Colleagues,
These are some current advocacy opportunities within the City of Tacoma - Homelessness was ranked at the top issue for the next ten years in a recent survey of City Residents.  Let's help the City make the right choices. 

1.  MDC's Convening Process - even if you can't participate in person, you can participate virtually - email your comments to impact@mdc-hope.org
  • February 18th from 10:30 a.m. to Noon at Mason United Methodist Church, 2710 N. Madison St.

We will discuss the issues and possible solutions related to the establishment of additional temporary shelter sites for people who are currently homeless within the Tacoma city limits. We are seeking comments from members of the Tacoma community at large, members of faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and the community of those who are currently homeless.  If you would like to submit your ideas, or if you have questions about this work, please send an email to impact@mdc-hope.org or call MDC Communication Director Rob Huff at (253) 284-9096. 

Please visit the Temporary Shelter page for notes from the previous public meetings on this topic, as well as background documents related to this effort.  Maureen's note:  take a look at Gerrit's This Week Snapshot under Background Information - just scroll down.  

2,  Tacoma City Council Strategic Planning Work Session
This is open to the public but not to public comment.  Friday, February 7, 2020 from 8:30 am to 4:00pm.  The University of Puget Sound, Thomas Hall, Tahoma Room.  3380 N. 13th St.  Remember:  The Mayor and City Council set policy.  Here are three suggestions for policies I want and maybe you do, too:

1.  No one should be unsheltered in the City of Tacoma.  
2.  Tacoma should have a Response to Homelessness Plan equal to the Affordable Housing Action Strategy with equal investments in its implementation.    
3.  Tacoma should have a Safe Shelter Task Force or Table where the best ideas are constantly available to policy makers and to staff.

3,  Tacoma 2020-2022 Budget Process
The City Manager says that we should not assume new revenues.  That means doing more with the same money - unless this State Legislative Session acts in our favor.  There will be opportunities for public input during the budget process.  

4.  Planning Commission Presentations on the HUD required 5 Year Comprehensive Plan and the At Home in Tacoma Project (prt of the Affordable Housing Action Strategy)   This link will take you to the powerpoint presentations on both projects plus an update on Residential infill.  The At Home in Tacoma presentation has really good graphics with housing data we all need.  https://www.cityoftacoma.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_6/File/cms/Planning/Planning%20Commission/PC%20Presentations%202020/Presentations%20and%20Handouts%20(01-15-20).pdf

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on At Home in Tacoma on Feb. 19 at 5:30pm in the City Council Chambers, 747 Market.   You can also provide written comments by Feb. 28, email comments to planning@cityoftacoma.org and request updates from the same email.  For additional information, go to www.cityoftacoma.org/planningforhousing.  You do not have to be a housing policy wonk to add value to these meetings.  Common sense goes a very long way in practical, viable, reasonable, equitable solutions.  If the Planning Commission doesn't hear from you, they don't know what you want.

I've attached the invitation to public meetings on the HUD Consolidated Plan to this email.  This is the 5 Year Updated - 2020-2025 for the City of Tacoma and the City of Lakewood and is only about certain federal funds.  I wish the funding matrix were easier but it isn't.  We just have to learn it.

And with that, I'm done for now!

Thank you for your work,
Maureen

MaureenHowardConsulting
maureenhowardconsulting@gmail.com

Tel:  253-756-8146 (LL)
Cell:  253-255-2200
3320 S. 8th Street
Tacoma, WA 98405