Citizen Tacoma

What's happening with Tacoma's streets? An initiative would help fund continued street improvements. What happened with the last one? How are our streets doing? And what will it cost? Whenever we have transportation questions, we turn to Tacoma City Councilmember Kristina Walker. Tune in. Links Kristina Walker Yes to Prop 1 Channel 253 membership

On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, we sit down with Lowell Wyse, executive director of the Tacoma Tree Foundation. We talk about Tacoma's urban forest, the canopy, protections for heritage trees, "Home in Tacoma," making 2025 the year of the tree, and much more. Links Tacoma Tree Foundation Channel 253 membership

Longtime Channel 253 host Evelyn Lopez joins the podcast to look back at Tacoma's 2024 and chat about the year ahead. We also look back at some highlights of the podcast Crossing Division. Note, we recorded this earlier in December before the board of Metro Parks called a special meeting to appoint Alisa Lee to the board. Evelyn was correct! They decided to handle this before they lost their quorum. Links Channel 253 membership

Sarah Rumbaugh represents District 2 in Tacoma. On this episode, we go on-location to Cremello Cafe to talk about vandalism and small businesses in Tacoma. We also discuss homelessness, grease traps, Tacoma's tree canopy, "structural deficits," and much more. Enjoy this episode with Councilmember Sarah Rumbaugh. Links Councilmember Sarah Rumbaugh Channel 253 membership

Sandesh Sadalge was appointed to represent Tacoma's District 4 after the passing of Catherine Ushka earlier this year. On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, Councilmember Sadalge shares his story: what brought him to Tacoma and what's happening in District 4 and on the City Council. We dive into grease traps (not literally), Home in Tacoma Phase 2, and Tacoma's tree canopy. Enjoy this episode with Tacoma's newest city council member! Links Councilmember Sandesh Sadalge Channel 253 membership

Today's guest is Tacoma firefighter and union president Allyson Hinzman. She talks about how she moved from corporate America to firefighting in her hometown and then lays out the challenges she sees with Tacoma's ability to respond to fires and medical emergencies, specifically in light of next year's City of Tacoma budget proposals. Links Tacoma IAFF Local 31 Channel 253 membership

On this special edition of Citizen Tacoma, Pierce County Auditor Linda Farmer joins the podcast to talk about election and ballot security with host Erik Hanberg and Sound Producer Doug. We discuss drop boxes, the security at the election center, voter tabulation, misinformation and much more. Linda also brings some trivia questions! Enjoy Links Pierce County Elections About Linda Farmer Channel 253 membership

We've got a pair of candidate interviews for you! We invited the two candidates for Assessor-Treasurer to sit down with Citizen Tacoma and talk about the role. This is an often overlooked race, but it's just the kind of wonky civic topic we like to tackle at Citizen Tacoma. This interview is with Marty Campbell. Tune in to this interview and then check out all the rest of the candidates on CitizenTacoma.com or in your favorite podcast app. Links Marty Campbell Channel 253 membership

We've got a pair of candidate interviews for you! We invited the two candidates for Assessor-Treasurer to sit down with Citizen Tacoma and talk about the role. This is an often overlooked race, but it's just the kind of wonky civic topic we like to tackle at Citizen Tacoma. This interview is with Kent Keel. Tune in to this interview and then check out all the rest of the candidates on CitizenTacoma.com or in your favorite podcast app. Links Kent Keel Channel 253 membership

Lisa Keating, one of the five Tacoma school board members, joins Citizen Tacoma for a Back-to-School-themed episode. We check in on what's happening with the district, including graduation rates, online schools, meals, the partnership with the Port, school calendar and holidays, and much more. Links Lisa Keating and the school board Channel 253 membership

On this episode, we welcome Tacoma City Councilmember Kristina Walker, a Pierce Transit commissioner and a Sound Transit board member. We discuss what's happening with transit in Tacoma and the wider region. We focus on the bus driver shortage that is affecting the 590 and 594 routes, light rail, the PT Runner service, the "Stream," and much more. Links Kristina Walker Channel 253 membership

Welcome back to another episode of Citizen Tacoma! Michelle Douglas joins the podcast to discuss hunger in Pierce County. She gives an update on some of the ways Emergency Food Network and the food pantries across the county are serving those who need food. We also check-in about the arts, the economy, downtown Tacoma, and more. Enjoy! Links Emergency Food Network Channel 253 membership  

