Is socially responsible development possible in Tacoma? Participants in a town hall at Urban Grace will seek answers to that question. The event takes place at the downtown church, located at 902 Market St., at 4 p.m. on Oct. 4.
Nicolette Paso is serving a City of Parish internship at Urban Grace. She said the church decided to hold the event in light of the ongoing economic downturn, high unemployment, controversy over the Point Ruston project, gentrification on Hilltop and the upscale Esplanade condominium building going into foreclosure shortly after completion of construction.
Back when Urban Grace was First Baptist Church, it routinely held town hall forums, in part due to its proximity to city hall in the heart of downtown. Paso said this event carries on that tradition.
The keynote speaker will be Leonardo Vilchis of Union de Vecinos and Right to the City. Based in Los Angeles, he is known around the country for his expertise on socially responsible development. He will discuss this topic at the national level, as well as how it has played out in Southern California.
A panel of Pierce County community leaders will share recent successes and challenges. They will discuss big box stores, suburban sprawl, luxury condominiums, government spending priorities, workforce housing and livable-wage jobs.
A panel of Tacoma City Council candidates will reflect on their local experiences. Participants on this panel will include Marty Campbell, Victoria Woodards, mayoral candidate Jim Merritt and his opponent, current Councilmember Marilyn Strickland.
Paso said the forum will open up a dialogue on what model best creates a sustainable, inclusive and equitable community.
“One goal of the event is to provide people with an opportunity to ask their leaders what is going on and what they plan to do about it,” Paso said. “This is an opportunity for our leaders to learn what the community’s concerns are and what problems they have. A town hall is a great forum to connect with the community.”
The event is free and open to the public. For more information call Urban Grace at 272-2184.
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