North End Neighborhood Council Meeting
Monday October 5, 2026
Cookies & Cider from 5:30 p.m.
MONTHLY MEETING 6:00 pm
****MEETING ROOM LOCATION****
University of Puget Sound
Presentation Room (#102) in the Welcome Center
(N. 15th St. and N. Alder St)Virtual – Via Zoom
Meeting ID: 882 2046 7648
Passcode: 649767
Election Forum.
We will be covering a Pierce Transit Initiative, seven proposed Pierce County Charter amendments, and Tacoma’s Safe Homes for All tenant-protection initiative, with speakers presenting information on each measure.
Agenda
- Introductions and welcome—
- Announcements
- Standard Liaison Reports
- Police – CLO Kristen Braziel
- Parks Tacoma – Alisa O’Hanlan Regala
- UPS – Jennifer Egenolf
- Pierce Transit – Rachel Holzhaeuser
- City Manager’s Office – Christina Caan
4. Council Member Reports
5. Election Forum
Questions for presenters will be compiled by the NENC Board. We apologize but we will not be able to have the audience ask questions directly to the forum presenters.
Pierce Transit Special Election – Proposition No. 1 – Maintaining and Expanding Local Transit Service Sales and Use Tax Increase – Rachel Holzhaeuser – Community Development Administrator
If approved, this proposition would authorize the collection of an additional sales and use tax of three-tenths of one percent, or three pennies for every $10 spent on taxable items, resulting in a 47% increase in Pierce Transit service
Pierce County Charter Review Commission Proposed Charter Amendments
Martha Lantz represented District 7 on the Charter Review Commission and served as vice chair. She will explain how the Commission reached its recommendations and explain the seven amendments.
City of Tacoma Special Election – Safe Homes for All Initiative Measure No. 1 * – Initiative Measure No. 1 would expand tenant protections and enforcement in Tacoma by requiring landlord licensing, education, good-faith bargaining with tenant unions, stronger safety rules, anti-retaliation protections, and new penalties and enforcement options.
Tyron Moore, Executive Director of Tacoma For All will explain the Initiative and Jim Henderson, who represents housing and real estate organizations before the Washington State Legislature and local governments will give a perspective of housing providers.
The University of Puget Sound is a Non-partisan organization and does not support or oppose any candidate for public office. Consistent with the university’s educational mission and in the spirit of community engagement, Puget Sound may welcome candidates to campus to share their viewpoints with their community.
As a service to the community, Puget Sound may welcome other organizations to use its facilities. University facilities are generally available to organizations that agree to comply with university policies.
6. Unfinished Business
7. New Business
8. Adjournment
Our next meeting will be on Monday November 2 when the NENC will have its annual Board Election in addition to our regular Liaison and City Council reports.
The NENC provides a forum for education and discussion of issues of interest to members of our community. The NENC does not endorse the opinions of speakers or any proposed legislation unless otherwise noted.
At Large and District Council Members:
https://www.cityoftacoma.org/government/city_council
CM John Hines represents citizens District 1 CM Sarah Rumbaugh represents citizens District 2
Three Council Members represents citizens in At-Large:
Kristina Walker Position 8, Olgy Diaz Position 7 and Latasha Palmer Position 6
North End Neighborhood Council Board
Direct your questions or comments to: officers@nenc.org
Chair- Peter Bennett, Vice-Chair- Deb Anderson, Treasurer- Jodi Cook, Secretary- Bonnie O’Leary,
Joe Tieger, Georgette Reuter, Tobi Bet, Geoff Corso, Danielle Villegas, Sandra Strong, Joe Strong, Michael Haines
October is Tacoma Arts Month! TacomaArtsMonth.org
Tacoma Arts Month is a free, city-wide, family friendly celebration of the arts, culture, heritage and science held every October. And now it’s time to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this special arts month by participating in a variety of creative and fun events during this month:
Kaleidoscope, Oct. 3, 12- 4 pm, Main Branch of the Tacoma Public Library, Downtown
Tacoma Studio Tour, Sat. & Sun. Oct. 17 & 18, 11-5pm
Explore the work of Tacoma artists in dozens of open studios, see demonstrations, try hand-on activities, and purchase one-of-a-kind work directly from the makers. (Later this month, a map of the art studios will be available).
Arts at the Armory, Nov. 14 & 15, 11:00-5:00, Free, all ages
Events Calendar Find 100s of arts and culture events happening all year round at TacomaArtsMonth.org/events
General Election on Nov. 3 For information, about our state’s mail in voting process, here is the Washington Secretary of State’s website; “Frequently Asked Questions on Voting By Mail.” https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/voters/helpful-information/frequently-asked-questions-voting-mail
Reminder: There is a Drop Box in front of Wheelock Library that is open until 8pm on Nov. 3.
Green Tacoma Day Saturday, October 10th, 9:00am – Noon.
Oct. 10th is an annual day of service where volunteers come together across numerous sites to participate in tree plantings, hands-on restoration of local green spaces, and family friendly learning activities. One of the many events is one that will take place at Wapato Hills Park in South Tacoma. Volunteers will help plant 18 trees. In addition, volunteers will mulch trees throughout the park preparing them for winter. For more volunteer opportunities, please see:
https://tacoma.gov/government/departments/environmental-services/stormwater/open-space-program/green-tacoma-day/
The City of Tacoma Street-Sweeping Schedule transitions from a fixed schedule to a variable schedule starting Oct 1st to collect plant material more frequently in the leafy neighborhoods.
For schedule updates, go to
https://tacoma.gov/government/departments/environmental-services/stormwater/street-sweeping/
October Marks the Start of Tree Planting Time
“Fall is the best time to plant trees because cooler temperatures and seasonal rain help roots establish before summer heat.” And it’s great news that our City offers many opportunities to either receive a free tree or purchase one at reduced cost.
Tacoma Tree Foundation Tree Resources tacomatreefoundation.org
Be sure to check out the updated information on the TTF website about upcoming tree giveaways, tree planting opportunities and educational programs and much, much more!
Tahoma Bird Alliance Tree Giveaway https://www.tahomabirdalliance.org/10k-trees
Pierce County’s Pierce Conservation District Urban Tree Sale is open through Nov 7th.
For more info, go to https://www.pcdwaterquality.com/tree-sale Stock is selling fast!
*Safe Homes for All Initiative Measure No. 1 – Explanatory Statement from Voters’ Pamphlet
This measure would, if passed, amend the Tacoma rental housing code (RHC) and business license code, make certain provisions of state landlord tenant law enforceable under the RHC, add an administrative complaint process and additional enforcement provisions to the RHC and Tacoma landlord fairness code, and require the City to develop and implement new tenant programs and rules implementing all provisions of the Initiative. This measure would, add additional landlord and tenant education requirements; expand existing landlord database requirements; allow tenants to organize; require landlords to bargain with tenants in good faith; authorize private enforcement by tenants and representative organizations; provide a right to appeal relocation decisions; allow tenants to file administrative complaints requiring investigation and enforcement by the City; require the City to implement a tiered rental licensing program for all landlords with per unit fees; authorize revocation of business licenses for certain violations by landlords; transfer to impacted tenants penalties imposed for violations; require city reimbursement of costs and attorney’s fees expended by tenants and representative organizations when successfully defendiing or enforcing the Initiative; require inspections of landlord properties for violations involving habitability or tenant safety; and, prohibit landlords from retaliation against tenants and waivers of tenants’ rights.