tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281701352024-03-07T14:48:07.675-08:00BIA BlogTacoma's Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA) provides safety, security, maintenance and streetscape improvements for downtown businesses, residents, workers, students and visitors.
This blog is regularly updated with thoughts and information on events and activities that impact downtown life and updates on downtown revitalization.David Schroedelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14533965870997862752noreply@blogger.comBlogger615125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28170135.post-61686922063381208702016-05-02T14:31:00.001-07:002016-05-02T16:00:14.166-07:00Link to Remain Fare Free<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="http://www.railwaygazette.com/uploads/pics/us-sound_transit_tacoma_link.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.railwaygazette.com/uploads/pics/us-sound_transit_tacoma_link.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">This past Thursday, the Sound Transit Board voted
unanimously to defer the implementation of per- ride fees for the Tacoma Link. The postponement of fee collection was made
possible through a $29,000 annual donation made by the Tacoma Business
Improvement Area. In order to keep
customer foot traffic and business patronage in the downtown area high, the BIA
has offered this donation to offset Sound Transit’s projected lost net <a href="http://tacomadowntown.blogspot.com/2016/04/keeping-link-fare-free-for-now.html">revenues</a>
for the year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Without the BIA’s donation, the transit agency would have
begun charging $1 per adult ride on the Link to <a href="http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article74562737.html">offset the
cost</a> of running the 1.5 mile line.
Both Mayor Marilyn Strickland and the BIA believe the implementation of
a per-ride fee makes more sense once the planned Link expansion in the Hilltop
and Stadium districts is complete (estimated for a <a href="http://www.businessexaminer.com/blog/April-2016/Tacoma-Link-to-remain-free-until-2022/">2022</a>
completion). The current arrangement
will allow hundreds of thousands people to continue riding the Link for free in
the foreseeable future.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">For additional information, visit the Tacoma News Tribune<a href="http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article74562737.html"> here</a>, view the Sound Transit's press release <a href="http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/tacoma-link-remain-fare-free-until-hilltop">here</a>, or read the Business Examiner's coverage <a href="http://www.businessexaminer.com/blog/April-2016/Tacoma-Link-to-remain-free-until-2022/">here</a>.</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264471201805501729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28170135.post-74697818746828907582016-04-28T09:39:00.001-07:002016-04-28T11:17:20.216-07:00Keeping Link Fare Free (for now)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKDuBedIdNg67Ji3NUhpZC4jGf1vWB_UDvZLRu6nqcs1d-S_s0dXUPRYRqhTLMeFZIsUoCIUxU-21xKG8Ei0cq-2IlDrJNASeMBuJtbKh3pj-LDkH763rJPCuAjJulX0gMdh9/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKDuBedIdNg67Ji3NUhpZC4jGf1vWB_UDvZLRu6nqcs1d-S_s0dXUPRYRqhTLMeFZIsUoCIUxU-21xKG8Ei0cq-2IlDrJNASeMBuJtbKh3pj-LDkH763rJPCuAjJulX0gMdh9/s320/photo.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Without getting into too many details, Sound Transit is considering allowing the Downtown Tacoma BIA an opportunity to continue annual payments to keep the Link free until the extension is complete. (<a href="http://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/Resolution%20R2016-10.pdf" target="_blank">Details</a> if you really want them.) This will avoid a potentially significant drop in ridership that would impact all of downtown.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Under previous agreements, a fare of $1.50 per ride is planned for implementation later this fall. Should no adjustments be made, Sound Transit's projections suggest an approximate 25 percent drop in ridership. Meanwhile, Atlanta began charging for its similarly sized downtown system in January and has seen an average 48 percent drop in ridership during the first quarter (link: <a href="http://www.myajc.com/news/news/local-govt-politics/atlanta-streetcar-ridership-takes-a-plunge-in-2016/nq9TB/" target="_blank">Atlanta Journal-Constitution</a>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Can you imagine how much downtown Tacoma would change if somewhere between 200,000 and 500,000 trips were by car instead? Or what if those trips never happened at all? Would you still head down the street for lunch at Indochine or Savor? Would someone attending a concert at the Tacoma Dome still decide to stay at the Marriott or Murano? Both history and projections say that hundreds of thousands of people will say "no."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Once the extension of the Link is complete it will look and feel more like a standard transit line having more than doubled its length and connecting multiple neighborhoods. Unfortunately, some people feel the Link should be charged for now in part specifically to reduce the number of riders (link: <a href="http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/traffic/article74072197.html" target="_blank">The News Tribune</a> ).</span>David Schroedelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14533965870997862752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28170135.post-16371589614110887282016-04-05T14:21:00.000-07:002016-04-05T14:22:13.247-07:00Celebrate Spring and Downtown with the Walk Tacoma 2016 Kickoff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebRBpvaDl0mSWPSJ1uELIqeYGe-uXLeNPbgMG09jNT14gRsu6x-Js-cbZ3maMA9Gb5SW3kGr_kyfn10Brg-pwM1tw7SI7THFF8ggOvqMxnourJAAp3ox97G_X85VgyHtThYuM2g/s1600/BIABlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebRBpvaDl0mSWPSJ1uELIqeYGe-uXLeNPbgMG09jNT14gRsu6x-Js-cbZ3maMA9Gb5SW3kGr_kyfn10Brg-pwM1tw7SI7THFF8ggOvqMxnourJAAp3ox97G_X85VgyHtThYuM2g/s320/BIABlog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Following the success of the 2015 Walk Tacoma
series, this year’s walking series of downtown Tacoma is scheduled to begin on
National Walking Day, April 6<sup>th</sup>, 2016 at noon on the south side of
Wright Park. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Starting with a 1.7 mile historical walking
tour of Tacoma’s Historic Schools, the seven-event series aims to provide an
easy and active way for Tacoma residents to enjoy downtown Tacoma on foot. With
events scheduled at noon and just after five p.m., the 1.5 to 2.0 mile walks
provide the perfect opportunity for downtown students, workers, and residents
to take a break during or after work and explore new walking routes and
attractions with a guided tour. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This year’s themes for the free walking tour
series include a Theatre Walk, a Cultural History Walk, a Museum Walk, a
Scavenger Hunt, and more. For a complete
list of themes, times, and locations, click <a href="http://www.downtownonthego.com/go/walking/walk-tacoma-2016">here</a>.</span><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264471201805501729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28170135.post-45874927843360517412016-03-28T11:51:00.000-07:002016-03-28T11:53:17.547-07:00You'll Like Tacoma <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cityoftacoma.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_6/Image/CMO/Media%20and%20Communications/online-newsroom/original/tacoma-sunrise-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cityoftacoma.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_6/Image/CMO/Media%20and%20Communications/online-newsroom/original/tacoma-sunrise-large.jpg" height="417" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have spent roughly the last four years of my life in Downtown Tacoma. Previous to that, I had only driven by Tacoma on my way to other places and was told that Tacoma is not where I wanted to be. As I have come to find, those sentiments were completely false. Tacoma is exactly where I want to spend the rest of my life. I don’t know about all the other Tacoma transplants but I fell in love immediately and claimed Tacoma as my home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As someone who grew up in an unincorporated town, I never really had a city to call my own. Without ever moving, my address changed four times due to re-configuring of city lines - I was in no man’s land. On top of that, the developing suburbs popping up don’t offer the community that I have come to find in Tacoma. There is not an art community. There are no museums. There is no night life or wonderful Barre classes to enjoy on Sunday mornings. Coffee is limited to Starbucks and there is seriously only one grocery store. Rather than limited choices and opportunities, Tacoma is full of life and vibrancy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You can feel it in the air that Tacoma is the place to be, this is the time that you want to invest and put roots down in the City of Destiny. Tacoma is about to launch into another golden era. