Tacoma’s Minimum Wage Rules Finalized

Tacoma will host Public Information Sessions in Downtown Tacoma Public Library on Jan. 20 and 21 for finalized minimum wage rules.

After a public process that included four meetings to solicit community feedback, Tacoma’s minimum wage rules are now final and available HERE.  These rules will guide the implementation of Initiative Measure No. 1B, which was approved by Tacoma voters in November 2015.

Initiative Measure No. 1B called for the Tacoma minimum wage to increase to $10.35 per hour on Feb. 1, 2016 (the same effective date as the Paid Leave Ordinance passed in January 2015). The Tacoma minimum wage would increase to $11.15 per hour on Jan. 1, 2017 and to $12 per hour on Jan. 1, 2018.

There will be two public information sessions in the Downtown Tacoma Public Library (1102 Tacoma Ave. S, Olympic Room) for employers and other community members who wish to learn more about both minimum wage and paid leave:

Wednesday, Jan. 20
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 21
2 – 3 p.m.

Information on both minimum wage and paid leave is also available by calling (253) 591-5306 or visiting HERE.

Tacoma Council Will Choose Click! Option

After last week's recommendations by the Tacoma Public Utilities Board, the Tacoma City Council will consider two proposals this Tuesday night for future action on Click!.

The two resolutions are distinct choices and have significant consequences for Tacoma Power ratepayers, Click! users and businesses.

As noted in the Chamber's correspondence to the Councilmembers below, the Chamber recommends the lease option for the best future course of action.  The Chamber was an initial supporter of establishing Click! as a means to bring broadband service to Tacoma.  As an industry-defined "second city," that was an unlikely outcome at that time. The subsequent existence of a competitive marketplace is frequently cited for lower rates locally.  But, the marketplace has changed.

With continuing financial losses, Tacoma Power ratepayers have subsidized Click!'s operational losses.  The "all in" option, which represents Tacoma's substantial development of Click!, represents a $38 million bill over 10 years to bring Click! up to desired standards of service.  Even the City's attorney has opined that the existing subsidy of Click! by Tacoma Power may contravene state law.

Additionally, local small, family-owned firms providing ISP in partnership with Click! are expected to be adversely impacted by the "all in" option.  These local firms also represent jobs and investment, as well as their history of partnership.

The operation and fate of Click! is a continuing conflict between the Tacoma Public Utilities Board and the Tacoma Council.  To resolve these continuing disagreements, resolve possible legal conflicts and simplify the oversight of Click!, the Chamber suggests that Click! be reorganized under the auspices of general government with direct oversight and responsibility by the City Council.

Reminding Tacoma of Campaign Promises before Tax Implementation

Before Tacoma Council action to implement the utility tax portion of the recently voter-approved Prop. 3 to Fix Tacoma's Roads, the Chamber reminded Councilmembers of promises to voters to apportion dollars among all types of road and transportation projects.

It is important that from the very beginning of this Tacoma roads package that promises be kept with voters and all the advocates for the needed and necessary transportation projects.

Deadline for Public Comment on Draft Minimum Wage Rules and Minimum Wage Workplace Notice Set for Dec. 18

A deadline of Friday, Dec. 18 has been set for public comment on the draft minimum wage rules and minimum wage workplace notice.

Initiative Measure 1B, which passed last month, called for the minimum wage to increase to $10.35 per hour on Feb. 1, 2016 (the same effective date the Paid Leave Ordinance passed in January 2015). The Tacoma minimum wage would then increase to $11.15 per hour on Jan. 1, 2017 and to $12 per hour on Jan. 1, 2018.

Public comment on the draft minimum wage rules and minimum wage workplace notice can be submitted at one of the two remaining public meetings:

• Tuesday, Dec. 15, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 17, 10 - 11 a.m.

Both public meetings will take place at the Tacoma Public Library’s Main Branch (1102 Tacoma Ave. S, Olympic Room, Tacoma 98402). Those who are unable to attend a public meeting can send comments or questions HERE.

More information is available HERE.

Tacoma Anticipates Passage of $12/Hr & Begins Rulemaking Process

Early reports indicate Initiative Measure 1B has been likely approved by voters. The City of Tacoma is beginning a public process now to develop rules and regulations.