Did you know that Tacoma is governed by a "charter?" And that every ten years, a group of citizens gets together to review it and propose new changes. It's true! Steve Wamback is the chair of the committee that is tackling this process. With more than 50 meetings planned in six months, they have a big workload ahead of them. So what are they looking at? How does the process work? And how can you share your input? All that and more on the next episode. Links Tacoma's Charter Review Committee Flyer for extended public comment session on Monday, February 26 (.pdf file) Support Channel 253 as a member

Welcome back to another episode of Citizen Tacoma! Melissa Malott joins the podcast to discuss the health of Commencement Bay and what's threatening it. She gives an update on some of the industrial uses in the port and the work CHB is doing on that front. We get into the proposed rebuilding of the animal rendering plant and much more. She also speaks a little bit about the Tacoma Charter Review Committee and what's happening there. Enjoy! Links Melissa Malott at Communities for a Healthy Bay Tacoma Charter Review Channel 253 membership  

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland joins the podcast to talk about the recent speakership elections, government shutdowns, conflicts in Israel and Ukraine, bridging the digital divide, her view on what's at stake in the 2024 elections, and more. Links Marilyn Strickland Channel 253 membership

On this episode, we welcome Deputy Mayor Kristina Walker, who is a commissioner with Pierce Transit and a board member with Sound Transit. We discuss what's happening with transit in Tacoma and the wider region. We focus on the opening of the extension of the Link T Line in Tacoma. We also look at bus rapid transit, access to transit, and we check in on projects in Seattle and on the Eastside of Lake Washington. Links Kristina Walker Channel 253 membership

Korey Strozier, one of the five Tacoma school board members, joins Citizen Tacoma for a Back-to-School-themed episode. We check in on what's happening with the district, including technology, high schools, leadership, budget, trans students, and much more. Links Korey Strozier and the school board Channel 253 membership

On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, we check in with County Councilmember Marty Campbell. What's the county up to? What's happening with Pride Month, homelessness, public safety, bike and pedestrian safety, and more? Are elected officials on the West Coast "incompetent?" Tune in for a wide-ranging interview. Links Marty Campbell, District 5 Channel 253 membership  

We've got a big pack of candidate interviews. We invited the five candidates to sit down with Citizen Tacoma and talk about the issues affecting District 3 and Tacoma. Four responded (so far?). This interview is with John Frazier. We talk about what she sees as the top issues affecting the district and how she sees herself working with the council. We also ask every candidate to fill in the blank. "Tacoma just wouldn't be Tacoma without......?" And get some interesting answers! Tune in to this interview and then check out all the rest of the candidates on CitizenTacoma.com or in your favorite podcast app. Links Jamika Scott for Tacoma City Council, District 3 Channel 253 membership

We've got a big pack of candidate interviews. We invited the five candidates to sit down with Citizen Tacoma and talk about the issues affecting District 3 and Tacoma. Four responded (so far?). This interview is with Malando Redeemer. We talk about what he sees as the top issues affecting the district and how he sees himself working with the council. We also ask every candidate to fill in the blank. "Tacoma just wouldn't be Tacoma without......?" And get some interesting answers! Tune in to this interview and then check out all the rest of the candidates on CitizenTacoma.com or in your favorite podcast app. Links Malando Redeemer for Tacoma City Council, District 3 Channel 253 membership

We've got a big pack of candidate interviews. We invited the five candidates to sit down with Citizen Tacoma and talk about the issues affecting District 3 and Tacoma. Four responded (so far?). This interview is with John Frazier. We talk about what he sees as the top issues affecting the district and how he sees himself working with the council. We also ask every candidate to fill in the blank. "Tacoma just wouldn't be Tacoma without......?" And get some interesting answers! Tune in to this interview and then check out all the rest of the candidates on CitizenTacoma.com or in your favorite podcast app. Links John Frazier for Tacoma City Council, District 3 Channel 253 membership

We've got a big pack of candidate interviews. We invited the five candidates to sit down with Citizen Tacoma and talk about the issues affecting District 3 and Tacoma. Four responded (so far?). This interview is with Chris Van Vechten. We talk about what he sees as the top issues affecting the district and how he sees himself working with the council. We also ask every candidate to fill in the blank. "Tacoma just wouldn't be Tacoma without......?" And get some interesting answers! Tune in to this interview and then check out all the rest of the candidates on CitizenTacoma.com or in your favorite podcast app. Links Chris Van Vechten for Tacoma City Council, District 3 Channel 253 membership

