Community Planning

The Neighborhood and Community Services Department (NCS) works to build healthy and successful neighborhoods and households through community problem solving, funding human services, and partnering with community members to facilitate safe, clean, and attractive neighborhoods. They support eight Neighborhood Councils and one overarching Community Council.

The City of Tacoma’s award-winning Neighborhood Planning Program (NPP) was created by the Tacoma City Council in 2021 and is overseen by our Planning Department. The program brings together community organizations, businesses, residents, City departments, and partner agencies to identify a vision for the future in selected neighborhoods — and then helps to implement that vision. These actions, ranging from short- to long-term projects, are aligned with other City programs and policies.

The Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) requires cities and counties to develop comprehensive plans and development regulations for their communities. The GMA identifies specific requirements for these “comprehensive” or “strategic” planning documents, focused primarily on the required land use, housing, transportation, utilities and capital facilities elements. Tacoma’s Subarea Plans are more detailed chapters of Tacoma’s Comprehensive Plan: One Tacoma and detail how urban density will be developed in a specific neighborhood or geographic area within the City.

Tacoma is home to 15 vibrant business districts that support the growth and vitality of the neighborhoods they serve. We offer consultations to help businesses and property owners organize and enhance their neighborhoods, guiding them through city services and recognizing Neighborhood Business Districts.