Neighborhood News
- Houndstooth Gives Tacoma a New Creative Playground
- Artist Ryan Love and co-owner Peter Westphaelen have opened Houndstooth at 2701 N. 21st St. The gallery and shop mixes Love’s pop art-inspired work with artisan prints, candles, puzzles, craft kits and other goods meant to make people want to linger and create. Browse the shop online at houndstooth.shop, then go see the real thing in person.
- North Star Glove Co. Gets a Lot More Elbow Room
- North Star Glove Co. has expanded its lease at Tacoma’s historic Willamette Building from 27,600 to 65,879 square feet. The larger footprint gives the company more than 33,000 square feet of office space in addition to its existing warehouse space and will bring affiliates Evolv Creative and Mysterious into the building. Apparently, when North Star expands, it does not fool around.
- SheWorks Mixes Deadlines With Childcare
- SheWorks is now open in Historic Old City Hall at 625 Commerce St., combining coworking space with on-site childcare. Current childcare options include half-day enrollment and drop-in care, while coworking is available through memberships and day passes. For parents who have ever tried to answer email while someone asks for a snack every 90 seconds, this may sound pretty dreamy. Learn more at she-works.co.
- Hilltop Has Its Own Superman
- Connor Mendoza, who survived a 2024 shooting at Dorky’s Arcade after intervening when a gunman threatened a coworker, now walks Tacoma in a Superman costume under the name “Hilltop Superman 253.” Mendoza told KIRO 7 that the routine helps him process the trauma from the shooting and inspire others. Trauma processing, Tacoma style: add a cape.
- A New Story Rises at the Tacoma Dome
- Puyallup Tribal member and Coast Salish artist Anthony Duenas has completed “x̌ əčulb” on the Tacoma Dome’s south exterior Exhibition Hall. The Lushootseed title, pronounced “hutch-ulb,” means “to tell the story of one’s lineage.” The mural depicts a young person, an elder, a thunderbird and people in a canoe, representing lineage and the continuing journey forward. It is the kind of public art worth slowing down for.
- Builders Trade Blueprints for Garden Beds
- Four Clark Construction project managers and their families spent part of a weekend building new raised beds for the Steilacoom Tribe Native Plants section at the Steilacoom Historical Community Garden. Clark donated the untreated cedar lumber. The team is also working on the new forensic hospital at Western State Hospital, proving a crew can think big and still show up for the small stuff.
- University Place Marks Latin-American Heritage Month
- During the Sept. 8 City Council meeting, Council Member Javier Figueroa declared September 2026 Latin-American Heritage Month in University Place on behalf of the full council.
- Norpoint Takes a Maintenance Break
- The Center at Norpoint, including the pool, will close Sept. 21 through 27 for routine annual maintenance. Programs, classes and other building uses will be on hold during the closure. Doors reopen Sept. 28, so plan your workout rebellion accordingly.
- DuPont Puts Local Resources in One Place
- DuPont’s Community Resource Fair runs Sept. 18 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Clocktower Park. The city’s Police and Fire departments will be there with equipment to explore, alongside local service organizations, bounce houses, giveaways and other free family activities. A concert in the park starts at 6 p.m. Basically, it is one of those rare errands that where the kids may complain when it is time to leave.
- Tacoma Would Like You to Survive the Big One
- National Preparedness Month is here, and Tacoma Fire Department is reminding residents that after a major earthquake, help may not arrive immediately. The city recommends keeping enough food, water, medication and other essentials on hand to get through as many as 14 days. Tacoma also offers free Community Emergency Response Team training for people who want to know what to do when professional responders are stretched thin. Learn more at tacoma.gov/prepare.
- Baker Middle School Is Getting a Safer Route to Class
- Walking, biking or rolling to Baker Middle School should get a little less adventurous. Tacoma’s Safe Routes to School project is backed by a $1.47 million Puget Sound Regional Council grant plus $100,000 from the city’s Streets Initiative Fund. Planned improvements include sidewalks, ADA-complaint curb ramps, marked crosswalks, pedestrian beacons, speed-control measures and bicycle facilities. The city currently lists completion for winter 2026.
- What Should Happen to People’s Community Center?
- Parks Tacoma is taking a closer look at the future of People’s Community Center, 1602 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, including the building’s condition, possible redevelopment and what programs Hilltop residents actually want there. The planning process will include opportunities for community input, which means this is a good time to speak up before somebody else decides what your neighborhood needs. Follow the project at parkstacoma.gov/project/central-tacoma-hilltop-improvements.
