University Y One Year Later

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

To find out more on their website here.

Tacoma Ranked on the "10 Hot Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2016"

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. 

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 “attractive destination for young professionals and families in the Pacific Northwest.” 
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. 

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.  

Check out the full article here and explore some of the real estate opportunities that Tacoma has to offer. 

Prairie Line Trail Update

On Monday, August 9, 2010 the City of Tacoma applied for design and construction grants as part of the ongoing process of transforming the abandoned Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad corridor into an urban pedestrian and bicycle trail.

The Prairie Line Trail will be a linear park linking planned redevelopment in the Brewery District to the University of Washington Tacoma, Tollefson Plaza, Tacoma Art Museum and the Thea Foss Esplanade. The trail will provide better access from the south end of downtown to the Foss Waterway and will be a benefit to businesses and employees. Additionally, the Prairie Line Trail will connect to other regional trails including the Historic Water Ditch Trail and the Scott Pierson Trail.

Urban Grace Church hosts town hall meeting on urbanism tonight

Join Rev. Eric Jacobsen, Mayor Marilyn Strickland and other local urbanists for a presentation and panel discussion on urbanism and development in Tacoma.

Time: February 25, 2010 from 7pm to 8:30pm
Location: Urban Grace Church (S. 11th and Market St.) in the Parlor
Organized By: Theater District Town Hall

Rev. Eric Jacobsen, senior pastor at First Presbyterian Church has devoted a considerable part of his career to taking a hard look at "poor decisions that are being made in this country regarding our human habitation" or what he calls the "false gods" and "broken promises" of sprawl and standardization. Following on his presentation during last fall's Urban Design Lecture Series, Conversations re: Tacoma, we have the opportunity to hear Jacobsen share his thoughts at the upcoming Theater District Town Hall meeting at Urban Grace.

The meeting will feature a keynote by Jacobsen, followed by a panel discussion with Jacobsen, developer and downtown resident Blaine Johnson, Mayor Strickland, Executive Director of the Tacoma Housing Authority Michael Mirra, Urban Grace Pastor Tad Monroe, and a representative from the Broadway Center. The panel will conclude with an open discussion with the audience.

This event is free and open to the public.

Parking Expert Donald Shoup Comes to Tacoma

Tacoma parking geeks unite! This summer’s PIPTA (Pacific Intermountain Parking & Transportation Association) Conference & Trade Show will host Dr. Donald Shoup in Tacoma from July 26 – July 28.

PIPTA is comprised of parking and transportation professionals and their partners in related fields from Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

This year’s conference at the Hotel Murano promises to be their most diverse educational program ever, including a wide range of planning, design, operations, programmatic and management topics including:

· Parking & Transportation Contributions to Downtowns & Economic Development
· Aesthetic and Environmental Considerations in Parking Facility Design
· Bicycle Facilities and Creating a Bicycling Culture
· Engaging Communities in Comprehensive Parking Management
· And many more…

Tacoma has long struggled with how to manage our on and off street parking system. Here’s a chance to learn from experts in our own backyard.

For more information review the conference flyer or go to the PIPTA website: www.pipta.org/events

Celebrate “Go Local Tacoma Day” at the Broadway Farmer's Market- May 21st

“Go Local Tacoma Day” will be the centerpiece during the opening day of the Broadway Farmers Market on Thursday May 21 in downtown Tacoma on Broadway Street between 9th and 11th.

In addition to members of “Go Local Tacoma” being on hand, visitors can enjoy the Iron Chef Cook-Off, to be judged by local celebrities and city officials. Along with local music, there will also be a gardening demonstration at the Foodie Fun Clinic and multiple family friendly activities.

The Organization:
“Go Local Tacoma” started off 2009 incorporating, electing a board of directors and forming a vision and strategy with a goal of providing tangible benefits to the general community, as well as local business members. “We’re dedicated as an organization to building community that supports, and is supported by local independent businesses,” said Patricia Lecy-Davis, current President of Go Local Tacoma. “Our members showcase what makes Tacoma unique, while fostering economic development and investing in Tacoma’s future.”

