In a change, Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards wants you to tell her the state of the city
For this year’s State of the City event, Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards is doing things a little differently.
Woodards announced during Tuesday’s City Council meeting that she’s changing up the standard State of the City address format. The new way, she explained, would better allow Tacomans to air their concerns.
Basically, the city’s top brass will do less talking and more listening.
“I want you all to know that we do listen, and we do hear from you,” the mayor said. “And we take what you say very seriously.”
Residents are encouraged to head to Silas High School (1202 N. Orchard St.) on March 28 from 6:30-8 p.m. There, Tacomans can stop at “feedback stations” to discuss issues, including community safety, housing, homelessness, the city’s budget and environmental and community health, among other concerns.
Woodards said she pivoted to the new format because, as mayor, she seeks to accomplish what the community wants.
“The new format allows us to continue to hear directly from residents, but in a different and focused way that gives us a foundation to really weave in a tailored response that engages the public in a positive dialogue over the summer,” she said at Tuesday’s meeting. “It doesn’t mean what’s happening in Tacoma is always positive, but it means that we can talk about it and have a positive dialogue looking at how we move this city forward.”
Feedback gathered during the event will help form the basis for several “focused dialogues” in the summer months, according to a city news release. Woodards, city employees and City Council members will act to address the matters most important to residents.
Woodards, who’s served as mayor since 2018, imbued last year’s State of the City address with a sense of optimism. The theme of that address was “Building Tomorrow Together.” It explored issues of homelessness, housing and safety.
In 2022, Tacoma logged the highest number of homicides on record: 45 killings, The News Tribune previously reported. Homicides have since declined, with last year’s tally dropping to 34.
Woodards said during the 2023 State of the City address that she understood many Tacomans don’t feel safe. Despite the city’s problems, she remained hopeful about the future.
“We’re solution oriented, hard working people driven by a sincere desire to make Tacoma better,” she said at the time, as reported by The News Tribune. “That’s why I know despite what we’re facing now, our best days are ahead of us.”
For updates and additional details on the State of the City event, check out the city of Tacoma’s social media pages and website. People can submit questions by using the Contact the Mayor’s Office link on the mayor’s webpage.
This story was originally published March 22, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
