Happy Lunar New Year, In Memory of MLK, Coalition Against Pierce County Airports  

Dear Neighbors,

What a packed weekend. I wanted to share with you updates from each event and what I have been up to. 

Coalition Against Graham and Eatonville-Roy Airports
Last Friday (Jan. 13), I attended the Coalition Against Graham and Eatonville-Roy Airports. I highlighted the county’s position on the proposed airport site in reference to the joint letter with our Executive. I was happy to be part of the conversation and have heard from many of you regarding your opposition to the airport. We have received various emails, public comments, and phone calls from you. We hear you and continue to work towards elevating your voices.

Happy Lunar New Year, Year of the Rabbit
This Sunday (Jan. 15), I celebrated the New Year at the Eastside Community Center. It was a fun-filled event with dancing, music, and food. Attendance was standing room only! I continue to be amazed of the talent of our youth and community members.

“And We Rise”
On Monday (Jan. 16), the City of Tacoma held an in-person event to commemorate the 35^th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration. The service was filled with joy, singing, reflection and recognizing many of our community members for their commitment to community service. Dr. Priscilla Lisicich and Ms. Tanika Aden received the Lifetime Service Awards. Mayor Woodards reiterated the need to continue working towards safer neighborhoods in recognizing the recent Gun Violence on Tacoma Eastside. 

If you’d like to watch the service, you can access it here: 2023 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration (granicus.com)

Accelerating Creative Enterprise (ACE) Incubator Application: Tacoma Arts Live
Tacoma Arts Live is thrilled to share a new initiative for 2023 at #TacomaArmory. Accelerating Creative Enterprise - or ACE for short, is intended to launch and fuel small business development and bolster arts professionals in the #SouthSound. It is a three-part program to incubate and accelerate Black, Indigenous, and People of Color+ women-owned/led small businesses with creative and arts-focused entrepreneurs. Learn more (and please SHARE!) about this opportunity that includes rent-free office space, workshops, and event sponsorship: TacomaACE.

Have questions, want to learn more, or just want to chat about details? Contact: Antonio Gómez, Director of Community Engagement and Extended Learning, at [email protected] or (253) 495-3604.

Substance Use Assessment and Treatment in Pierce County
Multicare Behavioral Health SUD Program is now offering Walk-In Substance Use Disorder Assessments and Care Coordination in Tacoma and Puyallup and will soon be offering Walk-In SUD assessments in Lakewood, WA (update coming soon). Questions? Call (253) 719-4999.

South Sound Housing Affordability Partners Advisory Board
South Sound Housing Affordability Partners (SSHA³P) is accepting community members’ applications for appointment to its Advisory Board.

How to Apply
Applications submitted by January 27 will be considered for the first round of interviews. To submit an application, please go to: South Sound Housing Affordability Partners (smartsheet.com)

Membership 
The Advisory Board will advise on efforts to create more affordable, attainable, and accessible housing throughout Pierce County communities. SSHA³P seeks members who reflect the geographic and demographic diversity of the Pierce County community and who represent one of the following categories:

1. People with experience living in affordable housing.
2. Developers, designers, planners, builders, or managers of housing development projects.
3. Advocates or advisors on land use and housing issues. 

Members will be asked to complete a one, two, or three year term.  Meetings will occur approximately every other month on weekday evenings.

 Help Us Spread the Word

1. Consider applying!
2. Forward this email and attached flyer to your staff, network, and other organizations or people who might be interested.
3. Post the attached flyer at your workplace, on your website, and on social media.
4. If you know someone who might be interested, you can send their contact information to Mary at [email protected].

About SSHA³P
Established in 2021, SSHA³P is an intergovernmental collaboration in Pierce County working together to create and preserve affordable, attainable, and accessible housing throughout our communities. SSHA³P members are Pierce County, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, the Cities and Towns of Auburn, DuPont, Edgewood, Fife, Fircrest, Gig Harbor, Lakewood, Milton, Puyallup, Sumner, Steilacoom, Tacoma, and University Place.

For More Information
If you have any questions, please contact Mary Connolly at [email protected] or call/text (253) 625-4153.

As always, our office is always interested in hearing from you. Feel free to connect with us at (253) 798-6653 or connect directly with my Council Assistant: Sabrina Chmelir at [email protected]

Thank you,