The City of Tacoma has issued a request for interest to partner on a social enterprise in a 1,500 sq. ft. commercial space at 5401 South Tacoma Way. The Neighborhood and Community Services Department recently received approval from the Tacoma City Council to move forward with the purchase of the property to convert the location into a Youth and Young Adult Drop-in Center and Emergency Young Adult Overnight Shelter, as well as to lease the building’s storefront to a social enterprise business such as a bakery, restaurant or retail business.

“This is an opportunity to establish a safe space for youth and young adults to receive services like education, workforce training and basic needs, and create a public-private partnership where youth, ages 16 to 24, can receive training and employment,” said Nadia Chandler Hardy, Neighborhood and Community Services Department director. “We are excited to have the opportunity to bring human services and enterprise together to address homelessness and add to the economic vitality of the business district.”

The City has acquired 5401 South Tacoma Way and is seeking a private partner to train and employ youth between the ages of 16-24 years old. During day hours it will function as a drop-in center where youth and young adults (ages 12-24) will receive service navigation assistance related to but not limited to education, employment, and workforce training.

The social enterprise partnership is an opportunity for the City to partner with a small business committed to social objectives while maximizing profits. The social enterprise partners identified will strive to offer a broad range of products and services, valuable on-the-job training and work experience for youths we serve. The City is most interested in the following uses: bakery, restaurant, or retail.

The City’s preference is to secure a lease agreement with a business that offers job opportunities for youth and creates synergy with the surrounding development, maximizes tax revenues and draws pedestrian traffic to the area. South Tacoma is a historic shopping district that has been serving families for generations. Founded to cater to the growing Northern Pacific Railroad Car workers, the district is home to an eclectic mix of destination businesses from eateries to a wider selection of auto dealerships.

The Community and Economic Development Department is accepting proposals now through 5 p.m. on March 6, 2017. Proposals can be submitted to the Tacoma Municipal Building, 747 Market St., room 900. Questions related to this Request for Interest (RFI) should be directed to India Adams at iadams@cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 591-5142. For a full description of the Request for Interest, please visit the City’s website, bid# ED17-0036F.

http://cms.cityoftacoma.org/Purchasing/FormalBids/ED17-0036F.pdf

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City Recognized for Excellence in Financial Reporting

The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to the City of Tacoma by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada for its comprehensive annual financial report.

“This reflects the City of Tacoma’s continued commitment to sound financial practices and transparency,” said Finance Director Andy Cherullo.
The City’s comprehensive annual financial report was judged by an impartial panel to meet the GFOA of the United States’ standards, which include a demonstrated constructive “spirit of full disclosure” clearly communicating the City’s financial story and motivating potential users and user groups to read it.

“The City works diligently to implement the best practices provided by the GFOA to ensure that the City continues to meet the standards to achieve this certification,” said Assistant Finance Director and Controller Susan Calderon.

The GFOA of the United States is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 17,500 government finance professionals with offices in Chicago and Washington.
-City of Tacoma

Photo Credit: City of Tacoma