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As our art community grows, as our population diversifies, and as the housing market explodes, Tacoma is sure to become one of the best cities in the country to live in. Whether you are out on your own, happily married, in the middle of growing your family, or entering retirement, our city has so much to offer. We are reaching new medical hub heights, our transportation system is set to expand greatly, and graduation rates are rising. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While all of this may sound lofty and like a daydream because of the glacial pace that the city is moving, I believe Tacoma will be the next big thing because they are trying to be very intentional on how Tacoma grows. Tacoma cannot just grow for growth sake, it needs to be well thought out and managed otherwise we will be running into problems of the past. Tacoma is ready to launch and I am so honored that I get to be a part of it. </span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28170135.post-72726291152092230162016-03-15T13:43:00.000-07:002016-03-15T13:44:14.859-07:00Rare daytime ramp closures scheduled amongst usual night closures in Tacoma<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/4_txPuX30zeqxcjPO1ZnYWyGzj0pg-p1CcmfNHmmyF4yx_K9sjL0WjYIxZfAgX3Lqpw=w300" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/4_txPuX30zeqxcjPO1ZnYWyGzj0pg-p1CcmfNHmmyF4yx_K9sjL0WjYIxZfAgX3Lqpw=w300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Many commuters have been aware of the congestion and construction that has been taking place on I-5 through Tacoma and Fife. The Washington State Department of Transportation did a press release last week to address some of the closures that will be occurring this week that are out of the ordinary. Some of these closures will be occurring during the day and at regular commuting times. While this is may be inconvenient, this could also be the perfect opportunity to try out an alternative transportation option. Due to the daytime closures, it would be the ideal time to try out bus lines or take the sounder to get to work. If these options are not available it is advised to change your usual route.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Posted below is the official Washington State Department of Transportation Press Release: </span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Washington
State Department of Transportation </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Olympic
Region – PO Box 47440 – Olympia, WA 98504-7440 – 360-357-2600<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">TRAFFIC
ADVISORY
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">March 11, 2016</span><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Contact: </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="mailto:adamsod@wsdot.wa.gov"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Doug Adamson</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">, WSDOT communications, 360-357-2716<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">TACOMA – Work on adjoining Interstate 5
HOV projects in <a href="http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/i5/MStToPortland/">Tacoma</a>
and <a href="http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/i5/PortlandToPortNB/">Fife</a><u><span style="color: blue;"> </span></u>will require a series of normal night lane and
ramp closures during the week of Monday, March 14. In addition, rare daytime
ramp closures will occur, weather permitting, in the latter half of the week
and over the weekend. Detours will be posted for all ramp closures.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lane closures:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Northbound
I-5 between L Street and Puyallup River Bridge will be reduced to a single lane
during overnight hours Monday and Tuesday, March 14-15. Single, double and
triple-lane closures will begin at 9 p.m., 11 p.m. and 12:01 a.m. respectively.
Two lanes will reopen by 4 a.m., with all lanes opening by 5 a.m. each
following morning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Northbound
I-5 between L Street and Puyallup River Bridge will also be reduced to a single
lane during overnight hours Friday, March 18. Single, double and triple-lane
closures will begin at 11 p.m. and 12:01 a.m. Two lanes will reopen by 5 a.m.,
with all lanes opening by 7 a.m. the following morning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Drivers can also anticipate additional
night single- and double-lane closures on both northbound and southbound I-5
between L Street and the Port of Tacoma Road throughout the week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ramp closures<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Monday, March 14<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bay Street/East 28th Street on-ramp to northbound State
Route 167 (River Road) will close from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. the following
morning.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Southbound I-5 exit to State Route 7 will close from 10
p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Northbound SR 7 exit to northbound Interstate 705 will
close from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Northbound I-5 exits to 20th Street East and Port of
Tacoma Road (Exits #136 A and B) will close from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. the
following morning. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tuesday, March 15<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bay Street/East 28th Street on-ramp to northbound SR
167 will close from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. the following morning.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Southbound I-5 exit to SR 7 will close from 10 p.m. to
6 a.m. the following morning. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Northbound SR 7 exit to northbound I-705 will close
from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Northbound I-5 exits to 20th Street East and Port of
Tacoma Road (Exits #136 A and B) will close from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. the
following morning.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Wednesday, March 16<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bay Street/East 28th Street on-ramp to northbound SR
167 will close from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. the following morning.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Southbound I-705 on-ramps to northbound I-5 and
southbound SR 7 will close from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. the following morning. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thursday, March 17 (NOTE UNUSUAL DAYTIME
RAMP CLOSURE)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Northbound I-5 collector/distributor exit to southbound
SR 7 will close at 10 a.m. The ramp will remain closed around the clock
through 9 a.m. Saturday, March 19. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bay Street/East 28th Street on-ramp to northbound SR
167 will close from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. the following morning.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Northbound I-5 collector/distributor exit to northbound
I-705 will close from 11:59 p.m. to 4 a.m. the following morning. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Friday, March 18<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Northbound I-5 exits to 20th Street East and Port of
Tacoma Road (Exits #136 A and B) will close from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. the
following morning.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">NOTE UNUSUAL WEEKEND CLOSURE: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Northbound I-5 collector/distributor
exit to northbound I-705 will close around the clock from 11 p.m. Friday, March
19, to 5 a.m. Monday, March 21. (This closure is weather-dependent and could be
rescheduled.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Saturday, March 19 <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Northbound I-5 collector/distributor exit to southbound
