Mayor’s Task Force on Bee City Tacoma
The Mayor’s Bee City Task Force was launched on June 24, 2026, to bring together community members, organizations, and City partners who are already working to protect bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The task force will build on existing efforts, encourage new partnerships, and identify opportunities to create more pollinator-friendly habitat across Tacoma. This work will support the City’s goal of becoming a Bee City USA community during Pollinator Month in June 2027.
Pollinators are more than just honeybees. They include native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, beetles, and many other species that help flowers, trees, and gardens grow. Healthy pollinator habitat also creates greener, more welcoming neighborhoods that people enjoy spending time in.
When native plants are added to parks, streets, schools, and other public spaces, they make neighborhoods more beautiful, support local wildlife, and create places where people feel connected to nature. These spaces can build community pride, encourage people to spend more time outdoors, and help create neighborhoods that feel vibrant, cared for, and safe.
Tacoma has opportunities across the city from parks and shorelines to neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and home gardens, to create and connect pollinator habitat. Native landscapes also use less water, require less maintenance over time, and help manage stormwater, making them a smart investment that benefits both people and the environment.
Bee City USA
Bee City USA is a national framework that helps communities take practical, coordinated action to support pollinators. At its core, it’s about creating healthy habitat with native plants, reducing pesticide impacts, and increasing public awareness and engagement.
Communities that participate commit to a set of simple but meaningful actions – like expanding habitat, supporting education, and improving land management practices over time. What makes this framework powerful is that it doesn’t require starting from scratch. It helps align the work that’s already happening and builds momentum across partners and communities.
You can learn more about Bee City USA and the framework on their website.
How Do I Get Involved?
Interested in joining the conversations? The Mayor’s Task Force on Bee City Tacoma meets monthly in person with a virtual option on the 4th Thursday of the month at 4 p.m. You can just show up and introduce yourself or reach out to the Mayor’s Office to learn more at Mayor@tacoma.gov.
The meetings are held at the Tacoma Municipal Building (747 Market Street, Tacoma, WA 98402) in Room 248.
What is Already Happening?
As the task force meets and starts to build out their understanding of possible changes and programs already in motion, the information will be compiled and shared on this web page.