On June 17, Artist Robleto celebrated its one-year anniversary with a warm and vibrant celebration attended by friends, loyal clients, and fellow entrepreneurs.  
 
Located inside the Sola Salon Studios suites at Sixth Avenue Plaza in Tacoma, Artist Robleto is a spa and wellness center dedicated to bringing harmony and well-being to the body. Offering personalized services such as relaxing massages, renewing facials, and expert body sculpting, Artist Robleto has quickly built a reputation for excellence. Clients describe their experiences as “thoughtful and intuitive” and “relaxation and luxury at its best.” Bilingual services are available in Spanish and English, making self-care more accessible to a broader community. 
 
Founder Rosibel E. Robleto Morales welcomed attendees, offering tours, giveaways, face masks, and delicious food, including empanadas from Welcome Restaurant. 
A proud graduate of the Pierce County Business Accelerator (PCBA) program, Morales was joined by several fellow cohort members to celebrate this important milestone. 
 
Chamber Board Chair-Elect Chyna Willman led the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, recognizing Morales for her perseverance and accomplishments: opening a physical location, graduating from the PCBA, and growing her business despite the challenges of the past year. 
 
Morales delivered heartfelt remarks in Spanish, expressing deep gratitude to those in attendance and to the Chamber for its ongoing support. She shared that this celebration was not just a reflection of the past year’s hard work, but also the momentum she needed to continue moving forward. 
 
The Chamber was proud to celebrate Artist Robleto’s success alongside the PCBA community and Tacoma’s vibrant small business network. 
 
Learn more about Artist Robleto by visiting its Instagram. Book your services with Rosibel via phone at (253) 287-7201, so you can enjoy some pampering at 5401 6TH Ave, Sola Salon #300, studio #32, Tacoma, Washington, 98406. ​

On June 11, TAPCO Credit Union celebrated the opening of its newest branch at 176th and Canyon Road. Community partners such as Graham Business Association, TAPCO staff, media, and neighbors joined in the event to check out the new space, grab a bite to eat, and connect with others in attendance.
 
Branch Manager Elizabeth Stewart and her staff were on hand to greet guests and answer questions. She welcomed attendees and provided introductions to TAPCO leadership and elected officials who were on hand to share remarks in celebration of the new location.
 
President and CEO Justin Martin provided opening remarks, noting how long TAPCO Credit Union has served the community, and how its commitment to doing so would carry forth in the years to come. He emphasized that the new location was more than a financial services center, but a community hub designed to serve the people of Frederickson with available meeting space, a coffee shop, and pathways to connect with one another.
 
Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello brought his high energy to the event and highlighted how TAPCO’s history of consistently showing up for the community is a legacy in and of itself. Executive Mello noted that its support for its members and the greater Pierce County region is critical to the success of the area.
 
The new location has a lot to look forward to as Frederickson continues to grow. At the new branch there will be a Cutters Point Coffee Co. café and drive-thru open on-site by the end of the year, adding even more convenience for the community and members stopping by.
 
The Chamber is thrilled to welcome the new TAPCO Credit Union location at 176th & Canyon Road to the community!
 
Learn more about TAPCO Credit Union by visiting its website, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn. The new branch is located at 5320 176th St E, Tacoma, WA 98446.

June 6, 2025

City of Tacoma
Planning Commission
747 Market Street, Room 345
Tacoma, WA 98402
​
Dear Commissioners,

The Tideflats Subarea Plan and associated code amendments are a significant step toward achieving economic development objectives that will support existing businesses and key economic and environmental priorities. We recognize the tremendous amount of work the City of Tacoma and its partners: Puyallup Tribe of Indians, Port of Tacoma, Pierce County and City of Fife, have done over the past seven years. This plan goes a long way towards protecting and growing the Tideflats Manufacturing Industrial Center’s nearly $14 Billion in economic activity and associated employment.

