming Area. Northwest Trek is located in Eatonville. Check nwtrek.org for hours and tickets.
- Northwest Trek Adds Cabin and Cottage Stays to Its Overnight Lodging Lineup
- Following last year’s debut of its A-frame overnight stay, Northwest Trek has added a cabin and a cottage to its Lakeside Lodging program, all three tucked under Douglas firs above Horseshoe Lake inside the 435-acre Free-Roaming Area. The A-frame and cabin each sleep two with a queen bed and kitchenette at $500 a night; the cottage adds a pullout for up to three guests with a full kitchen at $650 a night, or book all three for $1,500 a night. Lodging is adults-only, for ages 18 and older, and overnight guests get 50 percent off the park’s Keeper Adventure Tour. Reserve at nwtrek.org/lodging.
- Chambers Bay Family Campout
- Families can spend a night under the stars at Chambers Bay this summer with an overnight campout event on the waterfront property. It is one of those “I can’t believe we get to do this” Pierce County moments, a golf course that doubles as a community gem. Check the Chambers Bay Facebook page for dates, registration, and what to bring: facebook.com/share/p/1DfzqFj1ED.
- Summer Camps Across Tacoma Still Taking Sign-Ups
- Parks Tacoma’s summer camp lineup spans sports, art and theater, STEM, babysitting, and a Little All Stars camp for ages four to seven. Soccer, baseball, skimboarding, songwriting, cartooning, and even a hobby horse camp are all in the mix. Many sessions run weekly from late June through August at parks and centers across the city, and spots remain open at multiple locations. Browse and register at parkstacoma.gov. Sign your kid up, get them outside, and keep summer from getting boring.
- Dog Park Discussion Underway in University Place
- University Place residents are in active conversation about a new dog park, with community input shaping the planning. If you have a dog and an opinion, and, let’s be honest, dog owners always have opinions, now is the time to weigh in. Follow the City of University Place Facebook page for meeting info and next steps.
- Summer Camps Across Tacoma Still Taking Sign-Ups
- Parks Tacoma’s summer camp lineup spans sports, art and theater, STEM, babysitting, and a Little All Stars camp for ages four to seven. Soccer, baseball, skimboarding, songwriting, cartooning, and even a hobby horse camp are all in the mix. Many sessions run weekly from late June through August at parks and centers across the city, and spots remain open at multiple locations. Browse and register at parkstacoma.gov. Sign your kid up, get them outside, and keep summer from getting boring.
- Titlow Beach Low Tide Tour @ Titlow Beach Park | Saturday, June 27, 9 to 10:30 a.m.
- Harbor WildWatch biologists and volunteer naturalists are leading a free low-tide beach walk at Titlow Beach this Saturday morning, one of the better ways to spend 90 minutes in Pierce County. You will get up close with sea stars, crabs, and anemones while learning about Salish Sea ecosystems and the conservation pressures facing them. All ages and skill levels are welcome, which makes it a solid family outing. Wear closed-toe shoes that can get wet and muddy, dress for whatever the weather decides to do, and meet the group in blue near the picnic tables and shower station at the beach entrance. Free, with a suggested donation of $2 per person or $5 per family.
- Outdoor Pools Open for Summer
- Parks Tacoma Opened Kandle Pool and Stewart Heights Pool for daily summer operations June 20. Kandle Pool is at 5302 N. 26th St., and Stewart Heights Pool is at 5715 Reginald Gutierrez Lane. Parks Tacoma said both outdoor pools will be open daily, with evening open swim sessions available four times a week at both locations and swim lessons offered throughout the summer season. The expanded schedule is intended to give families more ways to cool off and swim safely while school is out. More information: parkstacoma.gov/event/outdoor-pools-opening-day/.
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