The Need Exists:
In challenging as well as prosperous economic times, homegrown enterprises provide a source of pride and improve the overall quality of life for a community. In addition, communities that preserve one-of-a-kind businesses are more likely to attract entrepreneurs and new investment. “Our members, who are also our neighbors, stock their shelves based on local customers needs and desires,” said Lecy-Davis. “This guarantees a more customized range of products, services, and choices for the consumer.”

Membership:
Members enjoy a variety of benefits:
· Social activities designed specifically for business owners and managers.
· Programs for members including panel discussions for advice, mentoring, and professional exchanges and sharing of ideas.
· Workshops and training for business and professional development, marketing, sales strategies, and creating strategic community partners.
· Marketing opportunities to a wide reach of consumers.
Membership is open to local, independent businesses in which 50% or more of decisions at the business are made at the local level.

Tacoma Live:
Available at “Go Local Day” as well at numerous businesses, hotels, and within other partner publications, “Tacoma Live “is a publication that provides helpful information on a variety of arts, services, entertainment and shopping options provided by local independent operators for those moving to the area or those already committed to Tacoma.

About Go Local Tacoma
Go Local Tacoma is a Section 501(c)(6) corporation with The Greater Tacoma Foundation as its fiscal agent. It is dedicated to building community that supports and is supported by local independent business. To become a member or for more information, visit: http://www.golocaltacoma.com/.

City Center Lunch and New Tacoma Awards Draw a Packed House

The Pacific Grill Event Center was packed at noon on Friday with over 150 representatives from businesses across Tacoma. They came to see the Sixth Annual New Tacoma Awards at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s quarterly City Center Luncheon. The event drew a record crowd not only for the luncheon, but also for the Pacific Grill Event Center since its opening. Attendees also included Congressman Norm Dicks and his staff.

While the Luncheon generally focuses on what’s coming soon for downtown Tacoma, this spring version had the Chamber and Absher Construction presenting the 2009 New Tacoma Awards winners for the following four categories:

Ghillarducci Award - received by Hotel Murano,
recognizes successful new development, renovation or beautification. There were 13 nominees for this award.

Union Station Award – received by Gintz Group,
recognizes leading organizations, companies or individuals that have built or sustained momentum for revitalization. There were 6 nominees for this award.

Popham Award – received by Benjii Bittle,
Deputy Executive Director of the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts. This award was named in honor of the late News Tribune Columnist Art Popham, and recognizes the individual that has done the most to build community spirit. There were 11 nominees for this award.

Schoenfeld Award – received by hello, cupcake,
recognizes exemplary performance and pizzazz as a retailer. There were 8 nominees for this award.

Attendees also heard about the future of the Lemay Car Museum and its downtown Tacoma economic impact, the future of Tacoma’s Farmer’s Markets, and the City of Tacoma’s bike Month activities in May.

Visit http://www.tacomachamber.org/ for more information or call Chelsea Levy, 253.627.2175, chelseal@tacomachamber.org.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Recognize Outstanding Contributors to Downtown

Every year the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s New Tacoma Awards recognize businesses and individuals that make outstanding contributions to downtown Tacoma. This year the Chamber and Absher Construction will recognize 2009 New Tacoma Awards winners at the City Center Luncheon on April 17th, 2009. Nominate a community leader today!

The four award categories are:

Ghillarducci Award - recognizing successful new development, renovation or beautification. Past winners of this award include 505 Broadway- The Sirius Group and the Tacoma Art Museum

Union Station Award - recognizing leading organizations, companies or individuals that have built or sustained momentum for revitalization. Eric Cedarstrand for sustaining momentum for revitalizations and India Mahal Restaurant for their pioneering spirit and commitment to downtown are last year’s winners of this award.

Popham Award, in honor of the late News Tribune Columnist Art Popham. This award recognizes the individual that has done the most to build community spirit. Past winners include Layne Alfanso of Geo Engineers and Marty Campbell of Buzzard Records and Stadium Video.

Schoenfeld Award - recognizing exemplary performance and pizzazz as a retailer. Past winners include Grassi’s Flowers and Gifts and Urban Exchange.

