City of Tacoma Sustainability-Related Resolutions
Resolutions are non-binding statements made by the Tacoma City Council. They are formal expressions of a particular position that are endorsed and signed by the Mayor. Though resolutions are not a law, they are a formal declaration of support from the City Council. Resolutions can be proposed by the Council, staff, or community interests and other stakeholders, including the Sustainable Tacoma Commission.
Creating the Office of Environmental Policy and Sustainability (OEPS)
Resolution 37631 was passed in 2008 to create the Office of Environmental Policy and Sustainability and establish the Sustainable Tacoma Commission.
Defining Sustainability
The City's vision and definition of sustainability are described in Resolution 38247.
Life-Cycle Assessments
Resolution 38188 expresses the City’s support of life-cycle assessments and life-cycle thinking in its relevant legislation and management decisions.
Green Building
The City Council passed Green Building Resolution 38249 requiring all new or renovated City facilities to strive for LEED Gold.
Sustainable Purchasing
Resolution 38248, the Sustainable Purchasing Policy, was adopted in 2011 to affirm that the City seeks to do business with contractors and vendors who value our commitment to sustainability.
Green Events
Resolution 38906, adopted in May 2014, established the Green Events Program and its guidelines.
Sustainable Materials Management Plan
The City Council also adopted Resolution 38907 in May 2014, reaffirming the goal of 70% waste diversion by 2028 and developing a Sustainable Materials Management Plan.
Green Roads Community
Tacoma became a 'Green Roads Community" by adopting Resolution 38945 that aims for the City's roads and other infrastructure be models of environmental, economic, and social stewardship by setting community goals of sustainable design, construction, and maintenance.
Urban Forest Management Plan
Resolution 40492, adopted in December 2019, consolidates and clairifies City goals and policies to improve urban forest management.
Climate Emergency
Resolution 40509, adopted in December 2019, declares the threats of climate change require immediate action to mimimize harm to current and future generations, and therefore constitutes a public emergency.
City of Tacoma Sustainability-Related Proclamations
Proclamations are prepared for organizations and/or their representatives in observance of a specific day, week, or month. Proclamations are prepared for non-profit organizations or in connection with a milestone anniversary of the founding of a business. Proclamations are not prepared in recognition of an individual.
National Food Day
October 24 was declared National Food Day in Tacoma. It has been recognized with a proclamation to express Tacoma’s commitment to a healthy, just, and less wasteful food system.
Arbor Day and Green Tacoma Day
September 1 was proclaimed Arbor Day and Green Tacoma Day. These days urge all residents to become more involved in the protection and enhancement of one of our greatest assets, our urban forest.
Bike Month
May was declared to be Bike Month in Tacoma and has been recognized with a proclamation each May. Bike Month is meant to celebrate, promote, and support bikes and bicyclists in Tacoma.
Earth Day
April 22 was declared to be Earth Day in Tacoma and has been recognized with a proclamation. Earth Day is meant to honor and celebrate the Earth while the proclamation represented Tacoma’s commitment to building a sustainable future together.
City of Tacoma Sustainability-Related Ordinances
An ordinance is a law passed by the City of Tacoma and they explain the subject matter of municipal law.
Bring Your Own Bag Ordinance
On July 12, 2016 the Tacoma City Council passed the Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB) ordinance. The law regulates the use of carryout bags. More information can be found on the BYOB web page.
Backyard Chickens Ordinance
Chapter 5.30 of the Tacoma Municipal Code on Poultry and Pigeons explains all of the rules and limits on keeping chickens in Tacoma. Chickens are allowed within city limits, but all of the rules, limits, and requirements listed in Chapter 5.30 must be upheld.