“I’m proud to support the addition of the North Union Avenue Greenway to the Tacoma Register of Historic Places. This step aligns with the recommendations of our Historic Preservation Office and the Landmarks Preservation Commission. I’m grateful for all the thoughtful work that everyone put into this proposal, and I see its passage today as a celebration of Tacoma’s unique neighborhoods.
Tacoma is a city with a rich history, and places like the North Union Avenue Greenway are part of our story. As our city continues to grow, add housing, and welcome more people, this step demonstrates that we can embrace that growth while also being thoughtful about the public spaces and historic features that give our neighborhoods their identity. Those goals do not have to be in conflict.
Most importantly, I am especially grateful to the neighbors who brought this proposal forward and put in the work to recognize what makes this part of Tacoma so special. The overwhelming community support for this proposal showed how much this greenway means not just to the people who live nearby, but to people throughout Tacoma who have walked, biked, driven, or spent time along this corridor over the years. As a lifelong Tacoma resident and a University of Puget Sound alum, I also see Union Avenue as a unique part of our city. Its broad, tree-lined medians create shade, provide space for people to walk and gather, and give this part of Tacoma a character that is difficult to recreate once it is lost.
The success of this designation is also a great example of civic engagement at its best. Neighbors saw something they valued, organized around it, did their research, made their case, and participated in the public process to advance their proposal. As a former civics teacher, I deeply believe that communities are stronger when people not only feel empowered to help shape the neighborhoods where they live, but also have access to the tools needed to do so. Tacoma is built on a foundation of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own story to tell. Today, we celebrate the North Union Avenue Greenway’s unique history and lasting contribution to our community’s architectural and cultural landscape. I’m grateful to everyone who spoke up and participated, and I look forward to continuing to find ways to both invest in Tacoma’s future and honor the unique history and character that make our city such a special place.”