Award nominations are due no later than 4:30 on March 23rd. Fill out the nomination form online on the Chamber’s website or print the form and return to Chelsea Levy, Metropolitan Development Manager, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber , PO Box 1933, Tacoma WA 98401, Fax:(253) 597-7305, Email: chelseal@tacomachamber.org

Love Tacoma at Upper Crust

Are you a Tacoma Lover?

If so, you're invited to join other Tacoma Lovers at Upper Crust Bistro & Bakery tomorrow, Wednesday, December 3rd at 5:30 PM.

Help us celebrate this Tacoma hotspot with some old friends and make plenty of new ones. We’re sure you’ll enjoy the intimate setting, fabulous food and great selection of wine and beer at this northend eatery. So come hungry and be prepared to sample some of the many treats from the menu, as well as learn about all the fun things Love Tacoma has planned for 2009.

While you're not required to RSVP, it would be nice to know how many people to expect. So, if you've recieved the evite please accept. If you're not on the evite list please let us know in the comments if you plan to attend.

Come ‘Love Tacoma’ at Upper Crust―we'll see you there!

Don't Miss the Tour of Urban Livng This Weekend

Tacoma's downtown skyline is changing daily with the development of chic condominiums, stylish town homes and trendy apartments, and the annual Tour of Urban Living will be your chance to get inside 12 of these properties and be a part of the action!

This year's Tour of Urban Living will take place THIS WEEKEND, October 11th and 12th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This free, self-guided tour promises to highlight the best that downtown Tacoma has to offer. Tour the urban lifestyle that includes Tacoma's world-class museum row, fabulous eateries, revitalized waterfront, eclectic shops, and the free Link Light Rail that will get you there.

Start your tour at the Pantages Theater. Stop by, pick up a map, grab some coffee and start your walking tour. There will be a guided tour of the Historic Pantages at noon both days.
We hope you'll join us! Here's more information:

Download the 2008 Tour of Urban Living Brochure
Look at Properties for Sale or Lease to view individual property contact information and website links
Get your Relocation Guide
Find out about Housing Tax Incentives

Downtown Plan Emphasizes: Vitality, Sustainability, Healthy Economy and the Arts

The Downtown Plan Update was presented at a public information session last Wednesday. The Update builds on the Destination Downtown Plan, while focusing on four primary visions for downtown: A Balanced, Healthy Economy; Achieving Vitality Downtown; Sustainable City; City of the Arts. These themes sound good, but what do they really mean for Tacoma?

A Balanced, Healthy Economy
The goal of this theme is to build on existing efforts to create downtown as a major employment, economic and cultural center developed around world-class companies. This will be accomplished by fostering an entrepreneurial culture for businesses particularly in the target sectors of:

• Business and Professional Services
• Creative Arts and Design
• Financial Services
• IT and Software Design
• Trade and Logistics Services

The Plan calls for efforts that focus investment and redevelopment in the international financial services area (north end of downtown), the commercial core (between Tacoma Ave, Cliff Ave, S. 15th St. and S. 7th St.), and the Brewery District (south end of downtown).

The Plan also calls for implementing a comprehensive parking management strategy in downtown. This means developing a paid parking (on and off street) system that integrates with other viable transportation alternatives (biking, transit and walking among others).

Achieving Vitality
Essentially achieving this vision requires flexible regulations and design guidelines to encourage recognizably unique and desirable areas in downtown. This vision seeks to apply livability criteria, like walkability, access to adequate sunlight on the street, attractive and pedestrian scale façade treatments to building designs. This effort will help ensure that downtown buildings intentionally create and define a sense of place rather than hamper it. Improving perceptions of downtown safety, integrating activities and plans with UWT and striving to preserve the historic character of downtown are other components of this theme.

Sustainable City
Emphasizing sustainability in downtown, means facilitating a coordinated approach to economic, environmental and social considerations. To achieve these diverse goals the Plan makes a number of diverse recommendations to encourage sustainability in downtown:

• Plans for future housing should consider walking and high capacity transit and distances to employment centers.
• Strive to create a family friendly downtown by planning for amenities that attract and benefit all ages.
• Consider connections to adjacent neighborhoods.
• Develop an urban agriculture or community garden program to increase access and knowledge of fresh foods.
• Provide more alternative to driving alone into and around downtown via complete street designs that provide for walking, biking, transit riders and other non-car centric forms of transportation.

