Tacoma City Council and the City’s Events and Recognitions Committee (CERC) invite the community to attend the 39th Annual City of Destiny Awards on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall, 2727 East D Street. This free community celebration recognizes Tacoma’s outstanding volunteers and service leaders with an evening of awards, performances, and shared inspiration.
Doors open at 5 p.m. where guests can enjoy the Community Showcase and reception featuring complimentary refreshments and booths from local organizations. The awards ceremony begins at 7 p.m., hosted by Jessica Johnston, Chair of the City’s Events and Recognitions Committee. Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards and members of the Tacoma City Council will take the stage to present the awards, joining in recognizing the power of local action and civic pride.
“City Hall alone cannot address the complex challenges our community faces—it takes all of us,” said Mayor Victoria Woodards. “The individuals we are honoring represent the heart and soul of Tacoma, demonstrating through their selfless service what it means to build a stronger, more connected City of Destiny. Each of us has a role to play, and I’m deeply grateful for the powerful example these honorees set for us all.”
This year’s event will honor 11 individuals and one group whose volunteerism, leadership, and service have made a lasting impact on the community. Award categories include Youth and Adult Leadership, Youth Service, Disability Advocacy, Environmental Sustainability, Economic Development, Champion for Civic Engagement, and Equity & Empowerment for both an individual and a group.
Now in its second year, the Inspire Tacoma Award honors an individual who contributes to the city’s growth and prosperity through civic engagement, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, or advocacy. This year’s honoree is Jason Kinlow. Speaking about the selection, Mayor Woodards said, “Jason has always shown his love for Tacoma through his actions—not for praise, but out of genuine commitment. Still, I believe it’s important to honor those who go out into the world and make a meaningful impact on our city.”
The event will feature unforgettable performances, including a fire-breathing dragon sculpture created by local artist Steve LaBerge, who will perform with TacomaRama. The program will include a comedic performance by Heath Richardson, encouraging the audience to “Live, Laugh, and Love” in Tacoma.
RSVPs are requested but not required for this free, open to the public event. Accommodations can be requested through the RSVP form. The City of Destiny Awards will offer live closed captioning in English, Spanish, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Vietnamese, Ukrainian, Russian, Khmer, and Filipino. An ASL interpreter will also be present to support accessibility for attendees.
The City Council-appointed CERC oversees the nomination and awards process for the City of Destiny Awards. More than 330 individuals and groups have received recognition for their outstanding contributions to improving life in Tacoma since the awards’ inception in 1987. For more information on the City of Destiny Awards and for a full list of recipients from past years, visit tacomavenues.org.