FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 10, 2014

MEDIA CONTACTS
Gwen Schuler, Media and Communications, gschuler@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5160
Maria Lee, Media and Communications, maria.lee@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-2054

First Look at Results of Resident Input on Tacoma's Strategic Plan for Next Decade Available Soon
-- Tacoma 2025 Community Events on Sept. 22, 24 and 29 --

Community events on Sept. 22, 24 and 29 will provide a first look at the results of input gathered from more than 2,000 Tacoma residents about how the city could evolve over the next decade. The Tacoma 2025 strategic plan will focus on seven key areas:

• Health and Safety
• Human and Social Services
• Arts and Cultural Vitality
• Built and Natural Environment
• Economic Vibrancy and Employment
• Educational and Learning
• Government Performance

While each of the upcoming community events will have specific primary areas of focus, there will also be opportunities to comment on Government Performance and all other facets of the Tacoma 2025 strategic planning process. The events are free to attend and will take place from 6 – 8 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and light refreshments will be served as attendees check in and mingle with one another. The schedule is as follows:

Sept. 22
Asia Pacific Cultural Center 
4851 S. Tacoma Way 
Primary Event Focus Areas: 
• Health and Safety 
• Human and Social Services

Sept. 24
University of Puget Sound 
1500 N. Warner St. 
Wheelock Student Center, 2nd Floor, Upper Marshall Hall 
Primary Event Focus Areas: 
• Arts and Cultural Vitality
• Built and Natural Environment

Sept. 29
Bates Technical College Downtown Campus 
1101 S. Yakima Ave. 
Room A130 A/B
Primary Event Focus Areas: 
• Economic Vibrancy and Employment 
• Education and Learning 

Public input has been pivotal to the Tacoma 2025 strategic planning process, and the information gathered throughout will result in a citywide strategic plan which will outline steps to achieve a shared community vision for Tacoma’s future. It will also help inform decision-making regarding the City’s resource allocations to ensure that funding is available to actualize community priorities identified in the plan.

“I am excited about this process and hope everyone can come out and participate in the upcoming events on Sept. 22, 24 and 29,” said Steering Committee Member Korbett Mosesly, from the Northwest Leadership Foundation.

The City connected with residents at a dozen fairs and festivals, via an online forum and a community survey. A citywide visioning event at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center on July 30 drew more than 300 residents of all ages, many of who were engaging with their local government for the very first time. 

For more information and opportunities to provide feedback go to tacoma2025.com, email tacoma2025@cityoftacoma.org, dial 311 within Tacoma city limits, visit your local library or go to the TacomaFIRST 311 Customer Support Center in the Tacoma Municipal Building (747 Market St., 2nd Floor).