City of Tacoma

Our Equity in Contracting team works hard to connect business owners in #Tacoma with the resources they need to thrive. Join our workshop series in August and learn how to get certified with the Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE), which can help expand access to state and local contracting opportunities. Join us: 🔷OMWBE Intro to Certification 101 (Virtual) on August 6, 2025, 9 – 10 AM 🔷OMWBE 201 Certification (Hybrid) on August 18, 2025, 3 – 4:30 PM Sign up and see more opportunities at makeittacoma.com/events.

✅ Join us for a free Small Business Technical Assistance Workshop on Thursday, July 31, 2025. Learn about: 🔷 Our Equity in Contracting Program 🔷 Small Business Financing Opportunities 🔷 Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Resources 🔷 Technical Assistance from Business Impact Northwest You can attend in-person or via Zoom. Register at makeittacoma.com/events.

Last week, we were able to celebrate with the 79 businesses and organizations in our community who were awarded funding through the Community Reinvestment Project. After reviewing applications in the Spring, we awarded $3.185 million in accessible loans and $1 million in grants that will provide vital capital to communities that have been historically marginalized and excluded from economic advancement. These funds were awarded to Tacoma by the Washington State Department of Commerce.

Several key departments in #Tacoma are undergoing leadership transitions. The following people are taking on director roles across the City: 🔷Ramiro Chavez, previously the Public Works Director, will transition to lead the Environmental Services Department as its new Director. 🔷Jeff Jenkins, Assistant Public Works Director, will step into the role of Public Works Director. 🔷Vicky McLaurin, Neighborhood & Community Services Division Manager, will be the interim Neighborhood & Community Services Director. 🔷 Kari Louie will take on Human Resources Director responsibilities. 🔷Sonja Hallum, Interim Deputy City Manager, will support our interim Directors in Neighborhood & Community Services and Human Resources. 🔷And finally, Hyun Kim will begin serving as our Interim City Manager. For more information about leadership transitions, visit https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.pow.ly/9CRZ50WiFNW.

Join our Access to Capital Panel Discussion and Q&A Session on June 23, 2025, from 3 - 4:30 PM. This event is designed to empower small business owners by connecting them with critical resources and expert insights into financing opportunities. Open to anyone interested in understanding funding options and financial empowerment. RSVP required at makeittacoma.com/events.

Business Taxes Class on June 10, 2025, from 9 AM to 12 PM ➡️ makeittacoma.com/events. Due to high interest in our Business Taxes Class that was offered in May, we’re adding a second option on June 10, 2025, from 9 AM – 12 PM. The class is in-person, requires an application, and participants should plan on attending two additional virtual classes from June through August.

🎉Congrats to Ralph Rodriguez for 50 years of service with the City! Ralph spent most of his career in Public Works where he developed and managed the Local Improvement District (LID) program, earning praise for his hard work and dedication. Help us in celebrating Ralph’s service to our city for 50 years! 📸 Ralph receiving recognition from Mayor Woodards and #TacCouncil at the May 20, 2025, City Council Meeting

This week (May 18-24, 2025) is National Public Works Week! These employees work behind the scenes to keep #Tacoma running, performing vital duties like preparing for and responding to weather events, collecting our waste, issuing permits, performing inspections, maintaining our roads, and more. If you’re interested in joining this dynamic team that does it all, we’re currently hiring for the following positions in our Public Works, Planning and Development Services, and Environmental Services Departments, and with Tacoma Public Utilities: 🔷Development Review Engineering Supervisor (Principal) 🔷Collections System Technician 🔷Water Treatment Plant Operator 🔷Seasonal Park and Grounds Maintenance Aide 🔷Seasonal Grounds Worker See all of our job postings and sign up to receive job alerts at tacoma.gov/jobs.

📣Two of our Committees, Boards and Commissions just announced new vacancies. They’re looking for volunteers to serve on the: 🔷Transportation Commission – 2 vacancies, applications due June 10, 2025 🔷Equity in Contracting Advisory Committee – 8 vacancies, applications due June 10, 2025 To learn more about the important work these CBCs do and apply, visit https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/gEP8JNhz.

Interested in serving your community and making recommendations to decision makers on various topics? We’re currently seeking applicants to fill volunteer positions on the following City of Tacoma Committees, Boards, and Commissions: 🔷 Board of Building Appeals (5 vacancies closing on May 18, 2025) – reviews and approves City Building Codes. 🔷 Tacoma Area Commission on Disabilities (3 vacancies closing on May 18, 2025) – advises on policy making and partners with the community to bring awareness to issues that impact individuals with disabilities. 🔷 Tacoma Creates Advisory Board (3 vacancies closing on May 25, 2025) – advises on funding that supports arts, culture, heritage, and science programs that benefit the public. Learn more and apply at https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/gSkREB8c.