Although the results have not officially been certified, early reports indicate that Tacoma voters likely approved Initiative Measure 1B on election day, increasing the minimum wage for most employees who work more than 80 hours per year within Tacoma city limits.  Initiative Measure 1B requires employers to phase-in a minimum wage of $12 per hour over two years, adjusted annually thereafter by the rate of inflation.

Initiative Measure 1B calls for the minimum wage to increase to $10.35 per hour on Feb. 1, 2016 (the same effective date of the Paid Leave Ordinance passed in January 2015). The Tacoma minimum wage would then increase to $11.15 per hour on Jan. 1, 2017 and to $12 per hour on Jan. 1, 2018.

Because the effective date of Initiative Measure 1B is in early 2016, the City of Tacoma is beginning a public process now to develop the rules and regulations that will guide implementation of the new law once it is certified by the Pierce County Auditor’s Office.  Draft rules will be posted HERE for public review as soon as possible.

Community members are invited to attend an upcoming public hearing to learn more and share feedback. These four upcoming public hearings will all take place at the Tacoma Public Library’s Main Branch (1102 Tacoma Ave. S, Olympic Room):

• Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2 - 3 p.m.
• Wednesday, Dec. 9, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 15, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 17, 10 - 11 a.m.

More information, as well as the option to subscribe to email updates, is available HERE.

VOTE TODAY

VOTE TODAY. Ballots due to drop off locations or voting centers HERE by 8:00 p.m. today, or postmarked today.

Resource for you:  Tacoma-Pierce Co. Vote for Business Guide HERE.

City of Tacoma Offers Employers Information Sessions on Paid Leave

Tacoma's paid leave ordinance takes effect on Feb. 1, 2016. Employers who want to learn more about this ordinance, and the tools available to them as they work to incorporate paid leave into their respective workplaces, are encouraged to attend one of two employer information sessions in October:

Thursday, Oct. 15, 4 - 5:30 p.m.
Tacoma Public Library Main Branch (Olympic Room)
1102 Tacoma Ave. S.

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
STAR Center (Discover Room)
3873 S. 66th Street

These information sessions will be followed by a question and answer session if time permits.

In addition to these information sessions, nearly a dozen business organizations and community groups have arranged to receive special presentations from City staff. Organizations or community groups wishing to schedule a special presentation can email paidleave@cityoftacoma.org or call (253) 591-5306.

More information for employers and workers is available at cityoftacoma.org/paidleave, by emailing paidleave@cityoftacoma.org or calling (253) 591-5306.

Opportunities for Government Contracting

Businesses looking to win government contracts will have the opportunity at the Greater Pierce County Purchasing Forum on Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 8:00 a.m. to noon at the STAR Center, 3873 S 66th St in Tacoma. Click here for map and directions.

Learn first-hand how to register and compete for contracts with federal, state, and local government agencies, meet one-on-one with purchasing agents, network with other Pierce County business owners and managers, and participate in breakout sessions.

• Panelists and exhibitors include 
• Pierce County
• City of Tacoma
• Port of Tacoma
• Washington State Department of Transportation
• Washington State Department of Enterprise Services
• Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)
• Native PTAC
• NAVSUP Fleet Logics Center-Puget Sound
• U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• Joint Base Lewis-McChord
• Tacoma Public Schools
• Pierce Transit
• Northwest Minority Supplier Development Council
• King County Director Association (KCDA) School Purchasing Consortium
• Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises

Register online or contact Hans Kueck at (253) 798-2335 or email.

Final Rules on Paid Leave Now Available

Rules guiding implementation of the Paid Leave Ordinance have been finalized and are now available HERE.

These rules were shaped by community feedback received during the public review period, which included four public hearings and other forms of outreach.

With the Paid Leave rules finalized, the City of Tacoma's focus will now shift to community education, additional outreach, and the creation of tools and standard forms to help employers with implementation.

Requests for one-on-one consultations or group presentations on Paid Leave can be sent to paidleave@cityoftacoma.org.

