Tacoma Council Strengthens Environmental Protections

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  Tacoma City Council adopted amendments to the Critical Areas Ordinance on July 13, 2026No usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The amendments strengthen protections for wetlands, streams, and wildlife habitats“These revisions focus on protecting fish and wildlife habitats by using recently updated scientific guidance for wetlands, streams, and buffers.”
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  The changes incorporate updated scientific guidance for habitat conservation“These revisions focus on protecting fish and wildlife habitats by using recently updated scientific guidance for wetlands, streams, and buffers.”
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  The changes follow a decade-long review process“"Our review of the Critical Areas Ordinance takes place every ten years to ensure that our regulations incorporate the best available science related to environmental conservation and natural hazards," District 1 Council Member John Hines said.”
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  Council Member Sarah Rumbaugh stated the update builds on the Tideflats Subarea Plan“It builds on the collaborative foundation established through the Tideflats Subarea Plan, demonstrating that economic opportunity and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.”
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  Council Member Sarah Rumbaugh stated the update links economic growth with environmental stewardship““The Critical Areas Ordinance update is another important step in the work we’ve been doing to strengthen environmental protections across Tacoma,” District 2 Council Member Sarah Rumbaugh said. “It builds on the collaborative foundation established through the Tideflats Subarea Plan, demonstrating that economic opportunity and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. Our community has consistently said protecting our environment is a priority, and this ordinance delivers meaningful action that reflects those values.””
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  Council Member John Hines noted the ordinance review occurs every 10 years“"Our review of the Critical Areas Ordinance takes place every ten years to ensure that our regulations incorporate the best available science related to environmental conservation and natural hazards," District 1 Council Member John Hines said.”
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  The council will now implement the updated ordinanceNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The updated ordinance aims to balance environmental protection with Tacoma's future growth needs“"Our review of the Critical Areas Ordinance takes place every ten years to ensure that our regulations incorporate the best available science related to environmental conservation and natural hazards," District 1 Council Member John Hines said. "This update follows extensive engagement with the public and more than a year of hard work by our Planning Commission and City staff. I’m pleased that the updates we have adopted tonight will protect our wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas, and much more, while also ensuring that Tacoma continues to be economically dynamic and able to accommodate our future needs as we continue to grow".”