Focused on What You Can See and Feel
We had a full and energizing week last week.
We started things off with a fantastic campaign event last Monday—great energy, great people, and a lot of encouragement. I also spent a few days at the Association of Washington Cities conference, where I connected with leaders from across the state. Many of them had heard about some of the work we’ve done in Tacoma—on housing, homelessness, street safety, and neighborhood investment—and took the time to say how impressed they were. That meant a lot. It reminded me that even when change feels slow, the work we’re doing is meaningful.
But some of the most important feedback I got came not from a conference, but from the doorstep.
Russ welcomed me into his home while I was knocking on doors and shared what he’s been seeing in the city. He told me he loves Tacoma, but he’s been feeling disheartened. The roads are rough. Homelessness still feels unsolved. And he wanted to know—what am I really going to do differently?
I told him what I’ve told others: I’m frustrated too. And that’s exactly why I’ve focused my work on council around tangible, visible improvements—things that people can actually see and feel in their neighborhoods.
That includes launching Tidy Up Tacoma to clean up litter and graffiti, organizing Pothole Palooza to speed up repairs, and backing real shelter solutions like tiny home villages and the modular site at 6th & Orchard. I’ve also been one of the leaders behind Tacoma’s neighborhood planning program, which is focused on delivering quick impact projects that reflect what residents actually want to see happen in their part of the city.
These aren’t just line items—they’re part of a larger belief I hold: people need to feel like they’re getting value for their tax dollars. That’s especially true in a time when affordability is a real struggle. While we work to expand housing and reduce costs, we also need to deliver the basics well—fixing streets, restoring streetlights, and making sure your city works for you.
I believe the path to rebuilding trust in local government is simple: do what you say you’ll do, and stay focused on results that improve daily life.
That’s the kind of mayor I’ll be—one who shows up, listens, and works every day to make Tacoma feel better, block by block.
– John
