With the adoption of Resolution 41823 on December 16, the City Council has approved a new Community & Economic Development…

With the adoption of Resolution 41823 on December 16, the City Council has approved a new Community & Economic Development Strategic Plan aimed at making economic growth more accessible, specific, and impactful for residents and businesses.

"This strategic plan reflects a more focused, data-driven approach to economic development that is clear about what the City can directly do, where partnership matters most, and how we tell Tacoma's story with intention," said Mayor Victoria Woodards. "By targeting key industries, strengthening commercial nodes across our city, and making our work more transparent and accessible, we are positioning Tacoma for sustainable growth."

"Developing the Community and Economic Development Strategic Plan has been a true labor of love and a deeply collaborative effort," said Deputy Mayor Kiara Daniels. "As the Chair of the Economic and Development Committee, it has been an honor to lead our work on this plan over the past year and I'm grateful to all the stakeholders who have shared their input and their vision for how to help Tacoma thrive. I am especially proud of the plan's focus on small businesses and our intent to nurture entrepreneurship. Tacoma has always been a city of dreamers and creators, and I think it is important that local government does everything it can to help those looking to chart their own future. It is also of vital importance that we focus on enhancing the quality of jobs that are offered in our city. We need to help make sure that community members are making a living wage and have access to jobs that are fulfilling. We have hard work to do in the years ahead, but I believe this strategic plan offers the roadmap we need to bring our vision to life."

"I am excited by its emphasis on supporting local businesses and creating neighborhood-focused spaces that help people connect and engage," said At-Large Council Member Olgy Diaz. "By implementing this plan, we are fostering neighborhoods that are vibrant, inclusive, and full of opportunities for residents to thrive."

Moving toward a sector-specific approach that focuses on strengthening local supply chains, growth industries and commercial nodes throughout Tacoma, the strategic plan acknowledges current challenges in the office and commercial real estate markets and highlights the importance of connecting property owners to resources for adaptive reuse and tenanting.

The strategic plan also emphasizes clear, human-centered objectives and operational transparency.

Complementing the City's ongoing work around housing, arts and culture, and the Blue, Green, and creative economies, the strategic plan will inform the development of a Community & Economic Development Action Plan.

The action plan - which is projected to be finalized in the first quarter of 2026 - will focus on four tangible objectives that directly impact community life in Tacoma:

• Housing & Commercial Real Estate Development
• Job Creation & Economic Prosperity
• Community Engagement & Partnerships
• Placemaking, Cultural Vitality & Arts Integration

The Community & Economic Development Department will report on the following metrics quarterly, providing a clear view of progress on those four key objectives:

• Metrics the City Owns: Direct actions such as business retention visits, grants distributed, and technical assistance provided
• Metrics the City Monitors: Data points tracked to stay informed on local trends
• Metrics the City Influences: Broader outcomes like private market investment and total job numbers

The Community & Economic Development Strategic Plan will be posted soon at tacoma.gov/ced.