Select Better Choices in the Primary

Dear Chamber Member,

Time is drawing near for the deadline to return your ballot for the August 4 primary election. 

This year, many local offices and key issues are on the ballot, including seats on the Tacoma City Council, Pierce County Charter Review Commission, Port of Tacoma Commissioner and school board positions throughout the region. There are also votes for the 30^th Legislative District and the Pierce County general administration building.

CITY OF TACOMA

This election cycle, we have the rare opportunity to create and ensure the security of a prosperous and healthy city. Tacoma often sets the tone for our region when it comes to local policies, which is why the Tacoma-Pierce County Business Alliance, a political organization of local businesses, some of which are Chamber members, has solely focused on these races.

For this year's primary, the Tacoma-Pierce County Business Alliance has endorsed the following candidates for the Tacoma City Council primary:

·         District 1: John Hines, Tara Doyle-Enneking

·         District 3: Keith Blocker, Kris Blondin, Valentine Smith

During the Business Alliance’s interview process, the above candidates all demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the quality of life and economic opportunities in Tacoma, particularly when it came to the issues that are important to Tacomans:

1.      Bring and keep jobs in Tacoma by installing sound economic policy, ensuring the creation of a reasonable minimum wage proposal, and working alongside business instead of against them.

2.      Fix Tacoma roads and infrastructure to help move people and goods around the city faster.

3.      Foster economic growth and sustainability by helping grow local businesses and encouraging the creation of economic policy customized to the needs of Tacoma.

These elections matter, and you can support the goals listed above by supporting the candidates endorsed by the Tacoma-Pierce County Business Alliance. Your support can be manifested in two ways: First, by personally supporting the above candidates during the primary election. Second, by donating HERE to the Business Alliance. Donations allow the Business Alliance to strategically back candidates and issues important to Tacoma in these key races.

PIERCE COUNTY CHARTER REVIEW

Pierce County voters have the once a decade responsibility to elect freeholders to the Pierce County Charter Review Commission. The Charter Review Commission is made up of 21 elected members, with three candidates elected in each of Pierce County’s seven councilmanic districts.

The Charter Review Commission creates amendments and replacements to the County Charter, which serves as the Constitution for the County. Their recommendations will go directly to the voters without vetting by the County Council or the County Executive.

The primary serves as the only vetting process for the general election candidates. The Chamber encourages everyone to research and vote for the candidates that best serve the community and its interests. 

We encourage you to keep the above issues in mind as you fill out your ballot—our region’s continued competitiveness depends on them. Remember, you must return or mail your ballot by Tuesday, August 4.

Best Wishes,

Tom Pierson
President & CEO
Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber

Volunteers for Voter's Pamphlet Statements

The City Clerk's Office is seeking volunteers to serve on committees to prepare statements "for" and "against" the following measures in order to comply with the requirements for RCW 29A.32.280:

City of Tacoma Initiative Measure No. 1B
Initiative Measure No. 1B is an alternative the City Council has proposed to the Citizen Petition Initiative No. 1 regarding minimum wage in the City of Tacoma.

Citizen Petition Initiative Measure No. 2
Initiative Measure No. 2 is an amendment to the City Charter relating to a change in the form of government and other organization changes.

City of Tacoma Proposition No. 3
Proposition No. 3 is a property tax levy rate and gross earnings tax increase for street improvements.

Governing Board of the Tacoma Transportation Benefit District Proposition No. 4
Proposition No. 4 imposes a sales and use tax to fund street improvements.

Each of the measures will be on the General Election ballot of Tuesday, November 3, 2015. The statements prepared by these committees will appear in the Voters' Pamphlet. Statements are due on or before August 7, 2015 and rebuttal statements are due August 11, 2015.

To be considered, please submit a letter of interest indicating whether you are advocating "for" or "against" one of the measures, which measure(s) you would like to be considered for, your place of residence and why you would like to serve on a committee.

Letters must be received in the City Clerk's Office at 733 Market Street, Room 11, Tacoma WA 98402 or via email to cityclerk@cityoftacoma.org by 5 PM on Tuesday, July 21, 2015.