Local Governance
- Pierce County Hits Pause on Big Data Centers
- The Pierce County Council adopted an emergency moratorium of up to one year on new or expanded data centers exceeding 10 megawatts in unincorporated Pierce County while officials review regulations and utility impacts. A public hearing is scheduled for Oct. 20 at 3 p.m. If you have thoughts about giant server farms and giant power bills, that is your date.
- Connect Tacoma Moves from Ballot Box to Blueprint
- Tacoma voters approved the 10-year Connect Tacoma: Safe Streets and Sidewalks levy Aug. 4. The city estimates $200 million in voter-approved funding, plus $120 million in grants and partnership commitments, for street, sidewalk and transportation-safety projects. Funding takes effect Jan. 1, 2027. Now comes the part where the voters get to watch what actually gets built.
- Two More Speed Cameras Start Watching Tacoma
- Two automated speed cameras began operating Sept. 14, one on Norpoint Way NE monitoring uphill traffic and one on SR 509/Marine View Drive monitoring southbound traffic. The city will issue warnings for the first month. After that, violations captured by the cameras will carry $145 civil infractions Consider the warning period Tacoma’s free trial.
- Steilacoom Administrator Calls it a Career
- Paul Loveless will retire Dec. 31 after 28 years as Steilacoom’s town administrator. The town has opened recruitment for his replacement, with a 2026 monthly salary range of $16,235.52 to $18.993.22. The first review of applications is Sept. 30. Twenty-eight years in municipal government deserves at least a very long nap.
- SR 167 Finally Reaches the Port
- WSDOT opened the first 2-mile section of the new SR 167 Expressway on Sept. 13, connecting I-5 in Fife with SR 509 near the Port of Tacoma. The new route is open to all vehicles. Tolling on the section west of I-5 begins in December. After decades of planning, the ribbon finally had somewhere to go.
- Tacoma Backs Pierce Transit Tax Measure
- The Tacoma City Council has adopted Resolution 42009 supporting Pierce Transit Proposition 1 on the Nov. 3 ballot. The measure would add 0.3 percentage-point sales and use tax to maintain and expand local transit service, with the tax taking effect April 1, 2027, if approved.
- District 5 Has $1.6 Million and Wants Your Ideas
- Tacoma’s District 5 participatory budgeting process is accepting project proposals through Sept. 30. Community members will ultimately select a $1.6 million capital project focused on climate resilience and/or decarbonization. If you have ever said “You know what this neighborhood needs?” now is the time to finish that sentence.
- Your Utility Bill May Be Getting a Raise
- Tacoma Public Utilities is considering rate increases for electricity and water in 2027 and 2028, while the city’s Environmental Services Department is looking at increases for wastewater, stormwater and solid waste too. Tacoma Power is proposing a 6.2% residential increase in 2027, about $7.40 more per month for the average customer, followed by another 6.2% increase in 2028. Tacoma Water is proposing a 5.6% increase each year. Nothing is final yet, but if your household budget already feels like its doing gymnastics, this is one to watch. More information is available at mytpu.org.
- Parks Tacoma is Looking for $17 Million Between the Couch Cusions
- Parks Tacoma is working through a $17 Million deficit in its 2025-2026 operating budget after revenue projections came in short. Two rounds of cuts have reduced expenses by 21% and eliminated 91 full-time positions, with about $9 million in additional cuts needed before the end of 2026. The Park Board’s Committee of the Whole meets Sept. 21 at 6 p.m., followed by a regular Park Board meeting Sept. 28 at 6 p.m. at Parks Tacoma Headquarters, 4702 S. 19th St. Remote participation is available.
- Tacoma Has a $40 Million Hole to Fill
- Tacoma’s 2027-2028 budget process is underway, and the city is staring at a projected $40 million General Fund gap. City Manager Hyun Kim is scheduled to present the proposed biennial budget Oct. 6, with council discussions continuing through the fall. The city’s Balancing Act tool lets residents try their own hand at the tradeoffs. If you have ever balanced a household budget and thought, ‘How hard can government budgeting be?’ here is your chance to find out.
- City Council Take the Show to South Tacoma
- Tacoma City Council will hold its Sept. 30 meeting at STAR Center, 3873 S. 66th St., as part of the city’s effort to bring council meetings into neighborhoods. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the meeting begins at 6 p.m. The agenda includes regular council business and a community forum, with city staff available to answer questions and help with service requests. Refreshments and childcare are free. No trip downtown required.
