Tacoma Rising

We put leaders from across Tacoma on one boat. And something started to shift.

This week we’re coming off Tacoma by Twilight, our celebration of the and I’m still thinking about the conversations from that night.

City. Pierce County. Education. Business. Local stakeholders. People who don’t usually share a room, all aboard the Chippewa, all there for one reason. To start building real partnerships.

I believe that when groups like this work together, we build a stronger Tacoma.

For too long, this city has operated in silos. The city in one lane. Business in another. Education and capital off in their own corners. If we want to grow our economy, we have to break those silos down.

Here’s the truth. Tacoma is facing a 27 million dollar deficit. We are not going to cut or tax our way out of it. It’s going to take hard choices, and it’s going to take all of us, together.

But here’s what keeps me moving forward. Tacoma already has everything it needs to win. We just have to open our doors to new business and new ideas, stop fighting over the size of each slice, and start growing the pie.

You can feel it in the air on Thursdays when the Farmers Market is booming. Tacoma is at the place where this can happen. Our best days are right in front of us.

If you feel it too, come see what we’re building at Tacoma Rising. Let’s go.

Big thanks to Investments for the use of the Chippewa. This night doesn’t happen without these folks: Becca Lamberg, Emily Maier, Elaine McKnight, Zachary Rine, Ann Zimmerman, Quinton Davis, and every friend who came aboard.

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