For more information, or to read the petition language, ballot titles, and resolutions transmitting the measures to the Pierce County Auditor, please go to www.cityoftacoma.org/cityclerk.

Tacoma Minimum Wage Task Force Updates

Tacoma's Minimum Wage Task Force has been meeting in earnest for the last three weeks and is starting to evaluate options on what a minimum wage increase for the City of Tacoma might look like.


At this point there are four proposal on the table that would all raise the minimum wage from anywhere of $1.33 to $5.53 or $10.80 to $15.00.  However, the timelines, costs and implementation still vary widely.


As the Task Force nears it's June 30th deadline to report back to City Council, now is the time to share your thoughts on any increases.  The task force has a single email address set up at: minimumwage@cityoftacoma.org


We encourage to share the impacts of a minimum wage to your organization.

15 Now Qualifies for Tacoma Ballot

From the Pierce County Auditors website: http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/auditor

(Click on image for a LARGER view)

Should Tacoma be Included in Transit Investment?

Sound Transit is seeking authority from the state Legislature for a public vote that could take place as soon as November 2016, and proposed projects (ST3) include, but are not limited to, extending Link light rail to Everett, Tacoma, Redmond, and neighborhoods in Seattle, as well as adding bus rapid transit along I-405 and making other significant transit investments. 

Take the survey
Visit Sound Transit's new website
View the draft priority project list and map 

Open House 

(Click on image for a LARGER view) 

Email Address for Public Comment to Minimum Wage Task Force

Those wishing to submit public comment to the Minimum Wage Task Force can do so by emailing minimumwage@cityoftacoma.org.

All comments must follow the City Council’s Rules of Procedure. Per these rules, each email should: identify the author, address the Task Force as a whole, focus on the topic of minimum wage in Tacoma, and maintain courteous language. Authors that fail to comply with these rules will not have their comments submitted to the Task Force.

Comprised of 15 members and two alternates, the Minimum Wage Task Force is tasked with reviewing and discussing minimum wage alternatives in Tacoma, including alternatives to the 15 Now Initiative, and providing recommendations to the City Council by June 30, 2015.

Additional information is available at cityoftacoma.org/minimumwage. Questions can be directed to Christina Watts at (253) 591-5861.

City of Tacoma Offers Tax Amnesty Program

Registered and unregistered businesses in Tacoma can – from June 1, 2015 – June 30, 2015 – apply for this one-time program.

It waives penalties and interest on local City of Tacoma business tax and license fees that were due April 30, 2015 or prior, to include:
• Business and Occupation Taxes
• Private Utility Taxes (Telephone, Cellular, Cable, Solid Waste, Natural Gas, Electricity)
• Admissions Taxes
• Gambling Taxes
• Annual Business License Fees
• Regulatory License Fees
• Unreported Liabilities (excluding those that are a part of a bankruptcy proceeding where payment of business taxes or license fees would violate federal bankruptcy laws and civil penalties that have been sent to the City’s collection agency)

The program also waives 50 percent of civil penalties (excluding civil penalties that have been sent to the City’s collection agency).

The payment deadline is July 31, 2015.

Unregistered Businesses

For unregistered businesses, the “look-back” period is limited to four years in addition to the current year. By June 30, 2015, they must submit a completed Application for Registration and Business or Rental Business License. By July 31, 2015, they must pay all unreported tax and license fees due for 2011 through 2015 and 50 percent of any civil penalties due on their account. They must also submit any supplemental information required for regulatory licenses. Lastly, they must waive their right to seek a refund or challenge the amount of taxes paid under the program.

Registered Businesses

By July 31, 2015, registered businesses must pay all tax and license fees due, as well as 50 percent of any civil penalties due. They must also submit any supplemental information required for regulatory licenses and file and pay all tax returns on time during the amnesty period. This includes tax returns due May 31, 2015, June 30, 2015 and July 31, 2015. Lastly, they must waive their right to seek a refund or challenge the amount of taxes paid under the program.

