Proposed Vapor Product Regulations

Proposed vapor product regulations and supporting documents are now available. Click on the links below to learn more.

1. Board of Health Resolution

2. Summary of Proposed Regulations
• Smoking in Public Places Regulation (Chapter 8 of the Environmental Health Code)
• Restrictions on Sale, Use and Availability of Vapor Products and Unregulated Nicotine Delivery Devices Regulation (Chapter 9 of the Environmental Health Code)

3. Fees and Fines

4. Administration Record Documentation, which includes community input and research to support regulations is available by request. Contact Shelley Wallace at or at (253) 798-3548 to request a review of record.

Direct comments regarding these documents to: Anthony L-T Chen, Director of Health, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, 3629 S. D St. Tacoma, WA 98418 or by email.

They will accept written comments until 4:30 p.m. on October 19, 2015.

Impacts of US Open Panel on TV

A KBTC’s Northwest Now episode about the impact of the forthcoming U.S. Open tournament at Chambers Bay will air Friday at 7:30pm.

If you can’t watch Friday at 7:30 (there’s a list below this note where you can find it on various cable and satellite providers) you can watch the show online at this link after 8:00 p.m.


OFF AIR:
KBTC 28.1, 28.2, 28.3 digital channels (including K41KT-D Grays River-Lebam and K24IC-D, Bellingham and Channel 16 Digital, Seattle) KCKA 15.1, 15.2, 15.3 digital channels

CABLE:
Comcast channel 108 (HD, most areas in Western Washington)
Comcast channel 12 (most areas - in Tacoma, Comcast channel 3)
Click! (Tacoma) channel 3
Rainier Connect channel 10
Broadstripe channel 28 (varies by area)
Verizon FiOS channel 28
Frontier Cable: 528 (HD), 28 (SD), and 474 (MHz Worldview)

SATELLITE:
Dish channel 28 (may appear as 8620)
DirecTV channel 28 (may appear as 970)

President Praises Transpo Package

Tom Pierson, President and CEO of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber stated, “We applaud the bi-partisan leadership in the State Senate with the release of their transportation package. This significant step moves us closer to ensuring more jobs in our state -- we must make investments to be more globally competitive.”

UPDATE: 2-17-2015
Details of the Senate Transportation Package available HERE.

The State Senate Leadership’s package includes $1.9 billion for completion of SR 167 and another $450 million for improvements to the I-5 corridor adjacent to JBLM.  Completion of 167 will provide jobs to our workers and increase our global competitiveness.  The I-5 corridor serves both our tremendous interstate commerce and our region’s largest employer – JBLM.

It would also provide authority for Sound Transit to seek a ballot measure for ST-3, as well as local options for other needs in the region. 

Metro Area Now in "Attainment"

Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced their acceptance of a 10-year Maintenance Plan for the Tacoma-Pierce County Fine Particle nonattainment area (aka “Smoke Reduction Zone”), and announced the area will be re-designated to “attainment” with the daily federal air quality standard for fine particle pollution. 

Thank you all for your contributions to get Pierce County to this healthy air milestone.   Some of you may recall that attainment is a long process, including two 10-year maintenance plans.  While this milestone is important, there is still have more work to maintain clean, healthy air in Pierce County and prevent backsliding.  For wood smoke, this work includes the actions identified:  ensuring old, uncertified wood stoves are removed from the area, and enhancing both the education and enforcement of air quality burn bans so that more people follow them. 

Below is a joint statement from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and the Department of Ecology that addressing questions about EPA’s announcement.  If you have any questions about the redesignation or 10-year maintenance plan, please feel free to contact Craig Kenworthy at (206) 689-4004 or Kathy Strange at (206)689-4095. 

EPA’s redesignation of the area will be effective next month.  We would like celebrate together, and recognize your contributions to this milestone at an informal March gathering.  Please stay tuned for an email invitation soon.

HEALTHIER AIR: PIERCE COUNTY REACHES MILESTONE

EPA Updates Smoke Reduction Zone Designation

TACOMA, WA – Efforts to reduce unhealthy fine particle pollution in the Tacoma/Pierce County Smoke Reduction Zone area reached a milestone today when the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) approved a 10-year action plan and announced the area will be re-designated as in “attainment” with federal air quality standards.  In 2009, the EPA listed the Smoke Reduction Zone as a nonattainment area for violating health-based federal air quality standards for fine particle pollution in colder winter months, mostly due to wood smoke. Nonattainment carries economic, business and health impacts.

