FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 19, 2021 (Updated August 20, 2021)

For more information on City services, contact: 

TacomaFIRST 311 Customer Support Center by dialing 311 within Tacoma city limits or (253) 591-5000 from anywhere else or email csc@cityoftacoma.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Tanisha Jumper, Media and Communications, tjumper@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5152

Stacy Ellifritt, Media and Communications, stacy.ellifritt@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-2005

City of Tacoma Facilities Begin Phased Reopening to the Public

With the statewide reopening associated with the lifting of COVID-19 regulations at the end of June 2021, the City of Tacoma will begin a phased reopening of in-person services to the public with limited hours.

Study Session/City Council Meetings 

As part of the City of Tacoma’s ongoing response to COVID-19, Emergency Rule No. 4 makes City Council and Public Utility Board study sessions and business meetings, as well as any other City of Tacoma public meetings, 100% virtual.

Virtual log-in information for City public meetings will continue to be posted at cityoftacoma.legistar.com. City Council and Public Utility Board study sessions and business meetings will continue to play on TV Tacoma and also stream live on Facebook.

The following City services opening to the public include:

Customer Support Center (747 Market St., Second Floor)

Starting Monday, August 2, walk-in counter service will be open 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. The Customer Support Center can be reached by calling 311 within Tacoma city limits or (253) 591-5000 from anywhere else. More information is available at cityoftacoma.org/TacomaFIRST311.

Tax and License Office (747 Market St., Second Floor)

Starting Monday, August 2, the Tax and License Office will be open 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. In-person counter service will be available on Tuesdays only, starting Tuesday, August 3, from 9 AM to 4 PM, with appointments highly encouraged. For questions or to schedule an appointment, contact Tax and License customer service staff at (253) 591-5252, or for more information, including the option to schedule in-person or virtual appointments online, visit cityoftacoma.org/taxandlicense.

Planning and Development Services Permitting Counter (747 Market St., Room 332)

Starting Tuesday, August 3, the permitting counter will open to the public by appointment only on Tuesdays from 9 AM to 1 PM Appointments can be made online at tacomapermits.org or by calling (253) 591-5030.

Tacoma Recovery and Transfer Center (3510 S. Mullen St.)

The Tacoma Recovery and Transfer Center is now open seven days per week from 8 AM to 5:30 PM to residential, commercial, and customers from outside the city of Tacoma for garbage and yard waste services.

The Solid Waste front office lobby will open for walk-in customer service starting Monday, August 2, from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.  Visit cityoftacoma.org/solidwaste or call (253) 502-2100 for more information.

Tacoma Public Utilities (3628 S. 35th St.)

Tacoma Public Utilities lobby will reopen by appointment only for billing and payment support on Monday, August 2. Customers can pre-schedule preferred appointment times Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5:30 PM up to seven days in advance by using the new online scheduling tool at MyTPU.org/Appt. Support for permits and conservation programs will remain virtual. Customers without internet access can call (253) 502-8600.

Tacoma Public Library has updated its service hours; six of eight libraries have now returned to pre-pandemic open hours. Visit tacomalibrary.org/visit-a-library or call (253) 280-2800 for the most up-to-date information.

Tacoma Municipal Court (930 Tacoma Ave. S.)

Currently, the front counter is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 1 PM.  Staff can be reached at (253) 591-5357 from 8:30 AM to noon and 1 - 4 PM, Monday through Friday. Additional details and the latest updates can be found on the Municipal Court’s page.

Committees, Boards and Commissions and Council Standing Committees

To ensure continued access to community members, meetings for Committees, Boards, and Commissions, as well as Council Standing Committees, will remain virtual.

Per the State of Washington Secretary of Health's Face Covering Order, unvaccinated visitors are required to wear face coverings within these facilities.

For more information on City services, contact the TacomaFIRST 311 Customer Support Center by dialing 311 within Tacoma city limits or (253) 591-5000 from anywhere else or email csc@cityoftacoma.org.

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