Filing week is coming up in Washington State, which is when candidates file for office. This year, we are electing candidates to parks, schools, ports, city councils, and other "nonpartisan" seats. Rosie Ayala ran for office (and won!) in 2021 to become a commissioner on the Metro Parks board of Tacoma. She joined the podcast to talk about that experience and give notes to anyone considering running for office this year (or another). Links Channel 253 membership

On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, Commissioner Rosie Ayala joins the podcast to talk about what's happening with Metro Parks: playfields, natural resources, climate change, and more! Give it a listen. Links Commissioner Rosie Ayala Channel 253 membership

Citizen Tacoma continues its five-part "Better Know a District" series! This episode, Joe Bushnell joins the podcast to talk about what's happening in District 5. We check in on what's happening on Hosmer Street, growing jobs in Tacoma, tree canopy, policing in Tacoma, and where "Tacoma's Tacoma" is. Check it out! Links Joe Bushnell Channel 253 membership 

Citizen Tacoma continues its five-part "Better Know a District" series! This episode, Sarah Rumbaugh joins the podcast to talk about what's happening in District 2. We check in on downtown, the camping ordinances, the port of Tacoma, and more. We also look more broadly at what she's tracking in Tacoma this year. Links Sarah Rumbaugh Channel 253 membership 

In this first episode of 2023, the Citizen Tacoma podcast sits down with John Hines to talk about what's happening in District 1. We check in on Proctor planning, the Cushman substation, the tiny house village, and more. We also look more broadly at what he's tracking in Tacoma this year. Links John Hines Channel 253 membership 

Steve Krupa joins the Citizen Tacoma podcast to talk about his run to be on the Tacoma Municipal Court, position 3. We discuss what he considers when he casts a ballot for judicial seats, judicial discretion and the role judges play, policing and the criminal justice system, and much more. Give it a listen! Links Steve Krupa for Judge Channel 253 membership

Sergio Flores joins the Citizen Tacoma podcast to talk about his run to be on the Tacoma Municipal Court, position 3. We discuss what he considers when he casts a ballot for judicial seats, judicial discretion and the role judges play, policing and the criminal justice system, and much more. Give it a listen! Links Sergio Flores for Judge Channel 253 membership

Pierce County Auditor Julie Anderson joins the Citizen Tacoma podcast to talk about her run to be Washington Secretary of State. We discuss election administration, the challenges of election disinformation, ranked choice voting, and the other duties of the office. Give it a listen! Links Elect Julie Anderson Channel 253 membership

Incumbent Secretary of State Steve Hobbs joins the Citizen Tacoma podcast to talk about his run to retain his seat. We discuss election administration, the challenges of election disinformation, ranked choice voting, and the other duties of the office. Give it a listen! Links Elect Steve Hobbs Channel 253 membership

Paula Lonergan is running for Pierce County Council District 7. In this episode, we talk about her background, her priorities, and the issues the district (and Pierce County as a whole) is facing. Links Elect Paula Lonergan Channel 253 membership

Robyn Denson is running for Pierce County Council District 7. In this episode, we talk about her background, her priorities, and the issues the district (and Pierce County as a whole) is facing. Links Elect Robyn Denson Channel 253 membership

Linda Farmer is running for Pierce County Auditor. In this episode of Citizen Tacoma we talk about the auditor's role in managing free and fair elections, licensing, and who won the 2020 Presidential Election. Links Linda Farmer Channel 253 membership

Deryl McCarty is running for Pierce County Auditor. In this episode of Citizen Tacoma we talk about the auditor's role in managing free and fair elections, licensing, and who won the 2020 Presidential Election. Links McCarty for Auditor Channel 253 membership

On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, we dive into the issues surrounding climate change with Port Commissioner Kristin Ang. Elected in 2019, she talks about her experience on the port commission, how she thinks about climate change, and how the Port of Tacoma (and ports around the world) are thinking about how they can reduce carbon emissions in shipping and trade.

