Human Services Commission

The Human Services Commission (HSC) reviews applications and makes funding recommendations of human services programs to be funded through various funding sources, which may include, Community Development Block Grant Program, City of Tacoma General Fund, City of Tacoma Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder sales tax, and other special revenues and funds. The Commission also serves as a resource to the City Council and City Staff for the development and implementation of the Neighborhood and Community Services Issue Statement.

Time Commitment

The Commission conducts monthly public business meetings throughout the year, holds an annual member retreat, and on even-numbered years, supports a competitive funding process, which requires additional volunteer time outside of monthly meetings. On average, Commissioners volunteer 30+ hours of time between June-August of even-numbered years which may include two Saturday commitments. We recognize this is a large time commitment every other year, and we are grateful for our committed Commission. Most commissioners find this work fulfilling and re-apply for the Commission after their three-year term ends.

Responsibilities

The Commission’s core responsibility is to review, evaluate, and make funding recommendations for Neighborhood and Community Services biennial competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) funding process.

The competitive funding process begins in the spring of even-numbered years (i.e., 2026, 2028, 2030) with most Commissioner time commitment occurring during summer months. Commissioner responsibilities include carefully reviewing applications and rating them based on department needs and a structured rating criteria, listening to oral presentations by applicants, coming to consensus on scores with other raters, and collaboratively making funding recommendations for Council approval.

To ensure informed decision-making, monthly meetings are held to provide Commissioners with training and relevant presentations throughout the process. While the funding process meetings are not recorded, please review monthly meeting recordings and agendas for more information.

To learn more, consider joining a regularly scheduled meeting and speak to commissioners during the scheduled public comment period. See Meeting Information for meeting details.

Neighborhood and Community Services Department supports and funds vital human services in Tacoma. Services align with City Council Priorities, such as Health and Healthcare, Homelessness Services, and Violence Reduction and Prevention. To learn more about the department, please visit the Neighborhood and Community Services Programs web page.

Meeting Information

Second Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m.

Hybrid (Virtual and In-Person Options)

In-Person
Tacoma Municipal Building
747 Market Street, Room 138
Tacoma, WA 98402

Zoom Meeting Link
Passcode: 002323
By phone +1-253-215-8782 Webinar ID: 833 6447 6695

Staff Liaison
Erin Watlington
(253) 312-6803

Membership

The Human Services Commission (HSC) consists of fifteen members who are recommended by the Community Vitality and Safety Committee (CVS) and appointed by the City Council to serve a three-year term.

Apply to be a Commissioner

New Commissioner recruitment generally occurs May through July of each year; however, interested residents are welcome to apply at any time during the year to be considered for the next round of vacancies. Apply online.