The Tacoma City Council held a study session on March 5, 2024, to review the quarterly update on the city's homeless strategy, discuss a Council Consideration Request (CCR) to sponsor the Tacoma Refugee Choir's first annual symposium, and consider a CCR to explore increasing deconstruction and salvage efforts. No public comments were heard during the study session. Homeless Strategy Quarterly Update Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) Director Allyson Griffith, along with Caleb Carbone and Javon Carlisle, presented the update. Key points include: - TMC 8.19 implementation: Since November 2022, the HEAL team has conducted 229 encampment removals (196 within no-camping zones). As of February 29, 2024, over 1.7 million pounds of garbage and debris have been removed (an increase of 136,000 pounds since the last update). No citations, infractions, or fines have been issued. - Outreach statistics: HEAL has made 3,626 contacts; 1,847 (51%) were interested in services (shelter, substance use treatment, counseling), and 352 (8%) were placed into shelter. 53% of all contacts expressed interest in services. - Reasons for refusal: Among those declining services, 41% cited unwillingness to part with vehicles/RVs, 15% had exhausted shelter options or were banned, 8% cited shelter location, 5% cited shelter rules/curfews, 4% cited lack of mental health/drug support, 3% were already staying at a shelter, and 2% cited safety concerns. - Storage process: Approximately 25 individuals store belongings at the Stability Site at any time. Items are held for a minimum of 60 days, often longer. HEAL receives 10–12 retrieval calls per year. - Shelter transitions: - Thames 4 (69th & Proctor): 66 micro-shelter units will move to the Forging Path Community (35th & Pacific) in June 2024. Intake stops in April; remaining residents will be helped to transition. - Beacon Center (young adult shelter): Phase 2 renovation requires temporary relocation to Peace Community Center for April 2024. Seniors will access services at Lighthouse via transportation. - Thames 3 (6th & Orchard): Decision on further extension pending a housing progress report due mid-March 2024. Serves families and single women (60 contracted capacity). - Veterans Village (82nd & Pacific): Scheduled to stand down in August 2024, losing 35 beds. Provider, Ford Operating Base Hope, is transitioning to housing services. Countywide resources are expected to fill the gap. - Racial equity: Data shows disproportionate representation of Black/African American individuals among unsheltered populations. The city's five-year strategy includes anti-racism, data collection, and targeted interventions. - Detox and workforce: MDC expanded detox by 16 beds (city funded startup costs). The shelter training academy (Vallejo) completed three cohorts in 2023; three more planned in 2024. - Budget gap: The city faces a $10.75–12 million shelter funding gap for 2025-2026. A $3 million state funding request is pending (House budget includes $3M, Senate $1M; conference committee ongoing). - Data dashboard: Planned for Q2 2024 to include 311 requests, shelter bed availability, and HEAL metrics. - Council discussion: Councilmembers expressed concerns about losing 35 veteran beds, the need for dignified storage, and collaboration with Pierce County. Councilmember Rumba highlighted new county shelters (medical respite, tiny home village, permanent supportive housing). Councilmember Hines asked about the safe parking site at Holy Rosary; staff promised a one-year outcomes report. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the study session. Discussion Items Council Consideration Request – Tacoma Refugee Choir’s First Annual Symposium Sponsorship Councilmember Walker presented a request for $10,000 from council contingency funds to sponsor the symposium, titled "From Welcoming to Cooperation," to be held at Tacoma Community House. The event aims to create a welcoming environment and promote multicultural cooperation, culminating in a relationship-building toolkit. Co-sponsors included Mayor Woodards, Councilmember Bushnell, and Councilmember Ushka. Councilmember Bushnell praised the choir's unifying work. No opposition was expressed. Council Consideration Request – Increasing Deconstruction and Salvage Efforts in Tacoma Councilmember Walker introduced a resolution to explore alternatives to demolition. Deconstruction involves dismantling buildings piece by piece to reuse materials like lumber, fixtures, and roofing. The resolution directs the city manager to provide options by May 22, 2024, in five areas: 1. Easier access to credible salvage assessments. 2. Incentives for deconstruction and material reuse. 3. Deconstruction of city-owned buildings (leading by example). 4. Workforce development for deconstruction contractors. 5. Storage for salvaged materials. The proposal aligns with the climate action plan and green economic development strategy. Co-sponsors included Councilmember Rumba and Councilmember Diaz. Councilmember Bushnell confirmed the timeline is feasible given preliminary research already completed. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken during the study session. The refugee choir sponsorship will be considered for approval at the regular council meeting later that evening. The deconstruction resolution directs city staff to report back with options by May 22, 2024. The homeless strategy update was received; council will continue to monitor progress and budget implications.
