The City of Tacoma is now accepting nominations for the 39th Annual City of Destiny Awards, a tradition honoring outstanding local volunteers since 1987. The nomination period closes on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 11:59 PM.
The City of Destiny Awards celebrate exceptional contributions to Tacoma across a wide range of categories, including Adult and Youth Leadership, Lifetime Service, Youth and Group Service, Environmental Sustainability, Disability Advocacy (Professional and Volunteer), Economic Development, and Equity & Empowerment. Last year’s celebration introduced the Inspire Tacoma award, which recognized two-time NBA All-Star athlete and local philanthropist Isaiah Thomas. Since its inception, more than 330 individuals and groups have been honored at the City of Destiny Awards for their commitment to improving life in Tacoma.
The City’s Events and Recognitions Committee (CERC) oversees the nomination and selection process. This City Council-appointed group of community leaders, representing diverse backgrounds and expertise, develops the nomination tools and criteria used to evaluate nominees. Awardees will be celebrated at the annual City of Destiny Awards ceremony. Organizations interested in contributing to this community recognition event can learn more about sponsorship opportunities here.
How to Nominate
Nominations must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Friday, March 14, 2025, to be considered. The nomination form and additional details can be found online at tacomavenues.org. For questions or to request a hard copy of the nomination form, contact communityevents@tacomavenues.org or call (253) 573-2523.
To learn more about the City of Destiny Awards and watch last year’s ceremony, visit tacomavenues.org.
Past Events
Past Years Recipients List
Previous Award Winners’ Photos
View photos from the 2024 City of Destiny Awards Ceremony (Credit: Sierra Hartman and Brian Cox)
View photos from the 2023 City of Destiny Awards Ceremony (Credit: Sierra Hartman)
View photos from the 2022 City of Destiny Awards Ceremony (Credit: Sierra Hartman)
View photos from the 2019 City of Destiny Awards Ceremony (Credit: Matty Photo & Motion)
View photos from the 2018 City of Destiny Awards Ceremony (Credit: Matty Photo & Motion)
View photos from the 2017 City of Destiny Awards Ceremony (Credit: Matty Photo & Motion)
Background
Since 1987, the City of Tacoma has honored more than 320 outstanding local volunteers through its City of Destiny Awards program. The City of Destiny Awards program is spearheaded by a City Council appointed City Events and Recognition Committee comprised of local community leaders from a broad array of backgrounds and areas of expertise. This committee develops the City of Destiny Awards nomination tools and selection criteria, selects the City of Destiny Awards winners and plans the annual City of Destiny Awards event.
Questions about the program can be directed to communityevents@tacomavenues.org or call (253) 573-2523.