“This is an important step, but our work is not done,” said Craig Kenworthy, Executive Director of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. “We must continue to maintain healthy air quality in the area in order to stay in federal attainment.”

A task force made up of Tacoma and Pierce County leaders, wood burners and community members assembled in 2011 to develop a roadmap for returning the area into attainment. Their recommendations became the action plan for Puget Sound Clean Air and other local agencies:

●     Use incentives to help residents replace their polluting, uncertified wood stoves and inserts.

●     Increase overall compliance with burn bans by enhancing and increasing enforcement.

●     Implement a Stove Rule prohibiting uncertified wood burning devices after September 30, 2015, in the Smoke Reduction Zone only (residents who qualify may obtain an exemption if their uncertified wood stove is their only adequate source of heat).

●     Execute an ambitious outreach and education campaign to help the public comply with burn bans and remove old, polluting uncertified devices.

“The removal of old, polluting, uncertified wood stoves is part of the EPA-approved plan,” continued Kenworthy. “Without it, we run the risk of returning to levels of fine particle pollution that are above the health-based standard.”

The Washington Department of Ecology worked in partnership with Puget Sound Clean Air Agency to submit a plan to the EPA that outlines how to keep the area in attainment for the coming 10 years.

“Meeting air quality standards is vital to public health,” said Stu Clark, air quality program manager for the Washington Department of Ecology. “We’ll continue to remain focused on air quality and meeting the federal standards.”

Multiple local agencies and jurisdictions came together to implement the recommendations of the task force. “Ultimately," concluded Kenworthy, "re-designation was possible because Pierce County residents followed burn bans and removed their old uncertified stoves.”  

Happy Birthday, Washington State

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WASHINGTON STATE

Two Volunteer Positions Open

The Tacoma City Council is seeking qualified citizens to fill two vacant positions on the Planning Commission representing the “Environmental Community” and “Public Transportation.”  Applications are being accepted at the City Clerk’s Office.  Please visit here.

2015 is an important year for the Planning Commission as the City is required, per state GMA laws, to do a thorough review and update to the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Tacoma 2040: Growing Tomorrow’s City  

30 Years of New Beginnings

Thirty years ago in August, to mark the City’s (and the Chamber’s) centennial, the Chamber unveiled “New Beginnings,” the statue in front of Union Station.

The sculpture, commissioned by the Chamber and gifted to the City of Tacoma in 1984, depicts a newly arrived prospective citizen with carpetbags at his side.

The art work portrays the optimism evident in Tacoma's early town builders and entrepreneurs.

The plaque at the site reads:

"NEW BEGINNINGS
CELEBRATING THE CENTENNIAL
OF THE CITY OF TACOMA
1884-1984

PRESENTED TO THE CITY BY THE
TACOMA-PIERCE COUNTY CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE AND SUPPORTING DONORS
STATUE BY LARRY ANDERSON"

Tacoma Loan Program for Commercial Property Owners

The City has announced a new loan program to help commercial and retail property owners invest in historic properties. The Historic Rehabilitation and Repair Loan Program (HRRLP) encourages rehabilitation, preservation and adaptive reuse.

“Tacoma’s historic properties give our community character and provide a lot of appeal. We want them occupied, looking good and open for business,” said Reuben McKnight, the City’s Historic Preservation Officer.

People with properties listed on Tacoma Register of Historic Places who are approved and meet underwriting criteria can use the loans to make envelope improvements, building systems and restoration or repair of exterior historic elements, so long as the projects meet historic preservation guidelines.

Interest rates will be low - based on the 10-Year U.S. Treasury Note, plus 1 percent. The loans, which can paid back over ten years, will range from $20,000 to $100,000 and provide up to 50 percent in gap financing in combination with the borrower's other financial resources. The City’s program protects the public’s investment by placing a temporary lien on the property that’s removed once the load is repaid.

According to McKnight, “This tool will provide a non-conventional option which can make the difference in tipping the scale towards investment.”

Exclusively residential properties, additions and routine maintenance are excluded from the program. For more details or an application, contact Jacinda Howard, in the City’s Community and Economic Development Department, or (253) 591-5221.

