Staff Contact Information During Furlough and Temporary Layoffs
Due to COVID-19 related impacts, a number of employees are in furlough or temporary layoff status. For help reaching a specific City employee or department, dial 311 from within Tacoma city limits or (253) 591-5000 from anywhere else.
Eviction Moratorium Extended Through August 1
Governor Jay Inslee extended protections for renters as COVID-19 continues to impact the finances of Washingtonians statewide. The governor first proclaimed a moratorium on evictions in mid-March, then extended and expanded the moratorium in mid-April. This proclamation extends the prior eviction moratorium for 60 days (through August 1), and makes modifications to the prior moratorium. Read Gov. Inslee's announcement.
Pierce County Approved to enter Phase 2 of Washington’s Safe Start Recovery Plan (June 5, 2020)
On Friday, June 5, the state secretary of health approved the county to move to Phase 2 of the state’s Safe Start Recovery Plan. Read the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department's announcement on the approval to move to Phase 2.
Criminals Exploiting COVID-19 to Commit Unemployment Fraud (May 15, 2020)
Unfortunately, during this stressful time, criminals are taking advantage of resources. Unemployment Fraud has become a nationwide issue. Tacoma Police Department (TPD) has outlined the steps you should follow if your identity has been stolen and if an unemployment claim has been opened without your consent. Read TPD's Guidelines on what to do if your identity has been stolen.
Free COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing at the Tacoma Dome Extended Through June 2020 (June 1, 2020)
Tacoma community members and those in the area who have COVID-19 symptoms can register for an appointment to be tested for the virus at Kroger’s drive thru testing site located at the Tacoma Dome. There is no cost to patients and no insurance is needed.
- Dates/Times: Every Tuesday and Wednesday in June from 10 AM to 4 PM; Also Monday, June 29, 2020
- Location: The Tacoma Dome (2727 E D Street, Tacoma)
- Registration is required. Register at krogerhealth.com/covidtesting or call 1-888-852-2567 (select option 1, then option 3).
Those eligible will select a testing location and appointment time. Then, registrants will receive an email confirmation with pre-appointment paperwork to complete. When a person arrives for their test, they should have their photo ID ready and should leave their car window rolled up for check-in, until a health-care practitioner comes to the car to provide the self-administered nasal swab. Kroger Health will contact participants with their test results within 48 hours.
Gov. Inslee Unveils the State's 'Safe Start' Plan for Phased Re-Opening and Extends 'Stay Home, Stay Healthy' Through May 31 (May 4, 2020)
Governor Jay Inslee signed a new COVID-19 order on May 4 extending the 'Stay Home, Stay Healthy' order through May 31, 2020. He also announced the state’s 'Safe Start' plan, a phased approach to re-opening Washington’s economy. 'Safe Start' sets a careful approach to emerging from the pandemic. It allows for modifications of business closures and physical distancing measures while minimizing the health impacts of COVID-19. Read More.
City of Tacoma Launches T-Town Hall Virtual Community Series (April 30, 2020)
The City of Tacoma has launched T-Town Hall, a virtual community event series of four weekly conversations on issues of importance to the community during this unprecedented public health and economic crisis. Each event was hosted by our City Council Members and Mayor Woodards on Thursday evenings from 6-7:30 PM via Zoom. Read the T-Town Hall launch announcement.
| April 30 |
Deputy Mayor Keith Blocker (District 3)
Kristina Walker (Position 8) |
Rental Assistance Program and Tenant Rights |
English Video |
| May 7 |
Catherine Ushka (District 4)
Chris Beale (District 5) |
Immigration |
English Video
Spanish Video
|
| May 14 |
Robert Thoms (District 2)
Conor McCarthy (Position 7) |
Economic Development
|
English Video
Spanish Video |
| May 21 |
John Hines (District 1)
Lillian Hunter (Position 6) |
Education and Children |
English Video
Spanish Video
|
Report a Business Not in Compliance with 'Stay Home, Stay Healthy' Order
Please refer to the State of Washington's guidance on what's allowed to be opened and what should be closed and if you'd like to report a business that you believe has not been in compliance with Governor Jay Inslee's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order, please report it to the State of Washington. In the event that a complaint about a business is referred from the State of Washington back to the City of Tacoma, the City will then contact the business and communicate the need to comply as appropriate. If compliance still does not occur, the City may then need to refer the complaint back to the State of Washington, specifically the Attorney General's Office, for criminal or civil charges. Please note that violating Governor Inslee’s emergency orders can amount to a gross misdemeanor.
