http://www.healthybay.org https://www.healthybay.org For the first time ever, the City of Tacoma has released a draft plan to guide long-term land use in the Tideflats—an area that sits at the heart of Tacoma’s economy, environment, and identity. This is more than a zoning update. It’s a defining moment that will shape how land in the Tideflats is used for decades to come—including what kinds of industry are allowed, where sensitive uses like housing or childcare can be built, and how new development is reviewed. We’re encouraged by some major steps forward—like the plan’s strong environmental protections and thoughtful collaboration with the Puyallup Tribe. But there are serious concerns too: 🔸 Environmental Justice: Some proposed changes could allow housing and daycares closer to areas with heavy industrial pollution, raising major concerns about air quality and public health in frontline neighborhoods. 🔸 Accountability & Oversight: The plan introduces a Planned Action Ordinance that could streamline permitting for certain developments. But if that means sacrificing project-by-project review, we risk creating a system where major projects move forward with limited public input or scrutiny. 🔸 Future Impacts: Redefining the Manufacturing Industrial Core (MIC) is a step toward keeping heavy industry away from neighborhoods—but we need clear accountability for how that will shape development in the coming years. At stake is not only the future of Tacoma’s industry, but the health of Commencement Bay, the ancestral lands of the Puyallup Tribe, and the well-being of communities already overburdened by pollution. Now is the time to speak up—for transparency, community voice, and long-term sustainability. Here’s how to get involved: Public Hearing: June 4 at 6 PM (Hybrid) * In Person: Council Chambers, 1st Floor of the Tacoma Municipal Building, 747 Market Street, Tacoma, WA 98402 * Meeting Link: www.zoom.us/j/84416624153 (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84416624153) * Dial In: +1 253 215 8782; Webinar ID: 844 1662 4153 Public Comment Deadline: June 6 at 5 PM * Email: Planning@Tacoma.gov (mailto:Planning@Tacoma.gov?subject=Comment%20-%20Planning%20Commission%20Public%20Hearing&body=null) * Mail: Planning Commission, 747 Market Street Room 345, Tacoma, WA 98402 READ THE PLAN AND TAKE ACTION (https://tacoma.gov/project/tideflats-subarea-plan/) http://www.healthybay.org CELEBRATE THE SOLSTICE WITH TREES, STORMWATER & SCIENCE We’re teaming up with Tacoma Tree Foundation for a Summer Solstice Tree Walk that explores the surprising connection between green trees and clean water. This family-friendly event will start in downtown Tacoma and walk toward the Thea Foss Waterway, tracing the path of stormwater runoff and asking big questions along the way: • What happens to rain once it hits the pavement? • What kind of pollutants does it pick up before it reaches the Sound? • And how do trees help slow, filter, and clean that flow? 🗓 Friday, June 21 at 6:30 PM Meet at UW Tacoma (S 19th & Jefferson) Approx. 2-mile walk with stairs and hills Dress for the weather & bring your curiosity! Let’s learn, explore, and celebrate the longest day of the year—together. http://www.healthybay.org SET SAIL WITH US THIS SUMMER Ever wonder what Commencement Bay and the South Sound waters look like from our patrol boat? Join Stefanie, our Staff Attorney and Boat Operator, for a ride-along this summer! Slots are limited, but the views (and conversations) are unmatched. SAVE YOUR SEAT TO JOIN US TODAY (https://www.healthybay.org/what-we-do/south-sound-patrol/public-bay-patrol-request/) HELP KEEP US IN THE KNOW Stay Informed & Report Concerns You play a vital role in protecting our waterways. If you observe dirty or oily water or discharge from a vessel, report it to CHB. And remember, photos always help! Call: 253-383-2429 (ext. 0) Email: baypatrol@healthybay.org (mailto:baypatrol@healthybay.org?subject=Incident%20Report&body=) https://www.healthybay.org https://www.healthybay.org 12 FACILITIES. ZERO EXCUSES. We just released our first-ever Dirty Dozen report—a hard-hitting look at 12 industrial facilities in the Tacoma Tideflats and South Sound that are polluting our waterways, threatening public health, and compounding harm in overburdened communities. These aren’t just dots on a map. They’re active sources of zinc, copper, oil, and other harmful pollutants that flow straight into Commencement Bay. And the impacts hit hardest in neighborhoods already facing the greatest environmental and health burdens. This report shines a light on a pattern of pollution—and a lack of accountability—that can no longer be ignored. Inside you’ll find: • Facility-by-facility profiles with permit exceedances and pollution data • Maps and visuals showing environmental justice impacts • An urgent call for action from community leaders and advocates This isn’t just a report. It’s a tool for organizing, informing, and demanding better. Read it. Share it. Use it to speak out. Together, we can hold polluters accountable—and push for a cleaner, healthier, more just future for the South Sound. LOOK INSIDE THE DIRTY DOZEN REPORT (https://www.healthybay.org/dirty-dozen) Our work to protect the South Sound’s waterways, wildlife, and communities is only possible with supporters like you. Whether it’s advocating for stronger protections, taking legal actions, or advancing awareness, your donation helps fuel real change. HELP PROECT THE PLACE WE CALL HOME. DONATE NOW. (https://www.healthybay.org/donate) Copyright (C) 2024 Communities for a Healthy Bay. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in the Communities for a Healthy Bay mailing list. Communities for a Healthy Bay 535 Dock Street, Suite 213 update your preferences (https://healthybay.us6.list-manage.com/profile?u=3d9cdf2578d5256cea2179daf&id=d04c273c40&e=cd6b87b856&c=7c7aec414c) or unsubscribe (https://healthybay.us6.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=3d9cdf2578d5256cea2179daf&id=d04c273c40&t=b&e=cd6b87b856&c=7c7aec414c) https://www.healthybay.org View email in browser (https://mailchi.mp/healthybay/sound-status-update-june-edition-9beoszqsk8-1405816?e=cd6b87b856)