SR 7 will close from 11 p.m. to 10 a.m. Sunday, March 20.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Stay informed<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Drivers can stay informed about lane and
ramp closure information on <a href="http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/construction/pugetsound/tacoma.htm">Tacomatraffic.com</a>
and the <a href="http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Regions/Olympic/Construction/#pierce">Olympic
Region Weekly Construction and Traffic Updates</a><u><span style="color: blue;"> </span></u>web
pages. Real-time information is available at the <a href="http://www.wsdot.com/traffic/tacoma/default.aspx">Tacoma traffic and
cameras</a> web page and WSDOT on <a href="https://twitter.com/wsdot_tacoma">Twitter</a>.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Hyperlinks within the release: </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: blue; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Project web pages: </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/i5/MStToPortland/"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/i5/MStToPortland/</span></a></span><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<o:p></o:p></span></u></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/i5/PortlandToPortNB/"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/i5/PortlandToPortNB/</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tacomatraffic.com
web page: </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/construction/pugetsound/tacoma.htm"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">www.wsdot.wa.gov/construction/pugetsound/tacoma.htm</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Olympic
Region Weekly Construction and Traffic Updates web page: <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Regions/Olympic/Construction/%23pierce"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">www.wsdot.wa.gov/Regions/Olympic/Construction/#pierce</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tacoma
traffic and cameras<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: blue; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WSDOT on Twitter: </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://twitter.com/wsdot_tacoma"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">https://twitter.com/wsdot_tacoma</span></a></span><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">###<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">WSDOT keeps people,
businesses and the economy moving by operating and improving the state's
transportation systems. To learn more about what we're doing, go to </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/news/"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">www.wsdot.wa.gov/news</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"> for pictures,
videos, news and blogs. Real time traffic information is available at </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic</span></a></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">or by dialing 511.</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28170135.post-33194275347171701182016-03-03T16:15:00.001-08:002016-03-03T16:15:26.246-08:00Lace Up!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.databarevents.com/assets/event_uploads/5/images/2016%20st%20paddys%20banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://www.databarevents.com/assets/event_uploads/5/images/2016%20st%20paddys%20banner.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Record rain isn't going to stop Tacoma from their eighth annual St. Paddy's Day Run! This run is friendly for all skill levels that range from a 5K all the way to a half marathon option. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The race will be held March 12, 2016 and begins at 8:00am </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Registration ends Tuesday March 8th at Midnight and there will be no day of registrations so be sure to register <a href="http://www.stpaddyruntacoma.com/events/registration-info" target="_blank">here</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Forum will be hosting the post race party with Bud Light Specials and live music! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For those with children there will be a kid friendly 1K race after the awards ceremony where parents can cheer on their little ones. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28170135.post-10289144579146380302016-02-19T10:43:00.001-08:002016-02-19T10:43:44.698-08:00Tacoma Bike Share Open House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuDM1ph0GFRY_E-cIe8Ilwb_eE3cWW-3HCbuP1HlGQzS5pkeMVYZRC32iDT6Fdn19E1vpYtFYCH8XU77zDLfjjd79FvBrjK3SO5rOLrLhfhvuElJQ0BuO5eGMjFTMtQkCVy2siQ/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuDM1ph0GFRY_E-cIe8Ilwb_eE3cWW-3HCbuP1HlGQzS5pkeMVYZRC32iDT6Fdn19E1vpYtFYCH8XU77zDLfjjd79FvBrjK3SO5rOLrLhfhvuElJQ0BuO5eGMjFTMtQkCVy2siQ/s640/Picture2.png" width="495" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The City of Tacoma is hosting a public open house on February 25th to discuss the prospects of introducing a public bike share system to Tacoma. The City launched an investigative study to explore the viability of bringing a bike share program to Tacoma. The bike share program would be put in place to increase the use of bikes for short-range travel, decrease the use of single occupancy vehicles traveling to Tacoma, and shift to more sustainable transpiration options. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The open house will teach those who are interested in the types of bike share systems that will work for Tacoma. There will also be an opportunity to provide feedback on the viability, station locations, and the types of technology being proposed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The public open house will be held on February 25th, 5:00-7:00pm at </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Evergreen State College in the Main Hall. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For additional information you can contact </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Diane Wiatr at dwiatr@cityoftacoma.org or at 253-591-5380.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/politics-government/article26287957.html" target="_blank">Read more on the City's work and plans on the bike share program here.</a></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 10pt; font-stretch: normal; height: 1px; overflow: hidden; width: 1px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Rad</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif;"> more here: http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/politics-government/article26287957.html#storylink=cpy</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28170135.post-18296965176260076582016-02-01T14:00:00.000-08:002016-02-01T14:00:39.563-08:00I-5 Ramp and Lane Closures taking place February 1st-7th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thenewstribune.com/latest-news/nezcdn/picture24307735/ALTERNATES/FREE_640/bHQp7.So.5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.thenewstribune.com/latest-news/nezcdn/picture24307735/ALTERNATES/FREE_640/bHQp7.So.5.jpeg" height="207" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Take caution this week if you plan on taking I-5 in the evening or early morning during this week's commute. As crews are continuing to improve the interstate around the Tacoma Port and Fife, drivers can now expect an increase in lane and ramp closures. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Department of Transportation as reported the following for this week (02/01-07/2016): </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Monday, February 1st:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The on-ramp from East 28th Street to northbound state Route 167 will close at 10 p.m. and reopen at 4 a.m. Tuesday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Tuesday, February 2nd:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The exit from southbound I-5 to southbound state Route 7 will close at 10 p.m. and reopen at 6 a.m. Wednesday. Also, the on-ramp from East 28th Street to northbound SR 167 will close at 10 p.m. and reopen at 4 a.m. Wednesday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Wednesday, February 3rd:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The exit from southbound I-5 to southbound SR 7 will close at 11 a.m. and reopen at 6 a.m. Thursday. Also, the on-ramp from East 28th Street to northbound SR 167 will close at 10 p.m. and reopen at 4 a.m. Thursday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Thursday, February 4th:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The on-ramp from South 38th Street to northbound SR 7 will close at 11 p.m. and reopen at 6 a.m. Friday. Also, the on-ramp from East 28th Street to northbound SR 167 will close at 10 p.m. and reopen at 4 a.m. Friday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Friday, February 5th:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The on-ramp from South 38th Street to northbound SR 7 will be closed from 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m. Also, the on-ramp from East 28th Street to northbound I-5 will close from 11:59 p.m. to 4 a.m. Saturday. The on-ramp from East 28th Street to northbound SR 167 will close at 11 p.m. and not reopen until 7 a.m. Saturday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In addition, the northbound collector-distributor lanes from I-5 to northbound Interstate 705 will be closed from 11 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Feb. 8.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lastly, the northbound I-5 collector-distributor exit to southbound SR 7 will be closed from 3 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Saturday and from 11 p.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday.</span><br />
