The Community and Economic Development Department works to facilitate equitable economic growth and opportunity by supporting existing businesses, enabling reinvestment and revitalization, and promoting the attraction and creation of new businesses, living wage jobs, and housing options to enhance the quality of life in the community.
View the Community & Economic Development Strategic Plan 2020-2025
Divisions
Economic Development Services Division
This Division assists in the development of a vibrant downtown; business attraction, retention and expansion in the industrial district, Tacoma Mall and business districts through business support services and coordination on planning and infrastructure projects. It also provides expansion, retention and attraction services for large and small employers through outreach and contracts with partner organizations, conducts research and provides targeted customer lists for Tacoma’s small business community, supports expansion of international trade activities, and acts as an internal City ombudsman on behalf of external customers. Several programs also target entrepreneurship development.
Housing Services Division
This Division provides down payment assistance to income-eligible homebuyers in targeted areas of the city, provides housing repair and rehabilitation assistance to low-income seniors and families, and persons with disabilities. It also provides funding to nonprofit housing organizations for improving existing housing and increasing affordable housing units in Tacoma. The Multifamily Property Tax Exemption program, providing tax incentives for property owners that invest in multifamily housing in the downtown or Mixed Use Centers, is administered by this office.
Programs
Local Employment and Apprenticeship Training Program
This office provides residents of Tacoma, particularly those from the Community Empowerment Zone, with the training and support services necessary to complete apprenticeship requirements which lead to family-wage jobs in the building and construction trades. It assists in the development of skilled workers by leveraging workforce development resources that provide quality outreach, recruitment and training services, and it provides contract compliance services to General Government and Tacoma Public Utilities.
Equity in Contracting Program (formerly Small Business Enterprise)
The Equity in Contracting program (formerly SBE) is a service provided by the City to increase employment opportunities for small business contractors and individuals seeking to increase their skills through training and apprenticeship on City projects. Historically, EIC provides not only contracting opportunities for City Public Works projects, but also helpful resources in mentoring and business management.