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland of Washington's 10th District joins the podcast today to talk about recent national news—the likely overturning of Roe v Wade, mass shootings, social media, Russia, infrastructure, and K-Dramas. Enjoy! Links Channel 253 membership

Andrea Cobb, former school board member, and host Erik Hanberg, former Metro Parks Tacoma commissioner, chat about their experience governing in local office. What's it like to set policy? How do you enact change? What's it like working with the public? And a lot more. If you've wondered about serving in office, or what the experience of your elected officials is like, I hope you enjoy this conversation. Links Channel 253 membership Bench bookkeeping

On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, the podcast touches base with Catherine Ushka to talk about homelessness in Tacoma, housing affordability, and what's happening on the eastside and south end of Tacoma. Check it out! Links Channel 253 membership

It's the "off-season" for elections, so Citizen Tacoma is touching base with elected officials and community leaders around the region to see what's happening with local government. This week, School Board Director Korey Strozier joins the podcast to talk about student safety in schools, what education looks like coming out of the pandemic, and why the Superintendent has been substitute-teaching in classrooms recently. Enjoy. Links Channel 253 membership

Will Hausa was one of the two community members to observe the negotiations between the City of Tacoma and the police union that represents Tacoma officers. Having two community members observe the negotiations is new for Tacoma and—with a finalized contract—it was a good time for Citizen Tacoma to find out what that process was like. On this episode, Will Hausa shares his experience observing and participating in the contract negotiations, including what he saw from both the city and the union, what he would like to see improved in later contracts, and his thoughts on what can be done to improve policing outside the police union contract. Links Channel 253 membership

A lot happened in the last two weeks at the Tacoma City Council. They passed Phase 1 of Home in Tacoma, hired a new police chief, adopted a Climate Action Plan, and didn't pass a camping ban. It was time to learn more. Tacoma City Councilmember Kristina Walker joins the podcast to talk about what's happening (and what's not) with the Tacoma City Council. Links Channel 253 membership

Citizen Tacoma checks in with Pierce County Auditor Julie Anderson about the state of voting in 2021. We talk about the rollbacks in the Voting Rights Act that have been enacted in the last few decades, as well as the potential for changes, such as the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. We also discuss how our elections are doing in Washington State and how we can "hold down our corner of the tent." Finally, we ask Julie the big question about the now vacant Secretary of State position. Enjoy! Links Channel 253 membership  

On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, we hear from Sarah Rumbaugh, who is running for Tacoma City Council District 2. She will be on the November ballot. We talk about social justice, homelessness, fossil fuels at the port, policing and public safety, and more. Enjoy! Links Sarah Rumbaugh Channel 253 membership

On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, we hear from Kelly Blucher, who is running for Tacoma City Council District 2. She will be on the November ballot. We talk about social justice, homelessness, fossil fuels at the port, policing and public safety, and more. Enjoy! Links Kelly Blucher Channel 253 membership

On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, we hear from Anne Artman, who is running for Tacoma City Council District 5. She will be on the November ballot. We talk about social justice, homelessness, fossil fuels at the port, policing and public safety, and more. Enjoy! Links Anne Artman Channel 253 membership

On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, we hear from Joe Bushnell, who is running for Tacoma City Council District 5. He will be on the November ballot. We talk about refugees, homelessness, fossil fuels at the port, policing and public safety, and more. Enjoy! Links Joe Bushnell Channel 253 membership

On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, we hear from Brett Johnson, who is running for the city-wide seat on the Tacoma City Council. He will be on the November ballot. We talk about homelessness, planning and zoning in Tacoma, fossil fuels at the port, policing and public safety, and more. Enjoy! Links Brett Johnson Channel 253 membership

On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, we hear from Kiara Daniels, who is running for the city-wide seat on the Tacoma City Council. She will be on the November ballot. We talk about affordable housing, the economy, climate change, policing and public safety, and more. Enjoy! Links Kiara Daniels Channel 253 membership

On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, we hear from Victoria Woodards, who is running to keep her seat as Mayor of Tacoma. We talk about affordable housing homelessness, jobs, the port, climate change, policing and public safety, racism, budgets, and more. All three candidates for mayor of Tacoma join the show, so after you listen to this, go listen to the other interviews! Links VictoriaWoodards.com Interview with Jamika Scott Interview with Steve Haverly Channel 253 membership  

On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, we hear from Steve Haverly, who is running for Mayor of Tacoma. We talk about affordable housing homelessness, jobs, the port, climate change, policing and public safety, racism, budgets, and more. All three candidates for mayor of Tacoma join the show, so after you listen to this, go listen to the other interviews! Links Interview with Jamika Scott Interview with Victoria Woodards Channel 253 membership