- Tell Olympia What New Tacoma Actually Needs
- The New Tacoma Neighborhood Council wants residents and business owners to tell them what issues should be carried to state lawmakers during Washington’s 2027 legislative session. Suggestions will be organized by subject and sent to legislators as a community priorities letter. New Tacoma includes downtown, the Stadium District, Dome District, part of Hilltop and the Port. Got something Olympia should hear about? Send it to newtacomanc@gmail.com. More information is at newtacoma.org.
- Tacoma is Rewriting the Rules on How Much Parking New Buildings Need
- Tacoma is updating its off-street parking rules after new state laws limited how much parking cities can require for certain developments, including housing near major transit stops and homes created inside existing buildings. The Planning Commission has released proposed code changes for public review. If you have strong feelings about whether every new apartment needs a sea of asphalt attached to it, now is your moment. Details and comment opportunities are at tacoma.gov/projects/parking-code-update.
- Sick of People Flying Down Your Street? Tell the City
- Tacoma residents dealing with speeding or cut-through traffic can ask the city to evaluate their neighborhood for traffic-calming improvements. Possibilities include speed humps, traffic circles, curb extensions, raised crosswalks and other street-design changes. Requests are ranked using factors such as crash history, street conditions, equity and proximity to schools, parks, libraries and transit. Filing a request does not guarantee a project, but complaining exclusively to your neighbor definitely does not either. Submit a request through Tacoma FIRST 311 or call 311.
Arts & Entertainment
- Racing History Gets Its Due at LeMay
- LeMay, America’s Car Museum, opens For Gold & Glory on Sept. 19. The exhibit tells the story of Black racing pioneer Charlie Wiggins, a driver, mechanic, innovator and race-car builder who became a four-time Gold & Glory Sweepstakes champion despite segregation. Visitors 18 and younger receive free admission on opening day; regular admission applies to other nonmembers.
- Oktoberfest Gives Tacoma Three Chances to Prost
- Happy Hans German Band brings accordion, tuba, polkas and drinking to The Berliner Beerhall on Sept. 18, Oct. 9 and Oct. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. The Beerhall has 20 German beers on tap, giant pretzels and no cover. Groups of 10 or more can reserve a table for a two-hour block, while everyone else is first come, first served. Dogs are welcome on the patio and the place stays family-friendly until 10 p.m. Lederhosen remain optional.
- Crystals, Cards and Cosmic Vibes Return to South Tacoma
- The Northwest Metaphysical Mini Market runs Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the parking lot beside The Church Cantina at 5244 S. Tacoma Way. The free, all-ages outdoor market brings together artists, makers, healers, readers and other small businesses. Expect crystals, candles, handmade goods, tarot and other intuitive readings, wellness services, jewelry and art.
- Senior Moments Art Club Makes Wednesdays More Colorful
- FabLab Education hosts Senior Moments Art Club every Wednesday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. The free weekly club is built around making art and making friends, with none of the pressure to produce a masterpiece. Group therapy with paint, minus the copay.
- LAST TRIPOD Takes Its Final Bow
- The TRIPOD artist-talk series wraps up for good Sept. 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living, 206 N. J St., with Mark Monlux and Devin Reynolds sharing their work. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the suggested donation is $4.
- Tacoma Arts Month Turns 25 and Is Throwing Itself a Party
- Tacoma Arts Month celebrates its 25th anniversary this October, kicking things off with Kaleidoscope from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 3 at Tacoma Public Library’s Main Branch, 1102 Tacoma Ave S. The free, family-friendly celebration includes live performances, art displays, hands-on art making and cultural programming. The rest of October is packed with arts events throughout the city. Find the lineup at tacomaartsmonth.org.
Opportunities
- Your Library Card Has Benefits
- Pierce County Library’s Tools for Students includes live online tutoring, research databases, FASFA help, practice tests and other academic resources. Access is free with a Pierce County Library Card. One of the better back-to-school deals around, considering the price is exactly zero. Learn more at mypcls.org/tools-for-students.
- Want a Say in Tacoma’s Arts Scene?
- Tacoma is accepting applications for four Tacoma Arts Commission seats and one Tacoma Creates Advisory Board seat. Applications are due by noon Oct. 12 at tacoma.gov/cbcapplication. If you have opinions about how Tacoma funds and shows off the arts, here is somewhere official to put them.
- Tacoma Fire is Looking for Recruits
- Tacoma Fire Department is accepting applications for entry-level firefighter/EMT candidates through Nov. 13 at 5 p.m. Qualified applicants will be invited to an in-person written exam tentatively scheduled for Dec. 15 or 16. If you have thought about the job but never applied, this is your nudge.
