Tacoma: One Tacoma Plan
The draft "One Tacoma Plan" demonstrates notable strides in fostering sustainable growth, housing affordability, enhanced transportation, climate resilience, and equitable development. The plan's emphasis on expanding 15-minute neighborhoods, prioritizing mixed-use development, strengthening multimodal transportation, and investing in green infrastructure and carbon sequestration reflects a forward-thinking approach. Furthermore, the plan acknowledges the importance of ensuring that overburdened communities benefit from environmental justice initiatives. However, the plan's potential impact is diminished by a lack of robust enforcement mechanisms and concrete funding commitments, which are crucial for translating these aspirations into tangible outcomes.
A primary area needing reinforcement is climate resilience and environmental protection. While the plan recognizes climate risks, it must embed adaptation measures across all public infrastructure and services to prevent failures due to climate hazards. Crucially, greenhouse gas reduction policies require enforceable compliance benchmarks, and dedicated funding sources like green bonds or stormwater fees are needed to support green infrastructure investments.
In the realm of housing, Tacoma needs to move beyond affordability goals to include robust anti-displacement protections. Enforceable inclusionary zoning policies and affordability mandates are essential, alongside improved accessibility to eviction prevention and relocation programs. Integrating energy efficiency into housing sustainability through partnerships with community organizations is also vital.
Economic development must align with environmental protection. The city should mandate sustainability in all public procurement and ensure that industrial growth does not compromise environmental health. Clear language in the plan is needed to solidify this commitment.
Transportation investments should prioritize equitable access and align with the Transportation Mobility Plan to expand safe, multimodal options and reduce emissions. Long-term, sustained funding for transit, pedestrian, and bike networks is imperative to support mobility for all residents and advance climate goals.
Ultimately, the plan's success hinges on enforcement and funding. Clear benchmarks and accountability measures for emissions reductions, affordable housing, and climate adaptation are necessary. Expanding funding through diverse sources, including grants and local financing, will ensure long-term investment in sustainability initiatives. Health impact assessments, utilizing air quality and public health data, should guide land use and urban planning decisions to protect vulnerable populations.
While the "One Tacoma Plan" presents a strong vision, its effectiveness relies on strengthening enforcement, securing dedicated funding, and implementing specific strategies. Without these critical components, the city risks failing to meet its ambitious climate and equity commitments.