"Tacoma 2025" Visioning Workshop

The community is invited to Help Shape Tacoma’s Future Over the Next Decade at ‘Tacoma 2025’ Visioning Workshop on July 30.

Public input has been pivotal to the “Tacoma 2025” strategic planning process, and anyone who is interested in sharing their ideas for how Tacoma could evolve over the next decade is invited to a community visioning workshop at:

• the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center (1500 Broadway in Tacoma) 
• on Wednesday, July 30, from 6 – 8:30 p.m. (with doors opening at 5 p.m. 
• for an open house reception). 

Event parking will be available at no charge in any of the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center’s garages.

The information gathered throughout the “Tacoma 2025” strategic planning process will result in a citywide strategic plan which will outline steps to achieve a shared community vision for Tacoma’s future. It will also help inform decision making regarding the City’s resource allocations to ensure that funding is available to actualize community priorities identified in the plan.

The “Tacoma 2025” Plan will focus on seven key areas:
•    Public health and safety
•    Quality of life and livability
•    Economic vibrancy
•    Culture, arts, and recreation
•    Educational opportunity and attainment
•    Government performance
•    Infrastructure, mobility, and environmental sustainability

In addition to the upcoming visioning workshop, the City has also provided other opportunities for the community to get involved in the “Tacoma 2025” strategic planning process:

•    An online community forum at tacoma2025.com where visitors can comment on key topics and respond to other community members’ ideas.
•    Informational booths at a variety of community events this summer, including the South Tacoma and Proctor Farmer’s Markets and Ethnic Fest.

For more information, visit tacoma2025.com, email or call 311 within Tacoma city limits.

Tacoma Opens Survey to Citizens

The City of Tacoma wants to hear from residents.

Recently, 3,000 randomly selected households were asked to report how they feel about the quality of life and services in Tacoma when they receive a comprehensive questionnaire in the mail from the City of Tacoma. An online version of the citizen survey is now available here.

The citizen survey is meant to assess the City’s performance in major service areas, and will help the City better understand residents’ perceptions of service areas. The survey findings will help define the community’s current priorities and will aid the City’s ongoing operational planning and improvement processes.

For more information about the citizen survey, call the Customer Support Center by dialing 311 within Tacoma city limits.

Ensuring JBLM & Communities Thrive

Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) is changing, and so are the communities in the south Puget Sound region.

Now, the organization that’s working to ensure effective communication and collaboration between the base and its neighbors is looking to engage the community in planning for the areas surrounding the base.  The project, called the JBLM Joint Land Use Study (JLUS), focuses on the region’s long-term land use plans, with goals of supporting the military mission at JBLM, ensuring public health and safety throughout the region, and protecting the neighboring communities’ abilities to plan for development.

(Click on Images to get a Large View)

The JLUS project team is seeking public input from military and non-military members of the community, and invites you to attend an upcoming public meeting to learn about the project’s process and timeline; review issues that have already been identified as needing further study; talk with the people directly involved in the study; and provide comment at this early stage.



Get into the action early at an upcoming public meeting: 
Wednesday, June 25 5:00–7:30 pm DuPont City Hall, 1700 Civic Drive, DuPont



A special website for the JBLM JLUS has been created and is now live: www.jblm-jlus.com  As the project progresses, study summaries and preliminary findings will be posted on the website, as will notices for future public meetings and working group and oversight committee meetings.  Individuals can sign up on the website to be notified by email when new information is posted.   Computers available for community use may be found at public libraries throughout the region.

The South Sound Military & Communities Partnership, or SSMCP, is coordinating the JLUS for its partner communities and organizations in Pierce and Thurston Counties, with financial and technical assistance from the Department of Defense.  The SSMCP’s mission is to foster effective communication, understanding, and mutual support around issues that transcend the specific interests of the military and civilian communities of the JBLM region.

Press Release - South Sound Military & Communities Partnership

Joint Base Open House Saturday

JBLM is open to the public for Armed Forces Day, this Saturday,, May 17, 10;00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

#AFD2014    @JBLMMWR

(Click on Image for a Larger & Complete View)

Tacoma Community Redevelopment Authority Board Positions Open

The Tacoma City Council is looking to fill two voluntary positions on the 10-member Tacoma Community Redevelopment Authority Board. Both positions require experience in the construction or development industries.