More information is available at PayMyTacomaTax.org. Phone calls can be directed to 311 within Tacoma or (253) 591-5200 from anywhere else. Emails can be directed to TacomaAmnesty@cityoftacoma.org

Business Leaders Call For Cooperative Process For A Better Minimum Wage Solution

Tacoma business leaders are calling on Tacoma’s Mayor Marilyn Strickland to convene a citizen process to develop a compromise on the minimum wage issue. Such a process will result in an increase that respects the relative strength of the Tacoma economy.

Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber President & CEO Tom Pierson announced the Chamber recently commissioned a public opinion survey regarding the proposed minimum wage increase in Tacoma. He emphasized the results show it is not just the business community that is concerned about the size of the increase.

“Citizens want to see an increase in the minimum wage, but many expressed concern that a move to $15 was just too extreme #2xtreme253 and could harm our local economy,” he said. “That’s why we think it is best for everyone to develop a compromise the whole city can support.”

Pierson said if the current proposal passes and immediately increases the minimum wage to $15 an hour on January 1, 2016, it would give Tacoma the highest minimum wage in the state and the entire country. He pointed out that Seattle is increasing the minimum wage in steps over a period of four to seven years, depending on the size of the business. Currently, their minimum wage is $11 an hour.

“Many of my members could support an increase in the minimum wage, but we don’t think our economy is strong enough for an increase that is so much higher than what Seattle has today. We would like to see all the sides come together and develop a package that reflects what is best for Tacoma,” he said.

Pierson said their survey, conducted by DHM Research, shows voters in Tacoma strongly support a minimum wage increase, but they find the size of the proposed increase to $15 too extreme. He said it was clear there would be much more support for a smaller increase phased in over time.

“When polling was done in Seattle regarding the proposed move to $15 an hour, there was overwhelming support in excess of 65 percent. In Tacoma the support was below 50 percent, suggesting if there is not a compromise, there is a real chance no increase will pass. We can take the uncertainty away by building a compromise proposal that has the support of a vast majority of Tacoma residents,” he said.

Pierson added that Mayor Strickland is absolutely the right person to convene a group to forge a fair compromise.“The Mayor has universal respect and there is no question she strongly supports the working men and women who live and work in Tacoma,” he said.

Pacific Ave I-5 Bridge Closure Monday

UPDATE: MARCH 27

Ramps will close for prep work for Pacific Avenue demo in Tacoma

In advance of the scheduled April 6 nearly year-long total closure of the Pacific Avenue overpass spanning Interstate 5 in Tacoma, crews have additional work that will require night ramp and lane closures. The closures could result in some delays during the week of March 30.

In addition to the below closures, three around-the-clock ramp closures remain in place:
• Southbound I-5 to State Route 7
• Northbound SR 7 to southbound I-5
• A Street to Interstate 705

Wednesday, April 1
• At 10 p.m., the southbound State Route 167/Portland Avenue on-ramp to southbound I-5 will close until 6 a.m. the following day.
• At 11 p.m., the northbound I-5 collector/distributor exit to southbound SR 7 will close until 4 a.m. the following day.

Friday, April 3
• At 12:01 a.m., the northbound I-5 collector/distributor exit to SR 7 will close until 4 a.m.

Lane and shoulder closures
From Monday through Thursday, March 30-April 2, drivers may encounter night lane and shoulder closures on I-5, SR 7, and the northbound I-5 collector/distributor lane (from State Route 16 and South 38th Street).

City of Tacoma streets
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, drivers will see single lane closures on East 27th Street and Wiley Avenue.

Know before you go
Stay informed with nearly 200 specialized alerts from Washington State Department of Transportation. Other roadway information is available via WSDOT’s travel alerts web page and Twitter account.

Hyperlinks within the release:
• Tacoma Traffic web page: www.wsdot.wa.gov/construction/pugetsound/tacoma.htm
• WSDOT self-subscribe alerts: https://service.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOT/subscriber/new
• Travels alerts web page: www.wsdot.com/traffic/trafficalerts/
• Twitter @wsdot_tacoma: https://twitter.com/wsdot_tacoma

ORIGINAL

Monday, April 6, WSDOT will close Pacific Avenue in Tacoma at Interstate 5 for almost a year.  WSDOT takes this opportunity to give you a heads-up about the closure, and to explain why it is necessary.

