City Council Seeks to Broaden Inclusion of Seniors on Tacoma’s Committees, Boards, and Commissions
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~ The Tacoma City Council has taken a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and diversity within the community by voting to prioritize the inclusion of seniors on the City's Committees, Boards, and Commissions (CBCs). The decision was made during a council meeting on Tuesday, following discussions with seniors who expressed a desire for a more meaningful role in shaping City policies and investments.

Council Member John Hines led the resolution, with co-sponsorship from Council Members Joe Bushnell, Sarah Rumbaugh, and Sandesh Sadalge. Hines stated that he had spent a considerable amount of time engaging with seniors in the community and had heard their concerns about not feeling adequately represented in decision-making processes. He emphasized that as an aging city, it is crucial to incorporate the unique needs and perspectives of seniors into discussions to ensure that all residents feel connected and supported.

The City of Tacoma has over a dozen CBCs that cover various topics such as urban design and human services. These committees play a vital role in gathering information, providing advice and recommendations, and aiding the City Council in decision-making. However, currently, more than half of these committees do not have any senior members.

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To address this issue, the City Council has declared it a priority to include at least one community member over the age of 65 on each CBC when possible. The resolution also directs the City Manager to keep the Council informed about any changes in senior representation on CBCs. This measure aims to ensure that senior voices are considered when recruiting and appointing new members to these committees.

Council Member Joe Bushnell highlighted the importance of including seniors in volunteer leadership roles as Tacoma continues to grow. He stated that their wisdom and expertise are invaluable in shaping the future of the city.

Council Member Sarah Rumbaugh echoed this sentiment by emphasizing that diversity comes in many forms, including age representation. She commended the Council's commitment to valuing all members of the community.

Council Member Sandesh Sadalge, who has experience supporting seniors transitioning to new senior services, emphasized the value of their backgrounds and experiences to Tacoma. He stressed the need for their voices to be integral in policy decisions, especially with the city's retirement-aged population growing. He also called for representation of both young and elderly residents across all CBCs to make Tacoma a city that works for everyone.

The City of Tacoma encourages community members to get involved in CBCs and provides information on its website. For any questions regarding CBCs, individuals can contact the City Clerk's Office. With this resolution, the City Council hopes to promote a more inclusive and diverse community where all voices are heard and valued.

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