Our Vision (Our ideal state): We are an anti-racist organization creating just and equitable outcomes for all, focusing on long term, systemic change and accountability to the community.

Our Mission (What we will do to achieve our vision): We dismantle institutional and structural racism. We listen to voices of people of color and utilize data to identify, understand and actively work to adopt anti-racist policies and eliminate barriers to success for people of color. We acknowledge and repair harm caused by the City of Tacoma

Putting it into Action

We continue to direct our work according to the standards set forth in Resolution 40622:

• Keeping anti-racism as a top priority in budget development.

• Prioritizing anti-racism in the evaluation of new policies and programs as well as the sustained and comprehensive transformation of existing services, through implementation of Racial Equity Action Plans.
• Actively seeking and implementing interim administrative changes and process improvements that can legally be taken immediately to improve transparency and accountability in policing. See our work in this area on the Community Safety Transformation page.

Our Values (how we will accomplish our mission):

• Change: We are bold in leading change internally and with our partners. We focus on systems and power. We disallow the concept of perfection and focus on achieving progress. We adopt actionable plans and measure progress. We are comfortable being uncomfortable and are committed to moving forward.
• Community: We value and amplify the voices of those most impacted by systemic racism, seeking their input, guidance, and honoring the wisdom of their experience. We increase access to resources, services and decision-making power to ensure equitable representation and participation.
• Compassion: We meet people where they are along their journey and support each other in navigating the challenges of antiracism work, recognizing and addressing the unique impacts on people of color.
• Cultural Competence: We expect ongoing individual and organizational learning to understand the history and implications of racism in order to undo institutional structures that perpetuate it. We create a welcoming workplace where all employees feel accepted, valued and can perform and develop to their highest ability.

Additional Information

Resolution 40622. This resolution formally acknowledges that the City of Tacoma’s existing systems have not adequately served the needs of everyone in our community and, in particular, have not adequately served the needs of Black community members and other community members of color.

Heal the Heart of Tacoma, established in October 2020, is grounded in Resolution 40622. It aims to spark long term change that strengthens and heals communities, provide the foundation necessary to achieve greater equity in service delivery, and increase trust in local institutions.

Workforce Equity Study. On May 11, 2021, during a joint Study Session, the City Council and Public Utility Board were presented with a final workforce equity study report that provides a detailed look at the organization's employment data, including the geographic area from which it hires, its outreach and hiring practices, and employee advancement, retention and inclusion. The report also offers insights gleaned from interviews and focus groups with City employees.