Tacoma: Tideflats Subarea Plan Reaches Critical Milestone With Unanimous Recommendation from Steering Committee
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~ TACOMA, Wash. - After seven years of collaborative planning, the Tideflats Subarea Plan has reached a critical milestone with a unanimous recommendation for adoption from the Tideflats Steering Committee. This landmark decision was made possible through the joint efforts of the City of Tacoma, Puyallup Tribe of Indians, Port of Tacoma, Pierce County, and the City of Fife.

The plan aims to balance industrial growth with environmental stewardship, community needs, and long-term resilience in the region. Mayor Victoria Woodards expressed her pride in this achievement and emphasized the power of collaboration and shared vision in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for Tacoma.

The Tideflats Steering Committee, consisting of elected representatives from each partner organization, was formed in 2018 to guide the development of the Subarea Plan. Their efforts were supported by thousands of community comments, staff presentations, expert analysis, and input from diverse stakeholders such as neighborhood organizations, business interests in the Port of Tacoma, and members of the Tideflats Advisory Committee.

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One key feature of the plan is its focus on balancing industrial success with environmental restoration. This includes coordinated actions and investments to restore ecosystems, improve water quality, and protect biodiversity alongside industrial development. The plan also recognizes the rights and interests of the Puyallup Tribe in the Tideflats area and ensures that any development respects their cultural connections to the land.

In addition to environmental goals, the plan also integrates comprehensive climate action strategies such as decarbonization goals, adaptive measures for sea-level rise, and restoration of natural habitats. It also supports economic flexibility by preserving core industrial uses while encouraging industries that meet environmental goals and promote innovation in clean energy.

Transportation infrastructure is another important aspect addressed in the plan. It promotes proactive investments in multimodal transportation systems and incorporates green infrastructure solutions.

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Council Member Kristina Walker expressed her pride in this collaborative effort between five governments and multiple stakeholders. She highlighted the integration of vital environmental goals and improvements to transportation infrastructure that will reduce the carbon footprint and facilitate the transition to cleaner energy sources in the Tideflats.

The Steering Committee's recommendation will now be transmitted to the City Council and Tacoma Planning Commission. The Planning Commission is expected to conduct a public hearing and comment period in early 2025, followed by their recommendations to the City Council in Spring 2025. The City Council will then consider adoption of the plan in Summer 2025.

Community members with questions about this project can contact Stephen Atkinson at satkinson@cityoftacoma.org or (253) 905-4146. More information on the Tideflats Subarea Planning Project is available on the city's website.

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