FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 12, 2015

MEDIA CONTACTS
Gwen Schuler, Media and Communications, gschuler@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5160
Megan Marquett, Media and Communications, mmarquett@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5051

Community Listening Session Scheduled Jan. 21 to Discuss Army Force Reductions at JBLM

Joint Base Lewis-McChord is planning an Army 2020 Force Restructuring Realignment Listening Session from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Jan. 21 at the McGavick Conference Center (4500 Hageness Drive Southwest, Lakewood, WA 98499). The City of Tacoma and its partners in the South Sound Military and Communities Partnership are encouraging residents and business owners to attend and provide input.

Under a current proposal the U.S. Military is planning a drawdown of military forces that could eliminate up to 8,000 jobs at JBLM and would have significant implications for the local economy and schools.

The Pierce County Economic Development Department and Washington State Office of Financial Management estimate a potential loss of more than 17,000 jobs or $2.44 billion in personal income by 2020 if the proposed reductions at JBLM occur when consideration is given to the impacts on civilian jobs as well.

“From Veterans to active duty personnel and their families, JBLM is an important part of our social and economic fabric,” Mayor Marilyn Strickland said. “I urge residents and business owners in the greater Tacoma region to show up and make our voices heard because what affects JBLM, affects all of us.”

The listening session will provide people with an opportunity to inform senior Army leadership about the importance of JBLM to the South Sound Region. For more information visit the South Sound Military and Communities Partnership‘s website at ssmcp.org.