Ways to Stay Engaged & Participate in Virtual Tacoma City Council Meetings
To comply with the 'Stay Home, Stay Healthy' Order, City Council meetings are not being conducted in-person. Community members can still participate in multiple ways. All council meetings will be broadcast live on TV Tacoma, tvtacoma.com and on Facebook LIVE. Meeting agendas can be found online.
For the regular Tuesday City Council meetings at 5 PM, you can:
- Send in your public comments via email to cityclerk@cityoftacoma.org before 4 PM each Tuesday. Comments will be compiled and sent to the Council.
- Join the Zoom Meeting online or via the telephone by dialing (253) 215-8782 with the Meeting ID: 890 2715 0863.
If a special Friday City Council meeting on the city's response to the COVID-19 pandemic is scheduled, you can:
- Call and listen in (audio only) by dialing (253) 215-8782 and enter the Meeting ID: 832 6587 6087
Rental Housing Assistance Program Launched--$1.2 Million Available for Tacoma Households (April 22, 2020)
The City has established a rental housing assistance program to assist individuals and families who cannot afford part or all of their rent due to hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is funded from the City’s housing trust fund, which has redirected $1.2 million to respond to COVID-19 to help build community resiliency and stabilize households. Qualifying households are eligible to receive a one-time award of up to $1,000 per household, which is paid directly to the landlord. The deadline to apply was May 6, 2020.
Water Flushing Tips from Tacoma Water for Homes and Businesses that Have Been Closed Due to Pandemic
Flushing your water system now is important for homes and businesses that have been closed, or significantly reduced their water use, under Washington’s 'Stay Home, Stay Healthy' order. Corrosion particulates in the plumbing can accumulate, and chlorine residuals normally in the water to provide disinfection may have dissipated, which can cause bacteriological growth. Flushing removes the particulates and refreshes the water in the pipes with clean, chlorinated water from our distribution system.
Visit myTPU.org/waterflushing for steps to take to prepare your water pipes after periods of low flow or no-flow conditions.
Information for Event Producers from the Special Events Office
Tacoma Venues & Events’ top priority is the health and safety of guests, clients and employees. The City’s Special Events Office is adhering to the "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order and following the expert guidance of public health authorities. Read the City’s Special Events Office message to event producers regarding COVID-19.
'Messages from the Mayor' with Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards
In this video series of messages, Mayor Woodards shares information about what we are doing as a city to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governor Inslee announced that certain low-risk construction projects can restart as long as they can comply with his COVID-19 Safety Plan. The safety plan was developed as part of a working group that included contractors and workers and includes requirements related to safety training, physical distancing, PPE, sanitation and cleanliness, monitoring employees for symptoms, and logging job site visitors. Read Mayor Woodards statement on this announcement.
Disaster Cash Assistance Program (DCAP) Launched by WA Department of Social & Health Services (DSHS) (April 17, 2020)
Some WA residents can apply through DSHS for emergency cash assistance to help meet their immediate needs. For more info on DCAP and to apply, visit WashingtonConnection.org. Información en Español.
Governor Inslee Expands Eviction Moratorium Through June 4, 2020 and Adds Additional Protections for Residential and Some Commercial Tenants (April 16, 2020)
Gov. Jay Inslee expanded protections for renters as COVID-19 continues to impact the finances of Washingtonians statewide. Inslee’s new proclamation extends and expands the original order through June 4th. Read Gov. Inslee's full announcement and proclamation.
Read Mayor Woodards' statement along with Deputy Mayor Keith Blocker's response on the evictions moratorium.
The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Economic Development Board of Tacoma-Pierce County to respond to the business community’s top concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic by developing a Rapid Response Team and the Rapid Response South Sound website co-sponsored by the City of Tacoma and other local businesses and organizations. Answers are provided to specific questions previously posed by businesses regarding financial, government regulation, human resources, legal and communications/marketing assistance. Businesses and organizations also have the opportunity to ‘ask the experts’ to resolve their issues. Reliable responses will be provided within 24 hours.
Schools Closed for the Remainder of the School Year for In-Person Learning (April 6, 2020)
Governor Jay Inslee held a press conference with Chris Reykdal, Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, announcing that all Washington State schools will remain closed to in-person learning for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year.
Tacoma's First COVID-19 Related Death (April 5, 2020)
On April 5, we were notified by the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department that Tacoma has confirmed a loss of life due to COVID-19. This is the first Coronavirus-related death in Tacoma. Read Mayor Woodards' statement on this loss.
Governor Extends Stay at Home Order Through May 4 (April 2, 2020)
During his press conference on April 2, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee announced that he will be extending Washington's 'Stay Home, Stay Healthy' Order through at least May 4, 2020. Read Mayor Woodards' statement on the extension.
