Last Thursday, Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards, delivered the annual State of the City address to a small in-person audience in council chambers, which was also virtually broadcasted via social media and cable television for the community to tune into.
Throughout the address, Mayor Woodards focused on some main areas of concern including public safety and violent crime, the city’s continued recovery from COVID-19, and housing and homelessness.
“You can’t wish strength into being. You’ve got to build it,” Woodards expressed. “Over the past couple years, we have built a lot of strength, but there is still so much to do.”
Although Tacoma has faced many challenges and pressing issues these last two years, the mayor emphasized that the city has made strides on several issues and while continuing to provide vital services to the community.
Public Safety & Violent Crime:
During the first portion of her address, Woodards touched on crime statistics from 2020 and 2021, which included a 15% increase in vandalism and property damage, a nearly 20% increase in assaults, 66% increase in motor vehicle theft, and an 85% increase in arson.
“We know that everyone is feeling the effects of these crimes,” she stated.
Two programs using American Rescue Plan Act funds will serve as short-term solutions for businesses impacted by crime, such as temporary private security enhancements for business districts and a broken window replacement fund.
Woodards also mentioned that as crime continues to increase not just in Tacoma but nationwide, the city’s police department currently has 50 job vacancies out of 364 positions. She noted that the Tacoma Police Department’s new leader, Chief Avery Moore who joined the department in late January, has already began applying his passion and experience to help make positive changes and restore a sense of safety within the community by taking a comprehensive look at the department and the issues of highest concern.
Woodards reflected on Chief Moore’s statement: “At the root of policing, there must be love,” he said. “By listening and leading with empathy in this important work of reconciliation, we will ensure our success in addressing crime while keeping love at the foundation of the work.”
The Tacoma Police Department is working to actively recruit more officers, and city council approved $25,000 in hiring bonuses for qualified lateral officers as a way to compete with other cities whose departments are also understaffed. In addition to hiring incentives, anti-racism measures are also being implemented and the department also introduced a new recruiting initiative, Reflect and Protect, which has the intent to hire new officers who will reflect Tacoma’s values and protect the community.
The city and police department hope to build a new path to public safety, provide higher crime solvability rates, see fewer violent crimes, and foster stronger working relationships with the community while increasing confidence in public safety.
Economic Recovery from COVID-19:
Woodards acknowledged the continued struggles that many businesses have faced over the course of the pandemic like back rent, supply-chain issues, rising prices, and struggling workforce stability. The City of Tacoma has provided 450 loans and grants, totaling over $7 million, to help stabilize small businesses and jobs, with 54% of those funds devoted to supporting BIPOC businesses and organizations.
The city will also continue to focus on investments in alternative career pathways, like the Healthcare Apprenticeship Pathways pilot program that pairs residents with training and apprenticeship opportunities, along with wrap-around services and a weekly cash stipend.
Looking toward the future, Mayor Woodards discussed how the city is proactively positioning itself to diversify the economy through the 5G project in Tacoma’s Tideflats and by developing Tacoma’s green economy work in order to better address climate change.
Homelessness & Housing:
“There is no data point needed to punctuate the fact that we are in a visible crisis of public health and personal dignity,” Woodards exclaimed.
The mayor expressed that the city must do more to address the homelessness crisis, stating that 57 units of permanent supportive housing are in the works, over 480 housing units were provided funding for construction and are expected to be completed within the next two years. The city is also close to doubling its shelter capacity.
“For the 2021-2022 biennium, we are investing nearly $28 million in housing and homelessness response services,” she announced. “Additionally, we have committed just over $12 million or 40% of our funding to address the issue of housing and homelessness.”
Spiraling housing costs were also at top of mind as Woodards touched on the rising rent and mortgage rates that both are outpacing wages as roughly 40% of Tacoma residents are paying more than 30% of their income on housing costs. The city has provided 854 households with over $6 million in rental assistance, along with $2 million in utility assistance for 1,800 households. In 2022, the city hopes to advance more equitable homeownership.
As Mayor Woodards closed out her address, she encouraged residents to work together despite the challenges we collectively face.
“While I have said many times tonight that the solutions are neither straightforward or quick, together I know we will continue to press in the direction of progress in our work to uplift, protect, shelter and support every member of our community.”