The closure is part of WSDOT’s I-5 - M Street to Portland Avenue – HOV project, in which they are widening I-5 to accommodate HOV lanes. The columns supporting the overpass conflict with the alignment of the future widened highway, so the overpass will be demolished and rebuilt during the long-term closure.

WSDOT has worked with the City of Tacoma to create a detour route. It fully recognizes this will be an inconvenience for drivers who will need to modify their travel plans, and thanks you in advance for your patience while this work is under way. This project is one piece of a larger effort called the I-5 - SR 16 Tacoma/Pierce County HOV Program, which is a substantial investment by WSDOT to increase highway capacity in Pierce County.

I-5 Expansion Will Close Pacific Ave. Overpass

April’s showers won’t dampen the demolition of a four-lane overpass spanning Interstate 5 in downtown Tacoma. The Pacific Avenue overpass will soon be turned into a pile of rubble to make way for high occupancy vehicle lanes.

The bridge demolition is part of the Washington State Department of Transportation’s I-5 - M Street to Portland Avenue – HOV project. The Pacific Avenue overpass is one of two bridges that will be removed and rebuilt in this project to create HOV lanes through Tacoma.

Pacific Avenue will close at I-5 Monday, April 6, and remain closed until March 2016, while crews demolish and rebuild the overpass. During the closure, drivers can cross I-5 using a signed detour route to nearby McKinley Way. Once the new overpass at Pacific Avenue is open to traffic, WSDOT will close the McKinley Way overpass for 18 months while crews replace it.

“We know this lengthy Pacific Avenue closure will affect Tacoma businesses and residents, which is why we won’t close both Pacific Avenue and McKinley Way at the same time,” said WSDOT Olympic Region Administrator Kevin Dayton.

Demolition of the Pacific Avenue overpass is expected to take approximately three months. Construction crews will first demolish the bridge approaches and then the bridge, working overnight hours when I-5 traffic volumes are lowest. Crews will start on the northbound side of I-5 near the Interstate 705/State Route 7 interchange. Drivers should expect lane and ramp closures on I-5 during demolition, and details of the lane closures will be forthcoming.

Help for drivers
Real-time travel and traffic information are available.
• Online tools that provide traffic camera images and a map of highway incidents and closures.
• The 511 travel information hotline. For out-of-state callers, it’s 1-800-695-ROAD (7623).
• The WSDOT mobile app, email alerts and other tools, such as Twitter.
• Overhead and roadside electronic signs.

Hyperlinks within the release:
• Project web page: www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/piercecountyhov/i5_msttoportland/
• Online tools: www.wsdot.com/traffic/
• Mobile app: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Inform/mobile.htm
• Travel info: www.wsdot.wa.gov/inform
• WSDOT regional Twitter account: https://twitter.com/wsdot_tacoma

Sustainable Tacoma Commission Seeks Members

You can apply for the Sustainable Tacoma Commission by March 31.

The Office of Environmental Policy and Sustainability is currently seeking applications for five vacancies on the Sustainable Tacoma Commission, the citizen group that oversees the City of Tacoma’s ongoing sustainability efforts.

Membership is open to different stakeholders, such as the environmental, business, labor, housing, industrial, port, transportation, education, building and residential communities. Commission members serve terms of three years.

The purpose of this Commission is to bring citizen accountability, transparency and awareness to the long-term implementation of Tacoma’s Climate Action Plan, and also manage, coordinate, communicate and encourage public involvement regarding sustainability issues. The Commission oversees the Office of Environmental Policy and Sustainability and makes recommendations about sustainability initiatives to City Council.

The Commission currently holds its public meetings on the second Tuesday of every month from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in the Tacoma Municipal Building; however, this schedule may be adjusted to accommodate new members.

For more information on the Sustainable Tacoma Commission, please visit their website or contact Kristin Lynett at kristin.lynett@cityoftacoma.org or (253) 591-5571.

Applications must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office by March 31, 2015. To apply, please visit cityoftacoma.org/cbcapplication or contact Nicole Emery at servetacoma@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5178, or the City Clerk’s Office, Room 11, Municipal Building North, 733 Market St., Tacoma, WA 98402.