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<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; height: 1px; line-height: normal; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-transform: none; width: 1px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Read more here: http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/traffic/article57613438.html#storylink=cpy</span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28170135.post-32225723073433563072016-01-28T13:23:00.000-08:002016-01-28T13:23:01.624-08:00A New Location for the Old Spaghetti Factory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://gardnerteam.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/spe-factory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gardnerteam.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/spe-factory.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Walking into the new Old Spaghetti Factory on Pacific Avenue is just how their management describes it, with such an eye for detail it feels as though you are "stepping into another world." It doesn't matter if you are walking in from the bar entrance or the main dining area, you are immediately surrounded by beautiful rich colors. large area rugs, Victorian inspired lighting, and of course the historical dining trolley.<br />
<br />
The Old Spaghetti Factory can now be found in their new home at 1250 Pacific Ave. Tacoma, WA 98402. People trying to get to their old location will find that it is currently fenced off and the University of Washington Tacoma has already begun construction for their new Urban Solutions Center.<br />
<br />
The staff was extremely kind as I interrupted their morning setup before opening for the lunch rush. They welcomed me in, gave me a quick tour, and allowed me to snap some photos. I look forward to coming back during their operating hours to grab a tasty bite to eat with family and friends.<br />
<a href="http://www.osf.com/location/tacoma-wa/" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.osf.com/location/tacoma-wa/" target="_blank">Check out their new website here</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_495673881"></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28170135.post-50685136520347020742016-01-19T11:45:00.000-08:002016-01-19T11:47:53.499-08:00A Facelift for Freighthouse Square<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.valpak.com/img/bpp/owenspaintingfreighhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.valpak.com/img/bpp/owenspaintingfreighhouse.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After two years of strenuous conversations over the location of the new Tacoma Amtrak station, the Washington State Department of Transportation is happy to announce that the new location will be located at the historic Freighthouse Square. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The new station and construction will be necessary because passenger trains will now be using new routes starting in 2017. Instead of the existing station on Puyallup Ave, the new location with be at the to-be renovated Freighthouse Square. The new location will cut eight minutes off travel time for those going to and from the Seattle-Portland stations and will relieve congestion on the waterfront line. Along with these improvements, Amtrak will be increasing the number of passenger trains traveling from Seattle to Portland from five daily trips to seven in 2017. The Washington State Department of Transportation are putting the final touches on the plans and will be advertising for bids in February and are hoping that construction will begin mid-spring. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So far the plans for Freighthouse square include the middle portion of the building to be demolished and replaced with the new station, on the original footprint. Currently WSDOT is still negotiating details and selling price with the building’s owner, Brian Borgelt. While the process has been rather long and drawn out, Borgelt is hopeful that everything will be settled soon. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One thing that comes to mind when talking about Freighthouse is all the small business located within the building. Borgelt has made it one of his goals to keep the businesses in the non-demolition location open and viable for business. The businesses located within the breakdown sight have already been moved out in preparation. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For more information click <a href="http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/business/article54988165.html#storylink=cpy" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28170135.post-78686776878454164372016-01-05T14:48:00.000-08:002016-01-05T14:48:30.780-08:00University Y One Year Later<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://clubindustry.com/site-files/clubindustry.com/files/imagecache/large_img/uploads/2015/01/uwtacoma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://clubindustry.com/site-files/clubindustry.com/files/imagecache/large_img/uploads/2015/01/uwtacoma.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One year ago on January 4th, the University of Washington Tacoma and the YMCA opened a student center unlike any in the country. The University-Y Student Center is so much more than the run of the mill student center. First off, one thing that is very unique about this facility is that it is open to not only students but to the public and regular YMCA members as well. As of today the University Y has 4,406 members, with roughly 80% of membership being represented by the UW Tacoma student population. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">People from all walks of life are able to come together under one roof to workout, play volleyball, come to an event, or be introduced to a college setting for the first time in their lives. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For the students, this is a place to have fun, workout, build relationships, start a club, or go to work. UW Tacoma has all of their clubs housed at the student center along with programs from student involvement and student government. In the Student Center you can find the Associated Students of the University of Washington Tacoma, Student Activities Board, and others. All of these resources are provided for students and open for all students to join or apply to. The University Y is also proud to offer students a reflection room, where any member can come and take time out of their day for quiet reflection, prayer, or meditation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The University and the YMCA are big supporters of giving back to the community and are proud to offer services such as the Juvenile Justice Program, clothing and toy drives, health awareness months, and supporting shelters and soup kitchens in the Tacoma area. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some of the exciting things that are going on this month at the Y are that they are having their January promotion that waives their joining fee until January 18th, intramural registration is open January 4-18th, and the New Year will bring the new Jillian Michael’s BODYSHRED classes that are sure to ramp up your workout routine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To find out more on their website <a href="https://www.ymcapkc.org/university-ymca/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28170135.post-4236429234478946202015-12-29T15:17:00.001-08:002015-12-29T15:17:45.989-08:00Tacoma Ranked on the "10 Hot Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2016"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Earlier this December, Trulia, named Tacoma 10th on their “10 Hot Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2016.” Trulia regards Tacoma for our natural beauty, the wide array of outdoor activities we have to offer, and a flourishing arts and culture community. