‘We can move boldly.’ Ibsen delivers first state of city address as Tacoma mayor
Anders Ibsen’s first state of the city address as the mayor of Tacoma clocked in at about 11 minutes and 2 seconds.
In his typical efficient and energetic manner, in contrast to former mayor Victoria Woodards’ tendency towards speeches past the 30-minute mark, Ibsen highlighted his priorities – the same ones he outlined on the campaign trail: public safety, homelessness, housing and investing in infrastructure and workforce development.
He delivered the speech at the STAR Center in South Tacoma on March 4, accompanied by comments from Port Commissioner Deanna Keller and Parks Tacoma Board president Matt Mauer, as well as a performance from the Tacoma Refugee Choir.
Ibsen specifically mentioned the work that each of his fellow City Council members are doing to further his priorities, starting with District 1 council member John Hines – also Ibsen’s opponent in the race for Tacoma mayor last year. Ibsen was brief yet optimistic about the year to come, in a speech that culminated with a standing ovation from the audience.
“This speech is not about optics, but outcomes,” he said. “It’s about focus, follow through, and doing the work together, with community.”
He noted the council’s plans to revive last year’s failed Streets Initiative – a ballot measure that would have made permanent a property tax that funded street improvements and repairs. Ibsen said the city would “have a conversation” about funding for street infrastructure this summer.
“Better streets mean safer routes for kids, a more walkable downtown and stronger connections across neighborhoods and business districts, while also giving us the chance to plant more trees in the neighborhoods they need the most,” he said.
Ibsen also said the city is better poised to make progress towards its goals after the council on March 3 announced its selection of interim city manager Hyun Kim to serve as Tacoma’s permanent city manager.
“We now have the clarity and leadership to act with focus and purpose,” he said. “Together we can move boldly, turn priority into results and hold ourselves accountable to the community that we serve.”