City of the Arts
This final vision builds off the City’s two established art clusters, the Theater District in the north and the museum area in the south end of downtown. Establishing the creative arts and design as a target sector for Tacoma helps to brand Tacoma as a desirable urban environment with a high quality of life. To build this cluster the Plan recommends the following efforts:

• Establish a public-private partnership to assist the burgeoning creative class
  Support and incentivize artists to move downtown .
• Fund and support public art.
• Continue to revitalize the Theater District.
• Formulize a master plan for a 15th Ave. “Glass Walk” to high light public art in downtown.
• Create a post-secondary design curriculum at SOTA and UWT.

For more details on these visions for downtown Tacoma go to the City of Tacoma’s downtown plan website.

OR

The Planning Commission will conduct a Public Hearing on October 1, 2008, at 5:00 p.m. to receive testimony on the proposed Downtown Plan Element of the Comprehensive Plan. The hearing will be held in the Council Chambers, 747 Market Street, Tacoma. Written comments may be submitted through October 10, 2008, via (a) U.S. mail to Planning Commission, 747 Market Street, Room 1036, Tacoma, WA 98402; (b) FAX to (253) 591-2002; or (c) e-mail to planning@cityoftacoma.org (enter "Downtown Plan" in the subject line).

Reinvent Your Commute in Tollefson Plaza on Oct 1st

Join fellow downtown commuters, as we kickoff the "Downtown: On the Go!" campaign, a collaborative effort by the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, the City of Tacoma, Pierce Transit, and Pierce County aimed at reducing traffic congestion and parking challenges in downtown Tacoma by getting commuters, students and residents onto buses and bikes, walking, and sharing rides instead of driving alone.

WHEN: October 1st, 11am-2pm

WHERE: Tollefson Plaza

This will be a fun event with lots of transportation resources for commuters, residents, students and employers including lunchtime vendors, prizes from local shops, free bus passes, games, live music, and more.

Here are some of the opportunities and activities available to you in Tollefson Plaza on October 1st:

• Get lunch from local food vendors – receive $1 off just for coming!


• Sip coffee or tea from Mad Hat Tea Company and Blackwater Coffee


• Listen to the Brazilian jazz of Olympia music group, Ocho Pies


• Learn about commute options: Transit, Carpool, Vanpool, Walk, Bike


• Pick up the new downtown walking map


• Tour the Pierce Transit Vanpool, Bus and Bus Plus vehicles and practice putting a bike on the front bus rack


• Talk to Vanpool riders and learn a new way to get to work


• Play games to win prizes from local vendors, including free monthly bus passes


• Give input on downtown plans with VIA architecture


• Learn how businesses downtown are encouraging alternative transportation options and how your business can create a transportation plan


• Sign up for piercetrips.com to begin logging your commutes, entering to win great prizes, and calculating cost and pollution savings


• Give us your input on a car-sharing survey and receive a two-for-one cupcake coupon for Hello, Cupcake


• Practice your chalk skills as you explore the art of transportation


• Pick up a Pierce County Bike Map and learn new routes to ride


• Plus: Special prizes and information especially for UWT students, including the chance to win a Nintendo Wii and Wii Fit bundle if you sign of for the new student version of piercetrips.com

JOIN US IN TOLLEFSON PLAZA!

Towers on the Foss Clear Another Hurdle

In a planning process that began in March 2004, the Washington State Department of Ecology recently approved an amendment to Tacoma’s Shoreline Master Plan that allows for 180 foot towers to be built on the west side of the Thea Foss, north of the Murray Morgan Bridge. The property in question is owned by SimonJohnson LLC who has proposed to build up to four mixed use towers on the site. SimonJohnson is interested in possibly providing space for residential, commercial and retail tenants in the development as well as providing for parking and recreational uses.

The approved height increase is conditioned on a number of details including; providing enlarged view/access corridors, maintaining an average distance of 100 feet between the tower portions of the development and developing 50% of the roof as usable recreation space. The amendment also reduces the height limit to 90 feet on the municipal dock site adjacent to the Murray Morgan Bridge, clarifies the design review responsibilities of the Thea Foss Waterway Development Authority, protect the view of Mt. Rainer from Fireman’s Park and clarifies the regulation overall.

