Tacoma, Washington Development News
GatherGov Agents listens to meetings 24/7 delivering the latest real estate development updates, legislation, and news.
Development News from the latest meeting
City Council on 2026-07-07 5:00 PM
Published: Jul 7, 2026
Ramiro Chavez Confirmed as Director of Environment and Public Works
The City Council confirmed Ramiro Chavez as the Director of Environment and Public Works. Chavez has served the city as Public Works Director since October 2023 and previously held roles as Thurston County Manager and a Public Works Civil Engineer for Pierce County. The council expressed strong support, citing his experience, leadership, and commitment to community engagement. Councilmember Rumbaugh and Sadalge highlighted his availability, background, and personal engagement with neighborhood councils. The confirmation supports the city's departmental restructuring.
City Secures $7.6 Million Federal Grant for Fishing Wars Memorial Bridge Design
The City of Tacoma has received a $7.6 million appropriation from Congress for the Fishing Wars Memorial Bridge project. This funding is designated for the full cost of design and environmental review. City Manager Ramiro Chavez highlighted this achievement, crediting the Public Works teams and leadership from Andrew Roper. Councilmembers and staff emphasized the significance of this grant, noting that securing design funding is crucial, especially as federal infrastructure funding trends are shifting away from design dollars. They also pointed out that having the design completed will position the city favorably for future construction funding requests. The project is a priority for the city, aiming to replace the current bridge and improve multimodal access across the Puyallup River, addressing safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists and reducing wear on existing roads due to truck detours. Support for the project has been strong from local representatives, including Senator Cantwell's office, Senator Murray's office, and Congresswoman Randall and Strickland.
City Council Amends Critical Areas Preservation Ordinance with Multiple Revisions
The City Council considered an ordinance (ORD29114) amending Title 13 of the Municipal Code concerning the Land Use Regulatory Code and Chapter 13.11, the Critical Areas Preservation Ordinance. This ordinance is a periodic update required by state law to incorporate new scientific information and ensure consistency with other policies and laws. The process involved significant public outreach and review by the Planning Commission. Public comments generally supported the update but raised concerns about the adequacy of protections, consistency with the Critical Aquifer Recharge Area (CARA), and the need for code clarifications. The council adopted a substitute amendment clarifying biodiversity classifications and aligning definitions with state law without reducing protections. Further amendments were considered regarding tide flats manufacturing, high-impact uses in industrial zones, and the addition of 'reasonable use' provisions for critical buffer areas. Another amendment focused on clarifying general mitigation requirements for vegetated buffers. Finally, amendments were made to address utility right-of-way maintenance and repair, ensuring critical area protections are maintained.
City Council Allocates $16,000 in Contingency Funds for SAVEFest PNW
The City Council authorized the one-time use of $16,000 from council contingency funds to support the 2026 SAVEFest PNW event. Councilmember Diaz presented the request, highlighting that the event, organized by Chef Lydia and her community, aims to bring important cultural flavors and a significant community event to the Hilltop neighborhood. The funding will help reduce costs for food vendors, addressing the rising costs faced by local merchants. The event anticipates 2,000 to 3,000 attendees and will feature cooking classes, performers, and opportunities to meet characters. Diaz emphasized the community's effort in organizing the event with no prior city funding and noted its positive impact, as evidenced by Chef Lydia receiving a City of Destiny Award.
City Council Approves Compensation Plan Updates for Firefighters and Public Safety Management
The City Council passed Ordinance ORD29113, which amends Chapter 1.12 of the Municipal Code relating to the compensation plan. This ordinance implements rates of pay and compensation for employees represented by the Tacoma Firefighters Union, Local 31, and the Professional Public Safety Management Association. The ordinance was approved unanimously by the council members present.
Get Weekly Development News of Tacoma
Get it now for $25/year. Stay ahead of market moving news.
From $25/year
The Tacoma News archive
stream test
Infrastructure, Planning, and Sustainability Committee
City Council Study Session on 2026-07-07 12:00 PM
July 1, 2026
City Council Study Session on 2026-06-30 12:00 PM
City Council on 2026-06-30 5:00 PM
Get it now for $25/year. Stay ahead of market moving news. Get your edge today.
GatherGov Market Intelligence
For Owners & Developers
See entitlement risk and deploy capital where there is the highest probability of return
For AEC
Win more projects by discovering opportunities before your competitors do.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tacoma ,Washington Real Estate Development
Get Weekly Development News of Tacoma, Washington | From $25/year