During a recent city council meeting, residents of Tacoma voiced their concerns regarding transportation and housing density, highlighting the need for improved public transit and a reevaluation of housing policies.

Kit Burns, a Tacoma resident, emphasized the importance of reliable public transportation, referencing a Seattle survey that found 81% of renters still own cars. He criticized the current bus routes, particularly routes 1 and 2, for their inadequate frequency, suggesting that they do not meet the Washington State Department of Transportation's standards for major transit corridors. Burns urged the council to reconsider the designation of these routes and to enhance public transportation options.

On the topic of housing density, Burns referenced House Bill 1110, which allows for the construction of homes with four or more units. He argued that the city should limit new developments to a maximum of four units to maintain the character of neighborhoods, warning that allowing eight or more units could lead to the construction of apartment buildings rather than homes. He also raised concerns about parking requirements in urban residential zones, advocating for a cap of four parking stalls.

In a more poetic address, Tom Giskey reflected on the significance of a sequoia tree located on the Puget Sound campus, using it as a metaphor for resilience and the importance of nature in urban settings. His remarks, while less focused on policy, underscored a community connection to the environment.

The meeting concluded with Jeremiah Thomas, a resident of district 3, preparing to share his thoughts, indicating ongoing community engagement in local governance. The discussions highlighted a growing concern among residents about the balance between urban development and maintaining the quality of life in Tacoma.