- Tacoma is Getting a Scrub-Down
- Tidy-Up Tacoma takes place Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon at 14 locations across the city. Tacoma is teaming with Litter Free 253 and Oscar’s Enemies, and bags, gloves, and litter-picking equipment will be provided. The headline site is downtown near Commerce Street and Pacific Avenue. Sign up at tacoma.gov/tidyup. Show up, work outside, make one patch of Tacoma look noticeably less gross.
- Teach Dance, Get Paid
- Parks Tacoma is hiring part-time dance instructors for up to 29 hours a week The current pay range is $17.13 to $29.53 an hour, and applications close Nov. 12 at 11:59 p.m. A community center membership, sick leave and an employee assistance program are among the listed benefits.
- University Place Wants Your Opinion
- University Place is asking residents and business owners to take a survey as the city develops a new Climate Element for its Comprehensive Plan. The survey asks about sustainability, climate impacts and emergency preparedness. It is available at surveymonkey.com/r/UPlaceSurvey. A few minutes of clicking now could help shape years of planning later.
- Seven Seats, One Big Say in Tacoma History
- Tacoma has seven openings on its Landmarks Preservation Commission. Applications are due by noon Oct. 12 at tacoma.gov/cbcapplication. If you care deeply about what gets preserved, altered or torn down, this is one of the places where those arguments become decisions.
- Tacoma’s Ethics Board Open Chair
- Tacoma is accepting applications for one open seat on the Board of Ethics. Applications are due by noon Oct. 5 at tacoma.gov/cbcapplication.
- Two Seats, Five-Year Terms, One Library Board
- Tacoma is seeking applicants for two seats on the Tacoma Public Library Board of Trustees. The five-member board sets library policy and budgets and appoints the library director. Applicants must live in Tacoma, and applications are due by noon Oct. 1 at tacoma.gov/cbcapplication.
- Six Chances to Learn CPR for Free
- Tacoma Fire Department is offering six free CPR classes during CPR Weekend Oct. 3 and 4, and you do not have to be a firefighter, nurse or person who watches too many medical dramas to sign up. Two classes will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. and noon at Eastside Community Center, 1721 E. 56th St. Four more run Sunday at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. at Henry Foss High School, 2112 Tyler St. Participants will practice CPR and using automated external defibrillators and can earn a Tacoma Fire Department CPR certification card. Register at cprsunday.net.
- Transportation Nerds in One Room
- Tacoma On the Go marks its first full year under that name with the Connecting Tacoma fundraiser Oct. 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. at William Philip Hall at UW Tacoma. Expect food, drinks, raffles and a room full of people who can probably tell you exactly why your favorite intersection is terrible. Tickets and details are at connecting-tacoma-2026.auctria.events and information about Tacoma On the Go is at tacomaonthego.org.
- DuPont is Planning a Fall Purge
- DuPont’s annual Fall Cleanup is scheduled for Oct. 17 beginning at 8 a.m. The city will provide curbside collection for eligible cleanup items, with rules and details available through the City of DuPont. If the garage has been quietly turning into an archaeological site, consider this your deadline.
- Teens Can Learn the Stuff School Does Not Always Teach
- Tacoma Public Library and Brotherhood RISE are teaming up for Chosen, a weekly program covering life skills, financial literacy, job readiness and connections to community resources for teens ages 12 to 18. Chosen meets Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Tacoma Main Library, 1102 Tacoma Ave. S. Sometimes knowing how to navigate a job interview or a bank account is every bit as useful as knowing what year the Magna Carta was signed.
Recreation
- Walk for a Healthier Heart at Cheney Stadium
- The 2026 Washington Heart and Stroke Walk steps off Sept. 19 at 8:30 a.m. at Cheney Stadium. The untimed event supports cardiovascular research and lifesaving education and includes a wellness festival, hand-only CPR demonstrations and survivor stories. Walking around Cheney Stadium for a good cause beats pacing the living room while checking your step count.
- Fall Dance Classes are Back
- Parks Tacoma has fall dance classes open for registration, including ballet, creative movement and adult line-dancing. The adult line-dancing is offered in partnership with Buckle and Boot Line Dancing. Financial assistance is available for qualifying City of Tacoma residents. Browse classes at parkstacoma.gov.
- Eastside’s Recording Studio is Free
- The Billy Ray Shirley III Recording Studio at Eastside Community Center is open for free drop-in time Monday through Friday. Adult hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and youth hours are 2 to 6 p.m. Visitors can try drums, piano, guitar, bass and get hands-on help from staff audio engineers. This is your chance to discover whether the world has been unfairly deprived of your debut single.
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