The jobs in the Tacoma Tideflats are among the highest wage and the lowest barrier jobs in our region. The wages within the Manufacturing Industrial Center are consistently 30% higher than in surrounding areas of Tacoma and Pierce County. We encourage the Planning Commission to recognize the significance of the unanimous vote to adopt the proposed Subarea Plan from the Steering Committee.

The Manufacturing Industrial Council and the undersigned members and affiliated partners are supportive of the Steering Committee’s recommendation to adopt the Subarea Plan and implement code amendments. The plan generally supports the priorities and conclusions developed by planning department staff and supported by the Steering Committee and the Technical Advisory Group.

We recognize that not all goals and priorities can be achieved through the Subarea Plan document. We will focus our comments on the code amendments and a call for the development and implementation of an economic development strategy that will move our city and region toward a more sustainable, dynamic, and prosperous future for all.

We encourage the Planning Commission to direct staff and the City of Tacoma to develop additional clarifying language that would further codify commitments to existing business and create better alignment in support of cleaner fuels and energy transition.

Throughout the planning process, the Steering Committee and the Technical Advisory Group expressed a clear commitment to supporting established businesses’ ability to scale, modernize, and adapt to changing markets. The established businesses support a wide range of economic opportunities in our region, supporting trade and Port operations, Tacoma’s Green Economy Strategy, circular economy, manufacturing, boatbuilding, aerospace, agriculture, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The support for established businesses should be represented in the language of the code not just the use tables and footnotes. The code language should solidify support for these key pillars of our region’s economic prosperity. It is our recommendation that these amendments be developed in consultation with industry and subject matter experts.

We applaud the strong commitment to cleaner fuels in both the Subarea Plan and the code amendments. The Subarea Plan lays out specific policy objectives that express the City’s commitment to encourage and partner on the development of the green economy and the reduction of regulatory burdens. However, these commitments are contravened by the proposal to change cleaner fuel projects from permitted use to a use requiring a conditional use permit. This change adds an additional process for these projects not required in the prior version of the code. The robust regulatory environment, large levels of capital required, lack of incentives, and long project horizons make cleaner fuel projects vulnerable to the unintended consequence of additional and often duplicate processes.

The non-interim regulations on both traditional and cleaner fuels established and codified during the subarea planning process were negotiated and adopted in good faith by industry and community partners represented on the Steering Committee and the Technical Advisory Group. This process was conducted with transparency and with opportunity for community input and engagement. It is our position that there is clear intent and clear language in the Subarea Plan to limit regulation above and beyond the non-interim regulation process as reflected in the exiting code. The shift to conditional use runs contrary to this intent. We again are advocating for additional clarifying language developed in partnership with industry and subject matter experts to increase policy alignment.

If Tacoma is going to meet the existing and future needs of our city and region, we will need a clear economic development strategy that supports and incentivizes cleaner fuels and energy transition. The first step to that end is to not introduce new code that creates unnecessary, uncertain, and burdensome conditions that would disincentivize investment in cleaner fuels and energy transition.

It is our hope that the planning commission will honor the years of effort and the unanimous recommendation for adoption of the Tideflats Subarea Plan by the City of Tacoma, Puyallup Tribe of Indians, Port of Tacoma, Pierce County and City of Fife. It is also our hope that the proposed code will be clarified and aligned with the plan to maximize the economic and environmental opportunities made possible through this historic effort.

Sincerely,

The Chamber’s 2025 Washington-to-Washington, D.C. Conference (WA2WA) recently wrapped up with 42 Pierce County leaders, including business, civic, and elected officials, gathering in the nation’s capital for high-impact conversations and strategic collaboration.  

Now in its 39th year, WA2WA continues to be a cornerstone of South Sound leadership, creating meaningful opportunities to engage directly with federal policymakers, strengthen regional partnerships, build cross-sector relationships, and advocate for the issues that matter most to our community. 

