New Tacoma

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are neighborhood councils required to do:

A: By ordinance, the City Council has required that each neighborhood council:

maintain itself as an independent, non-profit organization;
recruit a diverse membership;
meet at least four times a year;
review and make recommendations on the City budget;
develop an annual plan and supporting budget and provide them to the City Council through the Community Relations Office;
document activities in a written annual report to the City Council;
adopt by-laws and rules and procedures

Q: Who can be a member:

A: Any resident, business owner, employee, property owner or member of an existing neighborhood group within a neighborhood council area.

Q: Why should you become involved:

A: Neighborhood Councils are a direct conduit to City Government. They provide the opportunity to interact with the City Council and City Staff in a one on one basis. If you wish to present an issue to the City Council, many times they will ask if you have already discussed the issue with the appropriate Neighborhood Council.

Q: Who are some past Neighborhood Council members:

A: Neighborhood Council's are a stepping stone for many City Council Members including:

Mayor Bill Baarsma
Julie Anderson
Mike Lonergan
Tom Stenger
Bill Evans
Connie Ladenburg
Rick Talbert