SPEAK UP

SPEAK UP FOR WALKING, BIKING,ROLLING, AND TRANSIT

There are many different ways to create change in Tacoma. From City Council to Neighborhood Council meetings and all the commissions and boards between, it can be a puzzle.

We want to help you learn about the who, what, where, and when of making an impact on your city. Check out our materials for tips on how to make a plan to improve safety or livability in your neighborhood!

City Council, Study Sessions, and Council Committee meetings are hybrid virtual and in-person. You can give comment in-person, over the phone, or on Zoom

Who Should I Speak To?

Walking, Rolling, Biking, or Trails

In Tacoma:

  • Tacoma City Council

In a Park in Tacoma:

  • Parks Tacoma Board of Park Commissioners

In Unincorporated Pierce County:

  • Pierce County Council

Public Transit

Local Transit that stays in Tacoma & Pierce County:

  • Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners

Regional Transit that leaves Pierce County:

  • Sound Transit Board of Directors

Neighborhood Issue

Getting Involved in Your Neighborhood:

Reporting an Issue:

Walking, Rolling, Biking, or Trails

In Tacoma:

  • Tacoma City Council

In a Park in Tacoma:

  • Parks Tacoma Board of Park Commissioners

In Unincorporated Pierce County:

  • Pierce County Council

Public Transit

Local Transit that stays in Tacoma & Pierce County:

  • Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners

Regional Transit that leaves Pierce County:

  • Sound Transit Board of Directors

Neighborhood Issue

Getting Involved in Your Neighborhood:

Reporting an Issue:

TACOMA CITY COUNCIL
  • Responsible for policies and projects within the City of Tacoma.
  • Find your representatives - There are five council members representing Tacoma’s districts and three at-large who represent the city as a whole, plus the mayor.
  • Council committees
  • Schedules & agendas (Not finding what you’re looking for? Try adjusting the “Date” selection)


PIERCE COUNTY COUNCIL
  • Responsible for policies and projects in unincorporated Pierce County - think areas like Parkland & Spanaway, not incorporated cities like Lakewood or Puyallup.
  • Find your representative - There are seven council members representing Pierce County’s districts, with one elected to serve as chair. Tacoma is split between County districts 4 and 5.
  • Council committees
  • Schedules & agendas


PIERCE TRANSIT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
  • Responsible for local transit service - think local buses, Runner on-demand vans, rideshare, and SHUTTLE paratransit.
  • Find your representatives - The board consists of electeds from throughout Pierce Transit’s service area. Tacoma holds three seats.
  • Schedules & agendas


SOUND TRANSIT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
  • Responsible for regional transit service and light rail - think Express Bus, Sounder commuter trains, Link light rail, and Tacoma’s T-Line light rail.
  • Find your representatives - The board consists of electeds from across the Sound Transit service area, which spans Snohomish, King, and Pierce Counties. Pierce County has four representatives, appointed by the County Executive.
  • Schedules & agendas


PARKS TACOMA BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
  • Responsible for policies and projects pertaining to Parks Tacoma facilities and programs. Note that Parks Tacoma is a separate government agency than City of Tacoma, and City of Tacoma operates some of its own parks.
  • Find your representatives - The board consists of five commissioners who are elected by the people of Tacoma.
  • Schedules & agendas

Tips for Writing Comments

1. Introduce Yourself

Share your name, the district or the neighborhood you live in, and something about you that's connected to what you're advocating for.


Ex: My name is Advocate, I live in District 5, and I take transit to work in Tacoma.

2. State Your Point

Be clear and specific about your ask. What's the core problem you want addressed? What action would help the most?


Ex: I'm asking today for investment in safe and connected sidewalks in East Tacoma.

3. Tell Your Story

Connect your ask to things you or your community have experienced. This makes your ask less abstract and emphasizes the importance of addressing the issue.


Ex: I used to bike in South Tacoma, but the disconnected bike lanes meant that I had too many close calls and no longer feel safe biking in my neighborhood.

4. Connect to Established Goals

All government entities like cities, counties, & transit agencies have set policies and goals they want to reach, such as Vision Zero (eliminate traffic deaths & serious injuries), greenhouse gas and climate goals, addressing historic inequalities, etc. It reinforces your ask to connect to established goals and policies.


Ex: To meet the City's Climate Action Plan goals, it needs to be safe and appealing to walk, bike, & take transit in Tacoma.

5. Say Thank You

Electeds are just regular people, and it helps your case to be polite. You should be honest in your frustration, but stay calm and remember to say thank you.

Tips for Writing Comments

1. Introduce Yourself

Share your name, the district or the neighborhood you live in, and something about you that's connected to what you're advocating for.


Ex: My name is Advocate, I live in District 5, and I take transit to work in Tacoma.

2. State Your Point

Be clear and specific about your ask. What's the core problem you want addressed? What action would help the most?


Ex: I'm asking today for investment in safe and connected sidewalks in East Tacoma.

3. Tell Your Story

Connect your ask to things you or your community have experienced. This makes your ask less abstract and emphasizes the importance of addressing the issue.


Ex: I used to bike in South Tacoma, but the disconnected bike lanes meant that I had too many close calls and no longer feel safe biking in my neighborhood.

4. Connect to Established Goals

All government entities like cities, counties, & transit agencies have set policies and goals they want to reach, such as Vision Zero (eliminate traffic deaths & serious injuries), greenhouse gas and climate goals, addressing historic inequalities, etc. It reinforces your ask to connect to established goals and policies.


Ex: To meet the City's Climate Action Plan goals, it needs to be safe and appealing to walk, bike, & take transit in Tacoma.

5. Say Thank You

Electeds are just regular people, and it helps your case to be polite. You should be honest in your frustration, but stay calm and remember to say thank you.

Other Transportation Advocates

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NATIONAL