Relationships matter—in business and in politics. Through this annual trip, we strive to cultivate and sustain authentic, lasting connections. These relationships are the foundation for true collaboration—empowering us to tackle shared challenges, champion pragmatic policies, and implement solutions that help the South Sound thrive both regionally and globally. ​

Highlights from the Hill 

​Over two-and-a-half days, our delegation met with a bipartisan group that included: 

• Nine of Washington State’s twelve elected representatives 

• Canadian Embassy officials 

• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce 

• Regional partners from Spokane, Seattle, and Portland ​​​

• Protecting Medicaid and Medicare, especially with federal proposals that would disproportionately affect rural and lower-income districts, including Washington’s own. Congressman Dan Newhouse highlighted that 40% of his constituents rely on Medicaid and the need to protect the program.  
• Maintaining and expanding critical infrastructure funding through reauthorization of the Surface Transportation and Coast Guard bills—Congressman Larsen called a “partnership in a sea of partisanship”. Leaders agreed: infrastructure means jobs and any delay places shovel-ready projects and economic growth at risk. 
• Federal permitting reform, with business and energy leaders stressing the need to modernize bureaucratic processes to unleash clean energy innovation and broadband expansion. 

​Meaningful conversations also took place on U.S.-Canada relations, especially relevant given the Prime Minister’s visit to D.C. during the delegation’s time there. Senator Cantwell encouraged regional leaders to “keep going,” reinforcing the importance of export-driven growth and trade alliances.  

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland shared insights on navigating a shifting political landscape while continuing to advocate for Pierce County. 

Meanwhile, Congressman Adam Smith talked about the difficulty of navigating national security in a rapidly changing international landscape. Everything from tariffs to international aid impacts our security and stability.  ​

Economic Resilience & Local Innovation 

​Delegates also explored deeper themes around economic transformation. From maritime to manufacturing to nuclear innovation, there was shared urgency around: 

• Preparing the region for 40% population growth by 2050 with expanded transit options and housing flexibility. 

• Green economy job pathways, including waste-to-profit models, clean fuels, and partnerships like the Blair Waterway project with the Puyallup Tribe, which will create over 50 union jobs. 

• A “skills-forward” approach to workforce development that prioritizes earn-while-you-learn programs and leverages institutions like the Eastside Training Center, JBLM, and the Tacoma Anchor Network 

University leaders and economic development officials alike emphasized the need for local control of funding, stronger public-private alignment, and doing what’s right for the next generation—especially as education equity, access, and online learning remain top-of-mind. 

These conversations helped shape a deeper, shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our region. You can learn more about the Chamber’s advocacy efforts here. ​

Energy & Innovation Frontiers 

A strong theme throughout the trip was economic resilience through innovation and energy transformation. From nuclear to maritime to digital infrastructure, the delegation heard repeated calls for: 

• Federal permit reform as a prerequisite for clean energy buildout 

• Expanded support for green economy job pathways and smart grid investment 

• Recognition of the maritime sector’s national security role, including Tacoma’s Blair Waterway deepening and the Port’s collaboration with the Puyallup Tribe to bring 50+ union longshore jobs online 

​Senator Cantwell also noted export growth under the Biden administration and the need for congressional authority over executive trade actions. ​

Investing in Leadership and Community 

Alongside eight local elected officials, several Chamber board members joined the trip as attendees and sponsors: 

• Eddie Bratko, MultiCare Health System 

• Eric Johnson, Port of Tacoma 

• Christine Nhan, Puget Sound Energy 

• Ryan Wheaton, Pierce Transit 

• Rich White, The Boeing Company 

We are grateful to our 2025 sponsors, whose generous investment made this experience possible: MultiCare Health Systems, The Port of Tacoma, Alaska Airlines, The Boeing Company, Regenerative Industrial, Lightcurve, TOTE Maritime Alaska, Pierce Transit, Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026, Puget Sound Energy, and Sound Transit. ​

Looking Ahead to 40 Years

As we continue building partnerships and advancing collective impact, the connections and discussions from this year’s WA2WA trip will continue to inform our work. They deepen our understanding of the South Sound’s diverse needs and the opportunities ahead. 
​
Beyond the policy briefings and Capitol Hill meetings, attendees also found time to connect over D.C.’s incredible culinary scene—strengthening relationships that will fuel continued collaboration. With more than 90% of attendees indicating they plan to return, the value of this long-standing tradition is as strong as ever. 

