Category Archives: Pierce County

Learn about President Xi’s visit to Tacoma and what it means for our region

Posted on by
Photo of Mayor Strickland speaking

Mayor Strickland shares information about President Xi’s visit to Tacoma at the World Affairs Council Tacoma’s Consular Reception, Sept. 24.

Learn about the President of China’s recent visit to Tacoma and what it means to our region in a free talk at the University of Washington on December 2 at 6 p.m. Tacoma Mayor Strickland and Port Commissioner Bacon will share their insights about President Xi’s September 23 visit and how it may improve our economy and educational and cultural ties.

Photo of trade and investment lunch

Learning about economic development at the World Trade Center Tacoma’s PNW-China Trade & Investment luncheon, Sept. 23.

The World Affairs Council Tacoma and the University of Washington’s Institute for Global Engagement sponsor this free event. For more information or to RSVP, please see the event flyer.

** Update ** The World Affairs Council Tacoma summarizes this first “Global Classroom” event in this event recap.

 

Apply for a Strengthening Pierce County grant

Posted on by

Nonprofits can apply for a Strengthening Pierce County grant with The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation. Nonprofits should have annual operating budgets of less than $1 million and share the Foundation’s values of collaboration, leadership, integrity and innovation. Grants range from $5,000 to $20,000. Apply online October 12, 2015 through January 12, 2016.

For more information:

Good luck!

US Open highlights Puget Sound region

Posted on by

The U.S. Open at Chambers Bay showcased so many positives in the Puget Sound region: natural beauty, friendly and involved people, competitive businesses, delicious food, thriving arts, a championship golf course, and more.

Photo of Chambers Bay

Chambers Bay – an awesome championship golf course with fantastic views!

Pierce County owns the 8-year old Chambers Bay links-style golf course, which previously was a sand and gravel mine. In the 115th year of the US Open, a public golf course has hosted the national championship only three times.

The U.S. Open at Chambers Bay experienced many firsts:

  • The June 2015 event marked the first time the Open was played in the Pacific Northwest.
  • The US Open is the largest event ever held in the South Sound. Approximately 235,000 attended in person with millions more watching on tv and online.
  • Over 5,000 people signed up to volunteer for the US Open in record time: just 36 hours. Typically, volunteer sign-ups take several months to fill up.
  • Photo of golf ball

    Golf ball “bouncy ball” — a popular item in the Merchandise Pavillion

    The Merchandise Pavillion at 41,000 square feet in Spectator Square was the largest merchandise facility. Merchandise sales broke records with over 130,000 transactions. Pre-event sales were the largest with many vendors re-ordering supplies in time for the week’s event.

  • USGA allowed mobile devices on the course for the first time, including the US Open mobile app.
  • Four golfers topped the leader board on the Open’s final day, a rare occurrence.
  • At 21, Jordan Spieth became the youngest player to win the US Open.

    Photo of Jordan Spieth with trophy

    Jordan Spieth with trophy and US Open supporters. Photo: Pierce County

  • After the championship, all leftover food (70,000 lbs) was donated to a local food bank, Emergency Food Network. This food donation makes a big difference in our community! Thank you to Ridgewells Catering, who also featured local Puget Sound food on the US Open menu. What a great example!
Photo of Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods smiles on the driving range at Chambers Bay.

And the championship featured much golf drama! Tiger Woods attracted huge crowds but failed to make the cut. The world’s #1 golfer, Rory McIllroy, stormed back on the final day to pull even for the tournament. Jason Day fainted on the 9th hole, and then came back to tie for the lead heading into championship day. The players competed to the very last stroke of the day, as Dustin Johnson hit the 18th green on his second shot, but could not put for the win or tie. In the previous group, Jordan Spieth birdied for the lead and the eventual win!

Photo of volunteer and tree

Proud volunteer

I’m proud to have volunteered at the South Sound’s largest event and hope the Open returns to Chambers Bay!

Farmland conservation in Pierce County

Posted on by

Matlock Farm-12-3-14In February, Forterra and Pierce County collaborated with local farmers to complete the largest farmland conservation project in Pierce County’s history.

Lots of people benefit from conservation easements — farmers, developers (who can purchase development rights and use them in urban areas), and people who appreciate rural character and want fresh food. Fish and wildlife benefit, too.

You can learn more about conserving the 153-acre Matlock Farm from King 5 news coverage and the Pierce County press release.

While working for Pierce County, I played a small role on this farmland conservation project – writing a press release about obtaining a Floodplains by Design grant and taking a reporter and the funders on a project tour. The project tour resulted in an article about restoring floodplains to reduce flooding and provide habitat.

Exciting news! I hope to be involved in more of these partnerships.