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Another highlight in our ranking is that while we are surrounded by major employers, we have kept the city an affordable place to call home, making Tacoma an </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“attractive destination for young professionals and families in the Pacific Northwest.”</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Tacoma was listed alongside some amazing cities such as, Grand Rapids, Charleston, Austin, Baton Rouge, San Antonio, and Colorado Springs, just to name a few. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">With the recent announcements of the Link extensions and the luxury hotels that are going to be opening in the next few years, Tacoma will be sure to rank even higher in the years to come. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">C</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">heck out the full article <a href="http://www.trulia.com/blog/10-hot-real-estate-markets-to-watch-in-2016/" target="_blank">here</a> and explore some of the real estate opportunities that Tacoma has to offer. </span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28170135.post-87707793891444279342015-12-28T09:38:00.000-08:002015-12-28T10:22:13.258-08:00Tacoma's First Night Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Looking for amazing New Year Eve plans? Tacoma has your answer. For the 20th year, First Night will be hosted in downtown Tacoma. Full of family fun, art, music, fire, ice, and so much more; ringing in the New Year has never been better!</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The $10 button required for entrance gives you access to 10 stages, over 50 artists, and all day activities such as, free access to the Museum of Glass, Tacoma Art Museum, Tacoma Children’s Museum, and free skate rentals at Franciscan Polar Plaza. If you don't purchase your button in advance, it will be $14 at the door. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First night typically draws in anywhere between 10,000 and 20,000 participants so you want to make sure to get there early and grab some parking. They are encouraging attendees to park at the Tacoma Dome and take the Link down to the festival. The Link will be running until 1:00AM and give you plenty of time to get back to your car as hassle free as possible. First Night runs from 6pm-12am on Thursday, December 31st.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">There will be food trucks and restaurant deals happening all over town. Be sure to check out their <a href="http://www.firstnighttacoma.org/index/#home-1" target="_blank">website</a> to get a full list of all the perks and packages available. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To purchase your button click <a href="http://www.firstnighttacoma.org/online" target="_blank">here</a> and if you want to find out more click <a href="http://www.firstnighttacoma.org/index/#home-1" target="_blank">here</a>! </span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28170135.post-33495422384850679262015-12-23T13:14:00.000-08:002015-12-23T13:14:32.150-08:005th Anniversary of the CHI Franciscan Polar Plaza<br />
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<a href="http://static1.squarespace.com/static/5250a9afe4b06da77023f4de/t/56301162e4b004085dbb84ce/1445990755262/PolarPlazaWebBackground.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://static1.squarespace.com/static/5250a9afe4b06da77023f4de/t/56301162e4b004085dbb84ce/1445990755262/PolarPlazaWebBackground.png" height="190" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">CHI Franciscan Polar Plaza is here for their fifth year at Tollefson Plaza located at 17th and Pacific. While they are experts in all things fun and ice-skating, this year they have taken entertainment to a whole new level! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This year CHI Franciscan partnered up with the Tacoma Art Museum, Metro Parks Tacoma and the City of Tacoma to bring you wonderful theme filled adventures. Including a nature skate on December 22nd, a blind date skate on the 23rd, Karaoke Night on the 26th, celebrate a teacher you know and love with Teacher’s Night Out on December 27th, and many more amazing themes! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There will also be food, music, and art for the whole family to enjoy! Hometown Dogs food truck will be at the rink December 15-17, 19-20 and January 1-3 from 11:30am-9:00pm. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Polar Plaza will be open now until January 10th so be sure to skate on down!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For more information and hours click <a href="http://www.polarplaza.com/" target="_blank">here</a>! </span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28170135.post-68236416630080187112015-12-21T12:11:00.002-08:002015-12-21T12:13:13.581-08:00Two Big Wins for Tacoma Transit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6e/Tacoma_Link_at_Union_Station-S_19th_Stop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6e/Tacoma_Link_at_Union_Station-S_19th_Stop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last week the Sound Transit Board approved their 2016 budget, which dedicated funds to Tacoma, Lakewood, Federal Way, Seattle, Everett and other transit systems. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Sound Transit Board approved an overall budget of $1.2 billion; $802.9 million of that was dedicated to expansions with an emphasis on light rail expansions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Some of the plans include $44 million to complete the final design and begin constructing the Tacoma Trestle, $7 million for the Tacoma Link extension, $11 million to complete final design and start construction of an expanded Sounder layover facility in Lakewood that will accommodate added south line service by 2017, $9 million to purchase new coaches for expanded Sounder service to Lakewood, and many other projects around Western Washington. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">More funding will be made available to Tacoma from the Federal Transit Administration's budget, as voted on last week by the House and Senate. Sound Transit reports $74.99 million in Small Starts funding will be dedicated to extending the Tacoma Link light rail line into the Hilltop neighborhood. The funding will go specifically towards the expansion voters approved in 2008. The expansion will create an additional 2.4 miles along Stadium Way to the Hilltop District. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Moving forward with the strong support for continued expansions the Sound Transit Board will be placing a comprehensive package for voters to consider next November. The measure will be known as the Sound Transit 3 ballot measure and will be available as a draft in early 2016. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Follow the links below for more information: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.rtands.com/index.php/passenger/rapid-transit-light-rail/sound-transit-board-approves-2016-budget-with-focus-on-rail-system-expansion.html?channel" target="_blank">RT&S</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.businessexaminer.com/blog/December-2015/With-new-budget-Sound-Transit-has-big-plans-for-South-Sound/" target="_blank">Business Examiner </a></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28170135.post-21324937072817085042015-12-16T12:48:00.001-08:002015-12-16T12:50:03.501-08:00Hotels on the Horizon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pointruston.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Grand-Plaza-at-Point-Ruston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.pointruston.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Grand-Plaza-at-Point-Ruston.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With the announcement of <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25.5px;">McMenamins winning the bid a few weeks ago for the Old City Hall building, everyone seems to be making announcements for new and upcoming hotel projects for Tacoma's future. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25.5px;">Almost eight years ago, Bellevue's Silver Cloud Inn and Hotels announced that they would be developing an 180 room hotel on Point Ruston, and it has just been announced that construction is finally underway. The delay can be attributed to a slow moving recession coupled with disputes over land-use permits with the City of Ruston. