Business Engagement Solutions Team (BEST)

Supporting Tacoma’s Business Community Through Coordinated City Services

The Business Engagement Solutions Team (BEST) helps streamline internal coordination, respond to emerging business needs, and improve the overall business climate in Tacoma.

BEST is a cross-departmental initiative led by the Community and Economic Development Department (CED) in support of City Council’s Strategic Plan – Tacoma 2035.

What BEST Does

BEST brings together staff from multiple departments to provide responsive and proactive support to Tacoma’s business climate.

BEST is activated when an existing service does not meet the need of the business climate or a department identifies an urgent or emerging business need – such as safety concerns, operational impacts, or issues raised during business outreach.

BEST helps businesses navigate City processes and connect to financial or technical assistance.

BEST strengthens business districts and build relationships with community partners.

BEST coordinates placemaking and improvement efforts such as public art, Tidy-Up Tacoma services, and community policing.

BEST supports physical, social, and cultural improvements that contribute to a vibrant business climate.

Contact

Carol Wolfe, Division Manager

(253) 591-5384

BEST@tacoma.gov

747 Market Street, Room 900
Tacoma, WA 98402

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Who Is on the Team?

BEST Members

This is not a new program, it’s a collaborative team designed to enhance and align existing City services that impact the business climate.

BEST includes subject matter experts from the following departments/divisions:

Community and Economic Development

Code Enforcement

Customer Service

Environmental Services / Tidy-Up Tacoma

Neighborhood and Community Services

Planning and Development Services

Public Works

Real Property Services

Tacoma Fire Department

Tacoma Police Department
Tax & License

How BEST Engages

Responsive Support & Proactive Outreach

Responsive Support

BEST is activated when a department identifies an urgent or emerging business need, such as safety concerns, operational disruptions, or feedback from site visits.

The team meets every other month to review issues, share updates, and identify new concerns.

CED staff conduct bi-monthly outreach to commercial property owners in business districts or commercial corridors to stay connected and responsive to evolving needs.

Proactive Outreach

BEST also engages in proactive efforts to support long-term business health:

Quarterly business retention visits and targeted outreach in priority areas.

Biennial Business Climate Survey to inform service improvements and policy priorities.