Sixth Avenue farmers market greeted with support, success
Hundreds of people streamed into the opening of the 6th Avenue farmers market which began this Tuesday. These supporters enjoyed sunny weather, live music, fresh produce, prepared food, crafts and a beer garden.
Patronize the 6th Avenue market on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. on 6th Avenue and Pine Street, and the downtown Tacoma and Proctor markets, to find locally-produced goods and treats, and for the fact that feet on our streets creates economic vitality. For more information, visit the Tacoma Farmers Market Web site.
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New Business Update: Abundant Health, TRA Medical Imaging
• Abundant Health, specializing in acupuncture and Chinese herbs, will open in downtown Tacoma from noon to 7 p.m. on July 25 at 2211 Pacific Ave.
• The employees of TRA Medical Imaging moved in this week to the renovated Ford building, located at 1304 Fawcett Ave.
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Tacoma in the News: Tacoma recognized for business culture
We hope you didn’t miss the following media coverage of Tacoma’s growth and prosperity:
• “The Best Cities for Doing Business,” Inc. magazine
• “Another magazine toasts Tacoma – for doing business,” News Tribune
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Liquor Control Board approves second Alcohol Impact Area in Tacoma
The Community and Economic Development Department would like to sincerely congratulate the dedicated community members, the Tacoma Police Department, the Tacoma City Council and many others who made Tacoma’s second Alcohol Impact Area become a reality. This week the Washington State Liquor Control Board approved this Alcohol Impact Area within the South End and Eastside of the city, which will go into effect on Oct. 1. For more information, visit the Washington State Liquor Control Board Web site.
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Downtown economic development strategy recommendations focus of study session
City Council members are scheduled July 22 to hear a presentation from AngelouEconomics that will summarize the Economic Impact Analysis and the Market Assessment for downtown, as well as provide an overview of the economic development strategy recommendations. Additionally, VIA Architecture will discuss the integration of the strategy recommendations into the downtown plan update.
The Council will not take public comment during the noon study session in the Tacoma Municipal Building North, 733 Market St., Room 16. Audio from the session will be broadcast live on TV Tacoma and on www.tvtacoma.com. On-demand audio archives are also available on the Web within 24 hours of the meeting.
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City seeks community input on Downtown Comprehensive Plan update
The Community and Economic Development Department hopes you’ll join in for a review and discussion of a proposed update to the Downtown Element of the Comprehensive Plan, taking place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on July 30 in City Council Chambers, Tacoma Municipal Building, 747 Market Street, first floor.
Potential revisions to this element include the addition of guidance for the International Financial Services Area and enhanced policies relating to transportation, parking, land use, public realm and urban design.
The downtown element provides general goals and policies to guide growth and development in the downtown area. The downtown area is generally bounded by Division on the north, I-5 on the south, Yakima on the west and includes the Thea Foss Waterway and the Tacoma Dome area. The element outlines a vision for dense housing, good design, open spaces and connected transportation networks.
The policies have not been changed since 2001. Downtown has changed considerably since then including new housing, the development of the convention center, museums, offices and the LINK light rail corridor. The City, with the assistance of AngelouEconomics, recently completed an economic development strategy for the downtown which identifies actions to facilitate investment and create a diversified, sustainable economy. It is time to prepare for the next phase of downtown’s rebirth by incorporating the economic strategic actions and providing specific guidance to ensure continued vibrancy, enhanced livability, quality design, improved public spaces and greater transportation choices.
For more information, visit the Planning Division Web site for more information concerning Planning Commission meetings and draft documents at www.cityoftacoma.org/planning and select “Downtown Plan Update.” Or contact Community and Economic Development staff, Peter Huffman (253) 591-5373 phuffman@cityoftacoma.org or Donna Stenger at (253) 591-5210 dstenger@cityoftacoma.org.
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Tacoma delivers Local Infrastructure Financing Tool application
The City of Tacoma recently submitted an application to compete for Washington State’s Local Infrastructure Financing Tool (LIFT) funding. This application is now available for viewing at www.cityoftacoma.org/rda.
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Growth and Transportation Efficiency Center initiative rolls forward
Tacoma’s Growth and Transportation Efficiency Center initiative has really hit the ground running, or rolling, with a wide variety of activities.
Tacoma’s GTEC transportation demand management efforts are designed to promote alternative commute modes within the following markets: UW Tacoma, clustered employers, residents in the St. Helens neighborhood and public and private leadership within Tacoma.
For more information on these various activities, visit the Washington State Department of Transportation Web site or contact Diane Wiatr, Community and Economic Development Department, at dwiatr@cityoftacoma.org or (253) 591-5380.
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Economic Gardening session to assist businesses with marketing strategy development
The Community and Economic Development Department will host an upcoming Economic Gardening Workshop: “Best Marketing Strategies for your Business”.
This workshop is free to any business located in Tacoma, and it will take place two times from 8 to 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 14, at the University of Puget Sound.
The featured speaker will be marketing consultant Whitney Keyes.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear counsel from Keyes, share best practices with fellow business owners, and improve your organization’s profitability.
For more information or to RSVP, contact Christine Clifford at (253) 573-2435 or cclifford@cityoftacoma.org.
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Planning Commission hosts Mixed-Use Center public hearing
The Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing on the proposed Mixed-Use Centers Zoning and Regulations on Aug. 6 at 5 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Tacoma Municipal Building, 747 Market Street, first floor.
The purpose of this hearing is to seek citizens’ comments on proposed changes to zoning districts, height limits, parking requirements, landscaping, design and development standards as related to the mixed-use centers. Mixed-use centers are areas that are planned for high density housing, commercial revitalization, pedestrian-friendly development and frequent transit service. Sixteen centers are involved in this review.
If you’re interested in learning more about the proposed changes prior to the public hearing, attend the community informational session on July 23 from 5 to 7 p.m., also in City Council Chambers, where staff will provide a detailed explanation of the proposed changes and answer questions.
For more information, visit www.cityoftacoma.org/planning.
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Public hearing scheduled for proposed sale of Tacoma Power’s land
The City Council is scheduled during its July 22 meeting to hold a public hearing on the proposed sale of approximately 15.7 acres of Tacoma Power’s industrial land located at 1300 Taylor Way in the tideflats area of Tacoma. The hearing is scheduled to begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Tacoma Municipal Building, 747 Market St., first floor.
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Tacoma celebrates international communities through Ethnic Fest
Don’t miss Ethnic Fest, taking place from noon to 7 p.m. on July 26 and 27 in Wright Park. Ethnic Fest is a celebration of cultures and ethnic groups, featuring performing arts, visual arts, crafts, dancing, information and foods representing cultures from around the globe. Additionally, on July 26, Metro Parks Tacoma will host a free outdoor movie, “Freedom Writers” at dusk, and a performance by the Rumba Kings, also in Wright Park. For more information, visit the Ethnic Fest Web site.
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Hotrod-A-Rama revs up downtown
More than 500 pre-1965 hotrods, dragsters and restored midget racers will ascend upon downtown for the sixth annual Hotrod-A-Rama, taking place on Aug. 1 and 2 within and around 19th Street and Jefferson Avenue. In addition to the dazzling hotrods and roaring engines, this free festival also includes vendors, rockabilly music and specials from the surrounding businesses. For more information, visit the Hotrod-A-Rama Web site.
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