As we prepare for WA2WA’s 40th year, we’re inspired by emerging opportunities in transportation modernization, clean energy, workforce development, and federal procurement reform. These themes point to our region’s potential as a national model for collaboration, innovation, and inclusive economic growth. ​

For more than seven years, the Manufacturing Industrial Council (MIC) has been actively engaged in the City of Tacoma’s Tideflats Subarea Plan process. As a member of the Technical Advisory Group, the MIC has provided consistent public input and technical review of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Throughout this time, the MIC has played a key role in fostering consensus on complex issues and helping shape a strong, future-focused vision for the Tideflats Manufacturing and Industrial Center. 

On December 5, 2024, the Tideflats Steering Committee voted unanimously to advance the Tideflats Subarea Plan for adoption by the City of Tacoma. This milestone marks a historic step toward regional collaboration on initiatives that will strengthen the South Sound’s economic future. The progress achieved reflects the collective efforts of elected representatives from the City of Tacoma, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, the Port of Tacoma, Pierce County, and the City of Fife. 

​On May 7, 2025, the Draft Subarea Plan was released for public review and comment. The MIC commends the City of Tacoma and its regional partners for their dedication to a collaborative and high-quality planning process. We believe the plan, and the broad consensus behind it, make it ready for adoption by the Tacoma City Council.

While we support the plan’s direction, we acknowledge its limitations. The planning document alone cannot fully realize the potential of the Tideflats Manufacturing and Industrial Center. That’s why we remain committed to advancing bold economic development policies that build on the plan’s framework and vision. 

The plan is a starting point.  We recognize that there is a unique opportunity to develop cleaner fuels projects that can drive our energy transition. The MIC is advocating for a comprehensive cleaner fuels strategy—one that includes clear policy direction, supportive land use and permitting pathways, and targeted economic incentives. The City of Tacoma’s Green Economic Strategy offers a strong model for how we can achieve these goals. 

Additionally, we emphasize the importance of supporting the legacy businesses that form the foundation of the economic impact of the Tideflats. Their continued success is essential to the area’s growth. These businesses must be empowered to modernize, innovate, and respond to changing market demands and emerging opportunities. We will continue to support that work. 
​ 
The Manufacturing Industrial Council and the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber remain optimistic. We believe that, through partnership and collective action, we can realize the full potential of the Tideflats and build a more prosperous, thriving South Sound. We invite you to join us by taking action through the pathways below. 
​​

How to Participate in the Public Comment Period ​

• Public Hearing (Hybrid) – June 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM 
  • In Person: Council Chambers, 1st Floor of the Tacoma Municipal Building, 747 Market Street, Tacoma, WA 98402 
  • Meeting Link: www.zoom.us/j/84416624153 
  • Dial In: +1 253 215 8782; Webinar ID: 844 1662 4153 
• Written Comments (Deadline June 6, 2025, at 5:00 PM) 
  • Email: [email protected] 
  • Mail: Planning Commission, 747 Market Street Room 345, Tacoma, WA 98402 

​
Informational Meeting – May 28, 2025, at 6 PM (Virtual) 
The purpose of the meeting is to provide information on how to provide comments during the Planning Commission public hearing comment period. How to Attend: 

• Meeting Login: https://www.zoom.us/j/82053054016  

• Dial In: 253-215-8782; Webinar ID: 820 5305 4016 

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