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25.5px;">Bellevue's Silver Cloud Inn and Hotels is set to open in 2018 and planned to include one restaurant, a ballroom, meeting rooms, a pool, an exercise room, and a parking garage. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25.5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25.5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are two other major proposals on the table for the future of Tacoma's tourist and business industry. A Chinese investment group, who is still gathering investors, is interested in creating a 24-story, 300 room high rise. It is proposed that this would be a convention hotel along with a condominium complex. The second is coming from Hollander Investments and they have their eyes on the Thea Foss Waterway. Hollander and Investments is planning to build a hotel and an office complex. The first of the buildings to go up will be a nine-story Marriott Residence Inn that will provided 104 rooms. Ground breaking dates have not been set yet, Hollander and Investments are waiting to see how the other proposed hotels do before starting construction. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25.5px;">If everything goes as planned Tacoma can expect to see five new hotels, at least one more condominium complex, and an increase in office spaces and store fronts in the next few years. Tacoma truly is the City of Destiny and is planning on making a large impact on Tacoma's small business and local economy. </span></span></div>
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ead more here: http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/business/article49463305.html#storylink=cpy</div>
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Read more here: http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/business/article49463305.html#storylink=cpy</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28170135.post-86062848588408379512015-12-07T12:49:00.000-08:002015-12-07T12:49:31.243-08:00Tacoma takes 4th in "Top 10 Best Places to Retire"<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="http://www.naturecityphotography.com/?utm_source=TPCC+eNews_Nov+17+2015&utm_campaign=TPCC+eNews_Nov+17+2015&utm_medium=email" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39226rX5cMrUggCizavIbIQtSkE2vq8gZnChPSLyh7LuK9Ua1CTRuMGO6tbvojU4djcsnpleXRvfnMT2Fenlcep1TGlOnYhbB_X0e7qzjwQQKbyOThiJw5htNsNENEDwoK4nnvA/s1600/tacoma.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In a recent ranking conducted by Livability, Tacoma has been
ranked 4<sup>th </sup>on their “<a href="http://www.livability.com/top-10/retirement/top-10-best-places-to-retire/2015/wa/tacoma" target="_blank">Top 10 Best Places to Retire</a>.” Tacoma was
selected for having luxury condos, suburban neighborhoods, and a restored
downtown that boasts a “collection of cultural amenities.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tacoma also offers
affordable health care, a wide array of wonderful hospitals, and over 10
retirement and assisted living facilities. We also have a high concentration of
parks and golf courses, the Puget Sound, museums, a wide collection of performing art centers,
and of course amazing food options.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Livability had nothing but wonderful things to say about the Tacoma area
and even gave a shout out to the fact that we are a wonderful place for young
families to also find their place in all that Tacoma has to offer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tacoma
was also ranked 42</span><sup style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">nd</sup><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> in their most recent “</span><a href="http://www.livability.com/best-places/top-100-best-places-to-live/2014" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Top 100 Best Places to Live</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">.” This just proves that whether you are ready to retire or start a family, Tacoma is the
perfect place to settle down and enjoy all we have to offer. </span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28170135.post-40598500004533797892015-12-02T12:09:00.000-08:002015-12-02T12:09:13.911-08:00Six Years and Waiting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCnXlT1I3JlhtRNLuiY3LdhRc0OI7CAhbYNJG5Ur3ckKOp3Le1N_xQid9xt3qH36t6XRInu6414RFAfNknOSHSMqxF1c0DimV8BPZoSz3YgLJewLz7ItoauTJ7NY8rjUyR9_Prw/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCnXlT1I3JlhtRNLuiY3LdhRc0OI7CAhbYNJG5Ur3ckKOp3Le1N_xQid9xt3qH36t6XRInu6414RFAfNknOSHSMqxF1c0DimV8BPZoSz3YgLJewLz7ItoauTJ7NY8rjUyR9_Prw/s400/Picture1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Announced
almost six years ago was the purchasing of the Elks Lodge in downtown Tacoma.
Roughly a month ago came the announcement that renovations were finally
beginning. Why the six year lag you ask? Well, the purchasing company,
McMenamins has your answer. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt;">To find the answer you first need to know who is McMenamins?
McMenamins is a Portland based entertainment company that holds properties
throughout Oregon, Bothell and now Tacoma. They also only work on one project
at a time, which explains the gap. With the Bothell building now complete, it
is finally Tacoma’s turn. </span><span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Another
recent announcement was that the City of Tacoma has awarded McMenamins with the
bid for Old City Hall, located across the street from the Elks Lodge. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">McMenamins has a thirty year history of turning
historic buildings into entertainment and lodging locations. They are currently
planning on renovating the Elks Lodge to feature an event space and a rooftop
garden, accompanied by three restaurants, a bar, and a brewery. To top off this
massive renovation, there will also be approximately 46 hotel rooms for guests
to stay and play. The Old City Hall, which will be a few years behind the Elks
Lodge, will be a complimentary experience for guests. The plan for Old City
Hall is to have at least 60 hotel rooms, a gift shop, soaking pools, community
and private meeting spaces, along with a jailhouse themed bar and a rooftop
restaurant featuring a greenhouse. The Elks Lodge will have more of a unique </span>floor plan<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> with a labyrinth of different types of rooms, while the Old City Hall
will keep its classic design consistent throughout the building. </span></span><span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt;">This is looking to be two very large renovations
with promising outcomes. These plans will not only take the burden of these two
beautiful yet deteriorating buildings off the shoulders of the city but it will
also be an amazing new opportunity for tourism and small businesses to
flourish. </span><span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt;">The Elks lodge has been purchased completely by
McMenamins and due to it being a private selling process, no firm timelines
were made mandatory for this building.
However, they are hopeful there will be an opening mid-2017. The Old
City Hall is on a lease to potentially own status with firm deadlines so as not
to experience a six year lag as with the Elks Lodge. Final details, deadlines,
and costs have not yet been set but City Council is hoping to have everything
approved by early next year. Decisions on if this will be a purchase to own
property are still unclear and neither party is giving an indication on which
way they are leaning. </span><span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With
only a handful of historic buildings left to renovate in Tacoma, many people
are looking to see what possible projects could be on the horizon for the
companies who were outbid for the Old City Hall. Companies such as, Daniels
Real Estate, a Seattle based company with experience in historical
restorations, lost to McMenamins but is still interested in moving to Tacoma. Some
are speculating that the Washington Building on Pacific Ave, the
University-Union Club at 539 Broadway, and the Mansion on Broadway may be next
to join the ranks of Tacoma’s beautiful historic renovations. Tacoma has a
strong grip on their past and is not going to let changing times take away from
the rich history that we have to offer. Restoring historic buildings is
