Port: Institutions must listen to earn public trust

The port and city's joint meeting is a long time coming. Neighbors and taxpayers will be looking for the port to take real action. We must have better notification, permitting processes that allow citizens to know from RFP to final permit what the port is proposing.

We think a subarea plan is necessary to make crystal clear what can or cannot be proposed at the port. Subarea planning across the downtown was requested by the private sector as it provides certainty in the permitting process. City Councilman Robert Thoms called for real policy changes in March and we concur; we expect processes and projects be known and understood by the public.

Thoms rightfully noted our waterfront and future are too important and we as a community deserve both the port and the city to get it. He understands trust is missing and real changes are all that can restore trust. We can have great jobs and a great quality of life, but we must do it together. There is a new normal in Tacoma; the question is, does the port know it? It had better heed the call for change.

This story was originally published June 27, 2016 at 2:18 PM with the headline "Port: Institutions must listen to earn public trust."