The Board, among other things, administers loans to a variety of clients including low-income Tacoma families that need help buying or repairing their homes, developers that provide multi-family housing to low-income families, businesses that create jobs or rehabilitate blighted commercial spaces, and non-profit organizations that provide housing assistance and economic development services to the Tacoma community.

Board members serve two-year terms. To the extent possible, the board shall be comprised of two members with experience as attorneys, two members with experience in banking or financing, two members with experience in the construction or development industry, two members with experience as certified public accountants, and two members with three or more years of experience as licensed real estate brokers or agents.

For additional information on the Tacoma Community Redevelopment Authority Board, please visit the City of Tacoma’s website or contact Jacinda Howard at 253.591.5221.

Applications must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office by Feb. 14, 2014. To apply, please visit cityoftacoma.org/cbcapplication or contact Linnea Meredith at 253. 591.5178, City Clerk’s Office, Room 220, Tacoma Municipal Building, 747 Market St., Tacoma, WA 98402.

ESGR Event Hosts Employers

Business Case for Hiring Vets

The Chamber joins Hire Our Heroes, TrueBlue, Inc., The Association of Washington Business, Starbucks, and Eisenhower Carlson, PLLC to present “Standing Shoulder to Shoulder with our Military Veterans – The Business Case for Hiring Military Veterans”.

On November 13,  8 a.m. to Noon at TrueBlue, Inc., 1015 “A” Street, Tacoma, the event will focus on why hiring Veterans makes good sense, finding the right match amongst the many qualified Veterans available, and the Legal “ins and outs” related to hiring the Veteran of your choice.

All Tacoma-Pierce County businesses interested in hiring Veterans, currently hiring Veterans, or considering hiring Veterans should plan to attend this interesting and informative event. Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber member businesses may attend for only $25.00, morning refreshments are provided.

 REGISTER HERE

The Business Case for Hiring Vets

(Click on Image for a Larger and Complete View)

REGISTER HERE

Business Census Final Days

The 2012 Economic Census, the U.S. Government's official five-year measure of American business and the economy, is entering its final days of data collection.

Many businesses have shared with them the challenges of responding with fewer resources.  They have listened, and have provided time extensions and other considerations in allowing businesses additional time to respond.  For businesses that received Economic Census forms but have not yet responded, it is very important to do so now.  (Keep in mind that the Economic Census is required by law.)

In this economic climate, it is necessary to have the most accurate measure of our economy.  Your response to the Economic Census helps provide exactly that.  They thank you very much for your participation.

To assist you, the Census Bureau is prepared to discuss your compliance via phone.  Please call them at (877) 790-1876.  Due to timing, you are also encouraged to use electronic reporting available here.

The Census Bureau looks forward to helping you respond to the Economic Census.  Your response makes a difference.

Tacoma Surveys Website Users

Tacoma invites additional input through a survey on its website usage and content development.

The City of Tacoma has been working to overhaul its external website to better serve the needs of Tacoma's residents, businesses and visitors.

As part of its efforts to fully integrate a more modern design with improved ease of navigation and citizen engagement, the City's Media and Communications Office invites everyone to provide additional input through a brief web usage survey here.

Vote for TPS Prop 1 Now!

The Pierce County Auditor reported today that based on the number of ballots turned in so far, Tacoma Public Schools Proposition 1 may not get enough total votes submitted to validate the election. As of this morning, only about 25,000 voters have turned in their ballots.

At least 35,733 must turn in or mail in their ballots by the 8 p.m. deadline tomorrow, Tuesday, Feb. 12. Help spread the word to your friends and family and remind them to vote.

Find out what Tacoma Public Schools Proposition 1 means for your child's school.

New Chamber Intern

Hi everyone! I am Anissa Shirley, the new January intern here at the Chamber of Commerce. Currently I am junior attending Tacoma School of the Arts. I love to explore all art forms drawing-songwriting, but my major field of study is photography. In the future I hope to get my doctorate in Women’s and Children’s International Health Studies.

I am working with the Chamber’s advocacy group to learn more on advocacy and networking. I hope to be an asset for the Chamber Staff, and also use this experience to build new connections in the city of Tacoma.