Washingtoner - Tacoma: City Council Takes Steps to Further Activate and Support High-Investment Corridors

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~ The Tacoma City Council has unanimously passed a resolution aimed at enhancing community safety and vibrancy on high-investment corridors in the city. The resolution directs the City Manager to prioritize cross-departmental, collaborative solutions using existing resources.

According to the Council, high-investment corridors are defined as areas that have seen significant public and private investments in housing, transit, local businesses, beautification, and more. Examples of these corridors include Martin Luther King Jr. Way from 9th Street to Earnest Brazil Street, 6th Avenue from South Mildred Street to South Jackson Avenue, South 38th Street from South G Street to Yakima Avenue, and North Proctor Street from North 27th Street to North 24th Street.

District 3 Council Member Jamika Scott expressed the importance of this resolution in building thriving neighborhood centers that are fully utilized by the community. She specifically mentioned the Martin Luther King Jr. Way corridor as an example of a high-investment area that should be seeing an increase in community use. Despite new developments and investments in this corridor, there are still issues such as graffiti, litter, overgrown landscaping, boarded-up buildings, and underutilized spaces that make people feel unsafe.

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Scott believes that these issues can be addressed without requiring millions of dollars by prioritizing these corridors as drivers of economic growth and utilizing existing resources. The City of Tacoma has already adopted a Community Safety Action Strategy that takes into account community input on what makes people feel unsafe. This includes environmental conditions such as litter and graffiti as well as well-maintained landscaping and welcoming gathering spaces.

At-Large Council Member Olgy Diaz also expressed her support for this resolution as it will help support businesses and growth throughout the city's high-investment corridors. As the Economic Development Committee chair for the Council, she often hears from businesses about their need for more resources and is able to connect them with existing programs they may not be aware of. This resolution will help coordinate and target outreach about City resources to have the biggest impact on commercial districts.

Deputy Mayor and District 5 Council Member Joe Bushnell emphasized the City's commitment to these communities, even in the face of budget constraints. He believes that investing in these corridors, where people gather with family, walk their dogs, support local businesses, and build community, is crucial for creating safe and connected neighborhoods. While the resolution highlights specific corridors, it also reinforces the City's broader commitment to community spaces across all of Tacoma.

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District 1 Council Member John Hines echoed this sentiment, stating that Tacoma is at its best when investing in unique neighborhoods that give the city its character. He sees this resolution as a way to build on existing strengths and ensure that neighborhood centers across the city thrive and support local businesses.

In conclusion, the City Council's unanimous approval of this resolution demonstrates their dedication to enhancing community safety and vibrancy on high-investment corridors in Tacoma. By prioritizing these areas and utilizing existing resources, they hope to create thriving neighborhood centers that are safe and welcoming for all members of the community.

Filed Under: Government, City

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