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Articles by Connie Ladenburg
Tacoma leaders don’t like new direction for Theater District | Tacoma News Tribune
We would like to share a little history in light of the city’s recent decision to end its partnership with Tacoma Arts Live, formerly known as the Broadway Center for Performing Arts. It really wasn’t that long ago (2004) when the Tacoma Fire Department closed down the historic Pantages and Rialto Theaters as fire hazards, too dangerous for occupancy.
Serving those who have served us
It is not a surprise that our days at the County Council are filled with many meetings. Sometimes, we are fortunate enough to get invited to tour facilities that house programs we have funded. Staff and I recently had the opportunity to tour one of those facilities, the Betsy Ross Hall. I feel compelled to share with you the wonderful things this program does. Located on the grounds of the Washington Soldiers Home in Orting, Betsy Ross Hall is for women veterans.
Task force aims to reintegrate patients back into the community
Governor Inslee has announced that he plans to close the civil commitment unit at Western State Hospital, which in turn allows for the release of 89 patients into Pierce County. He has said, and I agree, that people are better served in their own community instead of a large institution. This is similar to a movement in the ’70s when many behavioral health institutions were closed and large numbers of people were moved into communities for care.
County should learn from Tacoma’s ‘Stability Site’
There has been a great deal of focus on homelessness for a number of years and effort by government on how we can eliminate this problem. When we think of homelessness, more often than not we think of the people on the corner or in an encampment. Those of us in government often hear from our constituency demands to find a solution to this problem. The City of Tacoma is doing something about it. A couple of weeks ago, I went to the “Stability Site,” part of Tacoma’s strategy to work on homelessness.
Point in Time - 2018
Every year Pierce County does a Point in Time count of the homeless living in the county. This work is required by the federal office of Housing and Urban Development so communities can qualify for homeless grant funding. This survey does more than count though. It helps to put a face on the homeless. They include not only individuals but also veterans, families, young adults and children. This is surprising to many people. What is also surprising is the cause of today’s homelessness.
It’s everyone’s duty to help protect affordable housing programs
I heard some troubling news the other day that will have a detrimental impact on our community. First, I want to share some wonderful things about an organization in our community that accomplishes wonderful feats every day. Tacoma Housing Authority (THA) is our largest affordable housing developer in the region. Their core mission is to house people in need by building, buying and rebuilding housing that they then turn around and rent.
2018 - A lot to do…
Many times when we start a new year we think about new things to do – clean a closet, start to exercise, lose weight. At the county we often continue working or capitalizing on what we have previously started. An area that I am going to continue working on should not come as a surprise to anyone who has been following these articles. I have been appointed to chair the Select Committee on Human Services. Behavioral health is on the top of our list.
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR PORT
I have a unique district in Pierce County, as everything in my district is incorporated. In other words, I have cities or parts of cities – Tacoma, Fircrest, and University Place. I also have the west side of the Port of Tacoma, which is a crucial economic engine for Pierce County and Washington. The Port supports more than 29,000 jobs and has an economic impact of generating more than $3 billion for the South Puget Sound region. The Port sits within the City of Tacoma, which is in Pierce County.
Guest Editorial: Public safety, human services highlight 2018 County budget
There are two times of the year that I refer to as “crazy time” – campaign season and budget planning. The craziness of campaigns speak for themselves so I don’t have to say anything about that topic. That leaves the budget… Over the last few weeks we have been listening, reviewing, talking, and studying in preparation for developing and passing the 2018 Pierce County budget. As George W. Bush said, “It’s clearly a budget. It’s got a lot of numbers.” Yes, it does.
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