Transformation at the City of Tacoma 

Comprehensive Change that Fundamentally Enhances the Way We Operate as an Organization

As a community, and as a nation, we are living in historic times. One often hears that "transformation" is needed. But what does that really mean? At the City of Tacoma, when we say that, we are talking about "systemic transformation". 

Systemic Transformation
For us, that means comprehensive change that fundamentally enhances and radically re-imagines the way we operate as an organization and, ultimately, the way we serve you.

Right Now, We Are Working to Analyze All Aspects of Our Organization 

Where there are interlocking, interrelated moving components, we are looking at how they work independently and in conjunction with one another. Where additional information is needed, we are conducting the research necessary to obtain that information.

We Are Committed to a Data-Driven, Community-Led Process Informed by Experts

Because for true "systemic transformation" to happen we must work with our community to look at all of it, including root causes, in great detail. This will be a data-driven, community-led process that is informed by experts.
 

We must analyze what we stand for as an organization, and ensure that the services we provide equitably serve every member of our community, including Black community members and other community members of color.

We must evolve. It is time.

Workforce Equity Study Results Now Available

In ongoing efforts to ensure equity and fairness in our personnel policies and practices, we hired a consultant in 2019 to conduct an organizational Workforce Equity Study. On May 11, 2021, during a joint Study Session, the City Council and Public Utility Board were presented with a final 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.

Our next steps will be to thoroughly review the findings and recommendations in this report, analyze how these findings relate to the City's overarching long-term transformational goals and objectives, and establish a plan for implementation.

Read the Workforce Equity Study Report

Staffing and Alternative Response Studies for Tacoma Police Department Now Available 

The Matrix Consulting Group was retained by the City of Tacoma to conduct a Staffing Study the for the Tacoma Police Department. The May 2020 report outlined the overall staffing needs for the Tacoma Police Department. Then, in alignment with transformation efforts, an additional study was commissioned in May 2021 to provide analysis and recommendations on the feasibility of alternative response to mental health crisis, homelessness-related issues, and certain types of calls for service traditionally handled by police officers that could be handled by civilian responders.

 Read the Alternative Response Study for the Police Department

Read the Tacoma Police Department Staffing Study 

Making Change to Create an Equitable and Anti-Racist Tacoma

In June 2020, the Tacoma City Council passed 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. 

It affirms the City of Tacoma’s commitment to improving existing systems for all community members, with the first stated priority being local policing. It also requires specific directions for the City Manager to follow. 

City Manager Will Also Provide Regular Systems Transformation Updates

At City Council Study Sessions or City Council Meetings, City Manager Elizabeth Pauli, will be providing weekly updates to the Council and the public on the status, recent accomplishments, what is in progress or what is up next, and will provide links to detailed reports on the work the City is doing for transforming Tacoma. 

New Interactive Anti-Racist Systems Transformation Timeline Launched to View Progress

The City of Tacoma’s interactive Anti-Racist Systems Transformation Timeline may be filtered to display events by project, Council Priority Area, or show all events within a specified time range. Click on the blue folder icon in the table below the timeline to access supplemental documents or media. (Please note: work is ongoing in all Council Priority Areas. As directed by City Council resolution 40622, transformation efforts regarding Community Safety have been prioritized so there are more events on the timeline relative to other priority areas.)

City Council Priorities Established to Guide the Development of City Processes

Along with passing Resolution 40622, the Tacoma City Council also established Council Priorities in early 2020. These priorities guide decisions about how to respond to the impacts of COVID-19, how to spend the City’s budget, how we partner with our community, and how we develop City processes. Our priorities begin with Tacoma 2025, the City of Tacoma’s Strategic Plan, which captured the vision of more than 2,000 community members. To help guide City of Tacoma decision-making, especially during a crisis or budget deficit, they identified the essential services needed to create and maintain a high quality of life for all Tacoma residents. 

Previous Reform Efforts in Tacoma Have Served as National Models

In the past, the City of Tacoma’s reform efforts have served as a model for other cities across the nation, including the establishment of the Human Rights Commission, the Community's Police Advisory Committee, the Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, and the Office of Equity and Human Rights. It also included the launch and continuation of the Project PEACE initiative as well as the creation of the Equity Index as a guide to policy making.

Get Involved with Heal the Heart of Tacoma, a Community-Led Effort to Transform Tacoma into an Anti-Racist City

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.

Heal the Heart of Tacoma will be community-led, and invites local organizations to bring their unique resources and subject matter expertise to the table as they work with the community to transform Tacoma into an anti-racist city. 

Learn more and get involved with Heal the Heart of Tacoma

Your ongoing engagement is vital as we move forward to Transform Tacoma.