Tacoma: South Tacoma Neighborhood Planning Program
A range of compelling factors, highlighting both potential and need, led the City of Tacoma to choose South Tacoma as the third focus area for its Neighborhood Planning Program. This decision was driven by a confluence of factors, all pointing towards the neighborhood's significant potential and pressing needs. At the heart of the decision lies the city's overarching vision, articulated in the One Tacoma Comprehensive Plan. This plan prioritizes the development of livable neighborhood centers, transit-oriented development, and the equitable distribution of resources. South Tacoma, already designated as a neighborhood business district and zoned as a Neighborhood Mixed-Use Center, aligns perfectly with these strategic goals.
However, despite its potential, South Tacoma faces considerable challenges. The area is identified as a low-opportunity zone, ranking "very low" to "moderate" on Tacoma's Equity Index, signifying a clear need for targeted attention and investment. While adjacent areas like the Tacoma Mall subarea have benefited from recent planning efforts, the core Mixed-Use Center and business district of South Tacoma have largely been overlooked. This oversight, coupled with historical underrepresentation in city planning initiatives, as highlighted by community engagement analyses from the Comprehensive Plan update, underscored the urgency for focused action. Community groups, notably the South Tacoma Neighborhood Council, further amplified this need by advocating for initiatives like an Economic Green Zone.
The timing of the program's initiation in 2024 was also strategic, coinciding with numerous ongoing planning and implementation efforts by various city departments and agencies. The Neighborhood Plan was designed to foster coordination and alignment among these diverse initiatives. South Tacoma's strategic location, featuring a regional rail station and anticipated high-capacity transit investments, presents a unique opportunity for growth. While the area has seen a surge in new businesses and entertainment venues, attracting a regional audience, it has yet to experience significant residential or commercial development within its neighborhood center. Furthermore, the neighborhood possesses significant historical resources and faces housing precarity issues, emphasizing the need for proactive and equitable planning to mitigate displacement risks.
The Neighborhood Planning Program employs a comprehensive approach, grounded in robust community engagement, resource identification and matchmaking, and technical analysis. Community engagement is prioritized, using a variety of methods to ensure diverse voices are heard, particularly from marginalized communities. The program adopts a trauma-informed approach, fostering trust and healing while addressing past harms. Resource identification and matchmaking involve collaboration with city departments, agencies, and community partners to understand existing policies and identify resources for implementation. Technical analysis, informed by data and expert input, ensures that the plan's recommendations align with city policies and best practices.