A Reason to Come to Tollefson Plaza…Showcase Tacoma

Showcase Tacoma, a multi-disciplinary arts experience takes place in the heart of downtown Tacoma next Friday and Saturday, August 8-9, 11am-9pm.

This 3rd annual event features the exploding local and regional arts scene! Enjoy visual and performing art exhibits and demonstrations, art installations, and performance activities for people of all ages!

Here’s what you can expect:

Awesome music for all tastes: The live music on the Main Stage will include indie rock, jazz, blues, and performances from some of the best high school musicians. The Helio Sequence is headlining on Friday night and has proven to be quite the draw! Before that, you can check out the Iron Artist competition at the Tacoma Art Museum.

Thought provoking poetry: On Saturday Washington State Poet Laureate Sam Green will be reading with special guests. The literary component has exploded this year, so if that is your scene there are readings galore throughout the event.

Art to buy and make: Indie craft artists will be selling unique wares. Try your hand at chalk drawing, ceramics, puppetry, knitting, and even break-dancing. There will broad range of activity and art forms represented from contemporary art installations to little ballerinas.

Good Food: The food and beverage are provided by all our local downtown (predominantly) restaurants/vendors: Pacific Grill, the Harmon/Hub, Maxwell’s Speakeasy, Two Koi, NW Popcorn (great ice cream), Kenya’s Italian Ice, Hot Dog Rod, and Cutter’s Point Coffee.

For more information check out the Metro Parks website here.

Urban Design Experts Consider Tacoma

This week the City of Tacoma has been fortunate to host two of the leading thinkers in Urban Design and Planning.

On Tuesday Danish Architect, Lars Gemzoe of Gehl Architects provided suggestions to the City Council, City staff and the public on how Tacoma can enhance its public spaces, particularly Tollefson Plaza. Gemzoe and his firm promote a people oriented design philosophy. They believe that creating a quality environment for people is paramount and must be considered before anything else in order to achieve a lively and sustainable public realm. In their planning efforts Gemzoe and his firm first considers the people that will use the space, next they consider the space itself and lastly they design the buildings. This philosophy and the “12 Quality Criteria” they advocate are crucial to successful public spaces.

In regards to Tollefson Plaza, Gemzoe suggested that the City start by looking at the Plaza from the larger perspective of how and what it connects to; paying special attention to a potential connection with the Thea Foss Waterway. Additionally, Gemzoe emphasized the need to activate the Plaza’s edges with well designed buildings that will frame the space and provide “eyes on the street.”

On Wednesday author and urban advocate, James Howard Kunstler spoke to a packed house at the Theater on the Square. In his lecture Kustler described his perspective on the global energy crisis, which he refers to as the “long emergency.” According to Kustler, this energy emergency can not be resolved, as many believe, through technological innovation. In the second half of the lecture Kunstler moved abruptly from oil to urban form.

In his thoughts on what makes a desirable urban environment Kunstler described strategies for activating urban spaces by paying thoughtful attention to the design and use of adjacent buildings. Similar to Gemzoe, Kunstler recognized that currently Tollefson Plaza is framed entirely by transportation uses. Promoting more active uses along some of the edges of the Plaza has the potential to draw more people to the space.

The advice of both experts is timely, as the City and citizens of Tacoma are currently faced with tough decisions about the form and function of our downtown. The decisions we make today about Tollefson Plaza, downtown parking and the Thea Foss (just to name a few) will have long term ramifications for how Tacoma evolves.

The BIA Blog is Back

After a nearly two month long hiatus the BIA Blog is back.

For more than 22 years Paul Ellis has been the Chamber’s go-to-guy for issues that effect downtown and the Chamber Divisions in Fredrickson, Parkland, Spanaway and University Place/Fircrest. In March Paul embarked on a new endeavor in the Midwest, opening up a great opportunity at the Chamber. I was selected to take over Paul’s duties, including management of the BIA.

I am a native of Tacoma and Vashon Island and am thrilled to be back in Tacoma after three grueling years as a Seattle resident. I come to Chamber from the City of Seattle where I was involved with the South Lake Union Streetcar implementation efforts and Streetcar sponsorships. I previously worked in Tacoma as the Campaign Manager for Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg, and served on the campaign staff of Congressman Norm Dicks.

