North End Neighborhood Council Meeting
www.nenc.org or NENC Facebook
Monday January 5, 2026
6:00 p.m.
Cookies & Cider from 5:30 p.m.
****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
This Meeting will feature:
Mayor Anders Ibsen
The City of Tacoma has a new mayor, Mayor Anders Ibsen, and he has agreed to address the North End Neighborhood Council as one of his first official duties after taking office.
1. Introductions and welcome—
2. Announcements —
3. Standard Liaison Reports
- Police – Kristen Braziel
- Fire – Josh Schlesner
- Tacoma Public Utilities – John Gaines
- Tacoma Parks – Alisa O’Hanlon Regala
- City Manager’s Office – Christina Caan
4. City Council Member Reports
5. Mayor Anders Ibsen
Anders Ibsen was elected as Tacoma’s 40th Mayor. Born and raised in Tacoma he served for 8 years on the City Council representing District 1, which includes the North End.
In addition to reintroducing himself, Mayor Ibsen will be asked how his “new direction” will address the issues that are important to the City of Tacoma and the North End neighborhoods.
The NENC Board is asking the membership to submit questions in advance of the meeting which will be used to identify the issues that Mayor Ibsen will be asked to address in the Q & A.
6. Old Business
7. New Business
8. Adjournment
Our next meeting will be on Monday February 2 when the NENC will be addressing the issue of Affordable Housing with Ty Moore from Tacoma for All. Schedule permitting, newly elected Council Member Latasha Palmer will also join the conversation which was a prominent component of her electoral campaign.
Tacoma Public Schools Feb. 10th Special Election
Proposition 1: Replacement of expiring Levy for K-12 Educational Programs and Operations. Proposition 2: Replacement of Expiring Levy for K-12 Technology Improvements and Upgrades. More detailed information can be found at TacomaSchools.org/Vote
Future Reuse Plans for the Cushman and Adams Substations
These 2 historic buildings are located at the intersection of North 21st and North Adams Streets will be surplus by Tacoma Public Utilities in 2017. For more information, please go to the NENC website nenc.org to learn more and watch the video “Our Big Vision” https://nenc.org/explore/cushman/
Also, you can explore the City of Tacoma’s Cushman and Adams website to find the following links: the final report from the OTAK consultant, timeline for the future use of the substations, project news and fact sheets, resources and documents. https://tacoma.gov/project/cushman-and-adams-substations/
Let’s Help to “Reforest Tacoma”reforesttacoma.com
Reforest Tacoma is a grassroots effort to influence and support the execution of the City Council’s Urban Forest Action Plan. The purpose of the Reforest Tacoma website is to help keep us informed of the state of our City’s Urban Forest and also provide many opportunities for our residents to advocate for the much needed protection and growth of our City’s tree canopy.
Tacoma’s Urban Forest Priority Action Plan!
In response to the overwhelming community support for enhancing Tacoma’s tree canopy, this plan was adopted by the City Council’s IPS Committee in May 2025. This plan outlines a set of phased actions to expand the City’s planting and maintenance of trees.
For more information visit: https://tacoma.gov/government/departments/environmental-services/urban-forestry
It’s Tree Planting Time
Receive a coupon to save $30 on a new tree that will add beauty, provide shade and save energy. These coupons are available to request online from Oct. 1st until March 15 from Tacoma Urban Forestry. They can be redeemed for $30 off per tree purchased (up to 3 trees) at local participating nurseries including our local Gardensphere Nursery. Sign up at Tacoma.gov/TreeCoupon
Get Involved with the Tacoma Tree Foundation tacomatreefoundation.org
To learn about this amazing organization, please visit their newly updated website where you will be connected to monthly events, YouTube videos, opportunities to volunteer, advocacy information, tree canopy topics, informative Blog topics and much, much more!
• Friday, Jan. 9th to Feb. 2nd, “Green Blocks: Hilltop Tree Requests are Open”
• Saturday, Jan. 24th, 10:30-11:30, “Winter Wonder Nature Explorers Walk” with Sarah Low,
Lincoln Park, 801 South 37th Street
• Wed., Jan. 28th, 12:00-1:00, “Plants as Teachers, Messengers and Climate Partners: Habitat Care and Adaptation in a Warming World”
• Sat., Jan. 31, 9:00-2:00, “Tree Stewards Training” at Peace Lutheran Church
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@gmail.com
Chair- Peter Bennett, Vice-Chair- Tobi Bet Treasurer- Jodi Cook Secretary- Bonnie O’Leary Joe Tieger, Georgette Reuter, Geoff Corso, Danielle Villegas, Sandra Strong, Deb Anderson, Joe Strong