classically Tacoma and here to stay for many more generations to enjoy. </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28170135.post-39690986740098958902015-11-16T11:11:00.001-08:002015-11-16T11:11:31.129-08:00Downtown Tacoma: Monster Truck Takeover<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In late September of this year, downtown Tacoma had experienced some unusual street closures and some may have noticed an extremely large black and green monster truck barreling down 17th or getting some air off the steps of Tollefson Plaza. It wasn't difficult to take a guess what this mysterious closure was up to because it certainly wasn't construction. It was clear that downtown Tacoma had been taken over by driver BJ Baldwin and his camera crew, along with a notorious Pacific Northwest resident, Sasquatch. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After a little over a month of waiting, the video was released and this isn't just any ordinary commercial, this is "Recoil 3", the third installment of "Recoil" the mini-series. Recoils 1 and 2 have Baldwin in the same monster truck with a similar car chase theme through all three of them. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Take a look at the video for yourself and let us know what you think! </span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28170135.post-55448643023987431542015-11-04T13:57:00.002-08:002015-11-04T13:57:48.981-08:00Help Brighten the Holidays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRc4C00o3XhQpeM3MKsM7GsC4h5nANgFbHGWEduq3EAZ8sJQJUT" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRc4C00o3XhQpeM3MKsM7GsC4h5nANgFbHGWEduq3EAZ8sJQJUT" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Question, how many Tacomans does it take to change hundreds of light bulbs? Just one, but it would take years! Every holiday season Tacoma is lit up with lights and shooting stars but over the years and the rain, the lights are shining less and less. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Which is why Spaceworks and the BIA are asking for your help to brighten the holidays with a Bulb Party!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">BIA and Spaceworks will have all of the supplies necessary for a fantastic bulb party including refreshments and goodies, all we are missing is you! Many hands will turn this dark and dull task into a light
and merry one, so come join us, and bring your friends!</span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Bulb Party will be hosted November 10th and there are three times to choose from! We will be hosting shifts from 7:00-9:00 am, 11:00-1:00 pm, and 5:00-8:00 pm. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal;"> The Bulb Party will be at the downtown Post Office Building on the main floor. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal;">This event is a collaboration between the Downtown Merchants
Group, Spaceworks, the Business Improvement Association, Post Hall, and
you! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">To find out more information go to our </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Spaceworks-Tacoma-109572422414579/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;" target="_blank">Facebook</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"> page and join our event page! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: normal;">Location address: </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: normal;">Post Hall </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Board Room</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: normal;">1102 A Street Tacoma, WA 98401 </span></div>
</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHQjQ1RA0IeJwAAfU6Xj0pM9eBDjV7L2XrEj0SCH0Q3hQst2cejlI7JpzL6aFdXFvyWOlAsa2GnyaENIWzrtcwjIufn-Elz7agwQDDRRwIkDGpw07pHP4oKTByW5h1RevZqJdAA/s1600/IMG_20151103_160628_133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHQjQ1RA0IeJwAAfU6Xj0pM9eBDjV7L2XrEj0SCH0Q3hQst2cejlI7JpzL6aFdXFvyWOlAsa2GnyaENIWzrtcwjIufn-Elz7agwQDDRRwIkDGpw07pHP4oKTByW5h1RevZqJdAA/s320/IMG_20151103_160628_133.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28170135.post-87810924626839692402015-10-30T11:25:00.001-07:002015-10-30T11:25:17.418-07:00Dia De Los Muertos: TAM's 11th Annual Day of the Dead Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.tacomaweekly.com/assets/tacomaweekly/upload/article/TAM_Skull_Colors_4x5_rgb_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.tacomaweekly.com/assets/tacomaweekly/upload/article/TAM_Skull_Colors_4x5_rgb_72.jpg" height="320" width="251" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Tacoma Art Museum will be hosting their 11th Dia De Los Muertos festival this November 1st 10:00am-4:00pm. This year they will be hosting a Calavera Costume Contest where you can enter to win a $100 prize. There will be free face painting, sugar skull making, and you can create chalk memorials under the TAM's grand awning.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
Artist Rene Julio will be featured along with community and partner made altars throughout the museum. Traditional foods will be served in the TAM cafe along with mariachi music to dance to. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
While the event does run from 10:00am-4:00pm, special times and events have been scheduled throughout the day. From 11:00-12:00pm there will be a mariachi performance by Mariachi Lucero, at 2:00pm Danza Quetzacoatl de Olympia will be performing. 3:00pm the winner of the Calavera costume contest will be announced and throughout the entire day PBS will be screening their series: <i>Latino Americans. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This event is free and open to the public. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There are more activities yet to be announced so be sure to check out their Facebook and website links below.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I hope to see you all there! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: galaxie-polaris, arial, san-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Find out more on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/896289063790047/" target="_blank">TAM's Facebook Page</a> or the the <a href="http://www.tacomaartmuseum.org/event/11th-annual-dia-de-los-muertos/" target="_blank">TAM website</a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: galaxie-polaris, arial, san-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: galaxie-polaris, arial, san-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Get inspired <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/tacomaartmuseum/dia-de-los-muertos/" target="_blank">here</a> for Calavera cosutme ideas! </span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.9px;">Film School Shorts is a production of KQED.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #555555; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.9px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.9px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16.9px;">Written and directed by Ashley Graham, Kate Reynolds and Lindsey St. Pierre. The film won Gold Medal at the 2013 Student Academy Award for Best Animated Short.</span></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #555555; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.9px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.9px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16.9px;">Music by Corey Wallace</span><span style="line-height: 16.9px;"> </span></div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.9px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16.9px;">Sound Department Mauricio d'Orey</span><span style="line-height: 16.9px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16.9px;"><br /></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28170135.post-30030406568083433022015-10-29T10:15:00.001-07:002015-10-29T10:15:50.663-07:00Last Farmer's Market Day 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfX7UCLsZnmvOAKy9_yfeSDGyx41pfPanblbWCph81N7BIcInh4liUcLJddEfF-X1ZSd9Y1x2mngyCcpQLI_ZKpC89aVTdOuI8YvulkIyaJWsjxLcMnQAtdECBhxn_wwUi9sl/s1600/BroadwayMarket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfX7UCLsZnmvOAKy9_yfeSDGyx41pfPanblbWCph81N7BIcInh4liUcLJddEfF-X1ZSd9Y1x2mngyCcpQLI_ZKpC89aVTdOuI8YvulkIyaJWsjxLcMnQAtdECBhxn_wwUi9sl/s320/BroadwayMarket.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our northwest fall sun is making a rare appearance for the final day of the downtown Tacoma farmer's market. As I walked through the set-up this morning I was reminded that this was my last chance for the earthy smell of carrots, homemade breads, & of course $5 flowers. Don't miss this last chance to engage in your Thursday ritual. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't forget to say goodbye to your favorite vendors and find out where you can find them November through April before they return to the market in May.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See you on Broadway!</span>David Schroedelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14533965870997862752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28170135.post-67572264651715382742015-10-26T15:14:00.000-07:002015-10-26T15:14:54.530-07:00$15 Mil. for Tacoma LINK Expansion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlrO0-HkM9w3KVSEXSKP9M9MBmF1DbT5PeZ1mostIiGA2wELxyfbpMfIGQpUTUYzZ8bnPQ8ScpN-Y9j7ytvJdW9liP8IOGPHVbovSIiar5WqMwgPY5Wl4nk-Hqt38HvJsjzOhfA/s1600/Tacoma+Link.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlrO0-HkM9w3KVSEXSKP9M9MBmF1DbT5PeZ1mostIiGA2wELxyfbpMfIGQpUTUYzZ8bnPQ8ScpN-Y9j7ytvJdW9liP8IOGPHVbovSIiar5WqMwgPY5Wl4nk-Hqt38HvJsjzOhfA/s1600/Tacoma+Link.jpg" /></a></div>