I love Tacoma and am looking forward to providing a fresh perspective to the development efforts occurring here. In my new role I will expand on the Chamber’s efforts with the downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA), the Regional Access and Mobility Partnership (RAMP), and I intend to promote downtown transportation strategies that will benefit residents, retailers and visitors to Tacoma.

I attended high school at Charles Wright Academy in University Place and received my B.A. from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. I recently completed Masters degrees from the University of Washington in Public Administration at the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs and in Urban Planning. My graduate studies focused on transportation policy and community development.

I am thrilled about the strength and commitment of Tacoma’s growing downtown community and am looking forward to working with all of you in the years to come. Please check back regularly for updates on downtown Tacoma and the BIA.

You can reach me at (253) 627-2175 x123 0r ChelseaL@tacomachamber.org

Go Local or Die!

Local Life Tacoma, Go Local Tacoma, and the Downtown Merchants Group will present a series of local charrettes called Go Local or Die. To insure the future vitality of Tacoma's principal urban neighborhood, residents, organizations, and businesses will gather to discuss the immediate and long term benefits from living a more local and community based life.

Both charrettes will feature local panel members, including Derek Young from Exit133.com and Suite133, Patricia Lecy-Davis of the Downtown Merchants Group, Kevin Freitas from FeedTacoma.com, Justin Mayfield from the Tacoma Farmers Market, Erik Bjornson of the North End Neighborhood Council, Amy McBride & Roxanne Murphy from the City of Tacoma, and Morgan Alexander of Tacoma Streetcar, Tacoma Works, and Historic Tacoma.

The charrettes will take place on February 26th and March 25th--both beginning at 6:00 p.m. They will be hosted by Jim Diers, the former Director of Neighborhoods in Seattle and author of the book Neighbor Power. These events are sponsored by Veritas Mortgage Group and will be hosted in their offices at 762 Broadway (next to Tully’s in the Bostwick Building). Appetizers will be provided by Veritas and admission is free, but space will be limited.

Russell Hires Top-notch Public Affairs Rep

Russell Investment Group's announcement last week about hiring Patricia Akiyama to fill the position of Government and Community Relations Director is a welcome one. As community leaders move forward with Project Destiny, she is sure to be a key player for Russell.

Akiyama joins Russell after serving in similar roles for Quadrant Homes and the Weyerhaeuser Company; she also served as chief of staff for U.S. Senator Patty Murray for four years in the late 1990s and was senior staff coordinator for WA House of Representatives Co-speaker Frank Chopp.

Akiyama has a B.A. degree from the University of Oregon (Eugene) and is a graduate of Leadership Tomorrow, the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce’s Alki Political Involvement Institute, and the Program for Senior Managers in Government at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

At Russell, Akiyama will focus on legislative issues, as well as relationship management with local and national lawmakers, administrative agencies, and industry associations.

The Chapel in the City

What's the role of communities of faith in urban life? The answer to this question often betrays as much prejudice as it does careful thinking and principled dialog.

Eric Jacobsen is one person who's thoughtfully engaged this question, and he's recently moved to Tacoma to assume the pastorate of First Presbyterian Church. Jacobsen is author of the nationally-recognized book Sidewalks in the Kingdom: New Urbanism and the Christian Faith (Brazos, 2003), which explores how Christians can have a positive impact in America’s cities, as well as numerous articles exploring connections between the Christian community, the church, and traditional neighborhoods. He has been interviewed by The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, and other national media, and he has presented lectures for various secular and religious institutions including Calvin College, the University of Virginia, the Christian Community Development Association, the American Planning Institute, the American Academy of Architects, and the Congress for the New Urbanism.

A recognized New Urbanist, Jacobsen argues that if the movement aspires to be more than just a short-term economic success or a market correction it is going to have to take the church more seriously as a conversation partner in its cultural project. In particular, he maintains that the church can help the New Urbanist movement grapple with some of the powers and forces, which have an impact upon communities in ways that are more profound and enduring than economic factors alone.

Jacobsen will be speaking tonight at 7:00 at King's Books--he's well worth hearing.