City of Tacoma Committees, Boards and Commissions
This quasi-judicial board reviews and approves the updating of the City's Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire, Dangerous Building, Minimum Housing, Boiler and Energy Codes. Its purpose is to:
A. Determine the suitability of alternate materials and methods of construction pertaining to the Building Code, Mechanical Code, Fire Code, Plumbing Code, Energy Code, and Boiler Code.
B. Review an interpretation of the Building Code, Minimum Housing Code, Energy Code, or Boiler Code, by the Director of Public Works or his representative or the Chief of the Fire Department or designated representative when such interpretation is appealed. The Board shall either concur with the contested interpretation or provide a new interpretation.
C. Hear appeals of orders or decisions based on the Dangerous Building Code, Minimum Housing Code, or Energy Code. The Board shall have the authority to concur with or modify such orders, provided both of the following conditions are considered:
1. That life safety and/or building structural integrity are not compromised by modification of the building official's order.
2. Where life safety and building structural integrity is not a factor, whether the improvement provided by the building official's order is relevant to the financial impact imposed.
D. Review new edition, suggested amendments and proposed changes to the Building Code, Mechanical Code, Fire Code, Plumbing Code, Dangerous Building Code, Minimum Housing Code, Energy Code, and Boiler Code, and may propose amendments to and changes of the aforementioned codes. The Board shall rule on the appropriateness of new editions along with amendments and changes to the aforementioned codes, and make recommendations to the City Council concerning the adoption of said editions, amendments or changes.
E. In no case shall the Board of Building Appeals be authorized to grant waivers or variances to the provisions of the Building Code, Mechanical Code, Fire Code, Plumbing Code, or Boiler Code.
Board of Ethics
The Board of Ethics role is to receive, investigate, and make recommendations for disposition of complaints of violation of the Code of Ethics by the City Manager, the Director of Public Utilities, a member of the Public Utility Board ("Utility Board"), or a City-elected official. The Board may also render advisory opinions in response to a request by one of the aforementioned officials, and render and publish formal opinions on any matter within the scope of the Board's authority which it may deem appropriate.
The Citizen Review Panel is a policy-focused board that will help to ensure transparency and accountability in the way that the City of Tacoma Police Department operates. The Panel considers policy by: reviewing police policy at the request of the City Council or City Manager; receiving and reviewing policy complaints by members of the public; and profiding advice to the City Council, the City Manager, and the Chief of Police on Police policy matters. The Board also provides community outreach and educationthrough public hearings and board efforts.
Serves as the organizer and presenter of the City of Destiny Awards, which recognize outstanding community volunteers. Its purpose is to promote the importance of community service and recognize individuals and groups who make outstanding contributions to Tacoma.
To provide an independent legal entity under RCW 35.21.730 - .755 and Tacoma Municipal Code Chapter 1.60 to undertake, assist with, and otherwise facilitate the redevelopment of property within and along the Thea Foss Waterway, currently an underutilized and blighted waterfront area in the heart of the City.
Initiates and receives complaints of alleged discrimination. Also, the Commission studies, investigates and mediates community issues that may result from discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, sex, age, place of birth, marital status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical handicap.
Formerly named the Urban Policy Committee. Reviews and makes recommendations on the federal Community Development Fund Block Grant program and on the General Fund Community Service Projects allocations. The Committee conducts public hearings, accepts and reviews proposals, selects projects and makes recommendations to the City Council. Also serves as a resource to the City Council and City Staff for implementation of the City's Human Services Strategic Plan.
Joint Municipal Action Committee
The Joint Municipal Action Committee (JMAC) was established in the mid-1970s for the purpose of discussing common interests among the City of Tacoma, Metro Parks and the Tacoma School District. Pierce County became a member in 2005.
The representatives from each body who currently sit on JMAC are:
Oversees the establishment and regulation of landmarks, local historic districts, proposed name changes for public facilities, and certain property tax incentives.
Oversees the management and operation of the Tacoma Public Library system, which includes nine branch libraries and the downtown Main Library. See RCW 27.12.190.
Develops and updates the Comprehensive Plan and its element plans/programs that protects the quality of life in Tacoma and which manages the growth and development of the city; conducts periodic land use studies of geographic city areas; and provides an effective and efficient land use regulation and process system.
Acts as the governing body for Tacoma Public Utilities, which includes Tacoma Power, Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail.
Oversees the Tacoma Sister City Program and works in conjunction with Sister Cities International. Tacoma has seven active sister cities. Click on each to determine meeting dates and locations.
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Aalesund, Norway |
Gunsan, Korea |
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Cienfuegos, Cuba |
Kiryat Motzkin, Israel |
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Davao, Philippines |
Kitakyushu, Japan |
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Fuzhou, Peoples Republic of China |
Taichung, Taiwan |
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George, South Africa |
Vladivostok, Russia |
Oversees implementation of Tacoma’s Climate Action Plan as the City and community reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Intended to bring citizen accountability, transparency and vigilance to the long-term implementation of Tacoma’s Climate Action Plan, as developed by the Green Ribbon Climate Action Task Force.
The Commission works with the Office of Sustainability, which is responsible for implementing the strategies in the Climate Action Plan and measuring the city’s progress as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Both the Office and the Commission were created by a City Council resolution in October 2008.
Acts as liaison to the disabled community. Formulates and recommends programs, planning policies, and laws and statutes, advising the Tacoma City Council on issues of importance to people with disabilities.
Provides leadership in supporting and enhancing the arts for the benefit of the city and its residents. Its purpose is to develop, support, coordinate sponsoring and/or presenting the arts on a year-round basis for the benefit of the residents of Tacoma.
Administers loans to a variety of clients: low-income families who need help in buying or repairing their homes; owners who provide multi-family housing to low-income families; businesses which create jobs or rehabilitate older, blighted buildings; and non-profit organizations that provide services to our community. Its purpose is to administer federal grants and other programs or projects or activities financed from funds derived directly or indirectly from a grant agreement or undertaken in conjunction with a federal program or other programs, including but not limited to the Community Development Program of the City of Tacoma. The leasing, ownership or operation of public performing Arts Center and auditoriums.
Facilitate housing to Tacoma's low income citizens; insure safe and sanitary dwellings for underprivileged.
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