Today, Sen. Patty Murray announced the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the City of Tacoma $15 million for the Tacoma LINK Expansion through the TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grant program Sen. Murray created in 2009.<br />
<br />
The project will expand downtown Tacoma's existing streetcar line to more than double its current length, and add several stations with improved bicycle and pedestrian access.<br />
<br />
“This is the kind of investment that can transform neighborhoods and help local economies grow and create jobs,” Senator Murray said. “As Tacoma continues to grow, it’s critical that all citizens-- including students, workers, and families-- have access to safe, reliable transit. I’m proud to keep fighting for the federal TIGER grant program because it continually reinvests in our communities, brings our transit systems into the 21st century, and helps our economy grow from the middle out, not the top down.”<br />
<br />
Earlier this year in an official letter of support, Sen. Murray urged Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx to consider the grant, citing the project’s ability to connect communities and spur economic activity. In addition to the Tacoma LINK Expansion grant, Sen. Murray also announced today that the Washington State Department of Transportation has been awarded $10 million to construct a new ferry terminal in Mukilteo.<br />
<br />
Since Sen. Murray created the TIGER program, it has awarded $4.1 billion to 342 innovative, multimodal projects around the country, including $204 million going to 13 projects in Washington state. Past projects include the North Spokane Corridor, the Mercer Corridor Redevelopment, the South Park Bridge Replacement in King County, the West Vancouver Freight Access project at the Port of Vancouver, improvements to I-5 to relieve congestion around JBLM, and moderation of Terminal 46 at the Port of Seattle.<br />
<br />
Background on Tacoma LINK Expansion Project:<br />
• Project approved by voters in 2008 as part of Sound Transit 2 Plan<br />
• Supported by Tacoma City Council, Pierce County, Sound Transit, Tacoma Public Schools, Group Health, University of Washington-Tacoma, Evergreen State College, Tacoma Housing Authority, and more<br />
• With expansion, the existing 1.6 mile streetcar line will gain an additional 2.4 miles, for a total system length of 4 miles<br />
• The expansion includes six additional stations with service planned for 17 hours/day<br />
• The expansion would connect downtown Tacoma to the Stadium and Hilltop Districts, where 25 percent of residents are low-income and 30 percent of households have no vehicle<br />
• The expansion would provide access to Tacoma’s “Medical Mile,” which includes major hospitals and medical centers, and five educational facilities serving nearly 17,000 students<br />
• Transit trips are expected to increase from 1 million to 3.5 million annually, for a daily ridership increase of nearly 85 percent<br />
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Gary Bracketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12088107109667116883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28170135.post-42536285328772011172015-10-26T13:22:00.003-07:002015-10-29T10:08:37.734-07:00Taking a Piece of History Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblP5jKBbYI2uOHjMZ9UyAtcZ5OCqYJlX0A9yR_wVnKc60xT22YdtZPbFqUO_lApqBr_581K3Gsle2tCTPoG3_oitANj20N1IUqGEDlm5VdaH30NJ4j9S78wnLULMdQXSBIThlaw/s1600/US+Open+2015+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblP5jKBbYI2uOHjMZ9UyAtcZ5OCqYJlX0A9yR_wVnKc60xT22YdtZPbFqUO_lApqBr_581K3Gsle2tCTPoG3_oitANj20N1IUqGEDlm5VdaH30NJ4j9S78wnLULMdQXSBIThlaw/s400/US+Open+2015+Banner.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In June, Tacoma welcomed the world into our
backyard and for the first time in State history hosted the US Open. While many
of us continued on with our regular routines, for that brief moment Golf was
the highlight of our week. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We watched and hoped for our champions to rise and
watched as some of the greatest golfers were taken down by one of the hardest
golf courses in the country. We witnessed a young man swing into the history
books as the youngest person to ever win the US Open and we were right there
beside him.</span></span></div>
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<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="background: white; color: #141823; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Take a piece of the history home with you by purchasing a US Open Banner.
These banners were proudly displayed throughout Tacoma and are now available
for purchase. There are a limited amount of banners and cost $20 each. These lightly used banners are roughly 30inX60in and are made of all weather vinyl.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="background: white; color: #141823; line-height: 115%;">They are
available for pick up at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber at 950</span></span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"> Pacific Ave #300, Tacoma, WA 98402</span>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; line-height: 115%;">Call the Chamber a</span><span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;">t </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Call via Hangouts"><span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;">(253)627-2175</span></a><span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="color: #222222;">if you have any questions.</span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28170135.post-82891167917013651512015-10-07T14:05:00.000-07:002015-10-07T14:05:08.884-07:00Closing One Chapter and Beginning Another<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Last Friday, October 3<sup>rd,</sup><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>the University of Washington Tacoma
said goodbye to their 25<sup>th</sup><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>anniversary,
said hello to their 26<sup>th</sup><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>the
new academic year. The next 25 years are sure to bring bright minds and
innovation to Tacoma and the South Sound area. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The newly appointed
Chancellor Pagano welcomed the first year students with words of encouragement
and advice. Many students in the crowd are Tacoma natives and are the first in
their families to get the opportunity to go to college, making convocation an
extremely special event to celebrate the students’ grand accomplishment. Last
year the University was at 68% first generation with their student body
population just around 4,500 students. This year is sure to increase in both
size and in first generation college goers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">The University prides
itself on its Urban Serving mission, which is why Convocation runs through the
Downtown area, to show incoming students not only the partnerships that the
University has fostered but to show them how much their community supports
them. The University is a member of the Coalition of Urban Serving
Universities. The University and the coalition define themselves as “</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">a network of public, urban, research
universities committed to creating an educated workforce, building strong
communities and improving the health of diverse populations.</span>” <span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tacoma is so unique in
the way that it was the community who brought UW Tacoma to life and the
community who has supported them in so many ways. Not many Universities
get to say that. Universities and their communities usually are going in two
different directions but this is not the case for Tacoma and UW Tacoma. They
have grown some much together and continue to grow side by side, serving the South
Sound. With the University’s next building project in their sights, they are
set to grow once again with the Urban Solutions Center, promising to bring with
it more partnerships and students poised to become the future of Tacoma. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0