Special Tacoma City Council Meeting on Coronavirus Updates (April 2, 2020)
The Tacoma City Council has established special weekly meetings to provide updates on the status and impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the City’s response to the emergency every Friday at 2 PM. These meetings are open to the public but to comply with Governor Inslee's Proclamation, this meeting will not be conducted in-person. To join by phone, dial +1 253 215 8782 and use the Webinar ID: 836 0101 6378. You can also listen on Facebook LIVE, watch on TV Tacoma, or on tvtacoma.com. Meeting agendas will be posted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.
A Statement From Mayor Victoria Woodards on Governor Jay Inslee’s March 30 Press Briefing (March 30, 2020)
"I want to support Tacoma Police Chief Don Ramsdell by reiterating his request: Please do not call 911 to report violations of the Governor’s order, social distancing violations, or people being outside. We must continue to reserve 911 for people who need immediate emergency assistance. To learn how to best report crime and other issues, visit cityoftacoma.org/reportcrime or you can visit the State of Washington’s website – coronavirus.wa.gov – to report a violation. The Tacoma Police Department believes our community understands the severity of the situation. They recognize that people need to get groceries, pick up medicines, visit the doctor, or engage in other essential activities. When officers encounter someone who is not complying with the order, they know that they have an important role to play in reminding them of the restrictions in place, but they will not be actively seeking out individuals failing to comply with the order and they have no desire to make arrests for violations." Read Mayor Woodards' Full Statement
City of Tacoma Offers COVID-19 Stabilization Loans to Tacoma’s Small Businesses (March 27, 2020)
In an effort to mitigate the negative economic impacts of COVID-19 on Tacoma's small businesses, the Community and Economic Development Department has established a COVID-19 Stabilization Loan Program.
This loan program is available to small businesses with 10 or fewer employees who have a physical location in Tacoma and have been in business in Tacoma for one year. Qualified businesses can borrow up to $15,000 at 75% of the current prime rate with a five-year amortization and no repayment for the first year. Loan funds are to be used for working capital. Businesses must be able to document a significant loss of revenue/sales due to COVID-19. Deadline to apply is April 7, 2020. Read the COVID-19 Stabilization Loan Program Announcement
Governor Jay Inslee Announces 'Stay Home, Stay Healthy' Order (March 23, 2020)
The Governor’s statewide order requires everyone in Washington to stay home. The order will last for two weeks and could be extended. This proclamation:
- Requires every Washingtonian to stay home unless they need to pursue an essential activity.
- Bans all gatherings for social, spiritual and recreational purposes. These include gatherings such as weddings and funerals.
- Closes all businesses except essential businesses.
The proclamation states it’s still safe for people to go outside as long as they remain at least six feet from each other. Grocery stores, doctor’s offices and other essential businesses will remain open. People can still participate in activities such as bike rides, gardening, and dog walking — as long as they follow social distancing rules.
Press Conference on How Washington is Assisting Workers and Businesses (March 18, 2020)
Watch this press conference with Governor Jay Inslee, Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards and Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan as they provide an update on how Washington is assisting workers and businesses dealing with Coronavirus (COVID-19). Video courtesy of Governor Inslee's Facebook page.
For Tacoma Business resources related to COVID-19, visit our website www.MakeItTacoma.com.
City of Tacoma Facilities Closing to the Public (March 17, 2020)
As of March 18, City facilities are temporarily closed to the public until further notice. The City offers telephone and email support as well as online resources. Read the Announcement on the City Closure
Governor Inslee Announces Statewide Shutdown of Restaurants, Bars and Expanded Social Gathering Limits (March 16, 2020)
Gov. Jay Inslee announced an emergency proclamation that mandates the immediate two-week closure of all restaurants, bars, and entertainment and recreational facilities, as well as additional limits on large gatherings. The new orders went into effect at midnight, March 17, and will be in place through at least March 31, 2020.
Additional Resources and Educational Materials
Coronavirus Fliers Available for Download in Multiple Languages
The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department has created fliers explaining what the Coronavirus is, how it spreads and how to plan ahead. Download any of these fliers and share with your friends, family, co-workers or neighbors.
Fliers
English
Chinese
Korean
Russian
Spanish
Tagalog
Vietnamese
City of Tacoma Employee Communication
If operating conditions change, the City of Tacoma will notify our employees via email, phone trees, the employee hotline, our intranet sites GNET/UNET and the City websites.
Additional Resources and Translated Materials
COVID-19 Resources for Immigrants/Recursos para inmigrantes
Information and resources for immigrants in English and Spanish provided by the Washington State Senate Democrats.
En Español-Webinar on COVID-19
This webinar is presented by the City of Seattle, King County Public Health, the City of Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, the City of Seattle Office of Economic Development, and the City of Seattle Office of Labor Standards.
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