Tacoma, Washington, often overshadowed by its larger neighbor Seattle, has spent decades transforming from a once-industrial town into a vibrant, livable city with a thriving arts scene, a growing economy, and an evolving identity. While 2017 may not stand out as one of the most headline-grabbing years for the entire United States, for Tacoma, it was a pivotal year that laid the foundation for the city’s modern identity—one that balances urban development with cultural richness and economic resilience. In this article, we’ll dive into what made 2017 a significant year for Tacoma by examining key developments across infrastructure, the economy, cultural life, education, and the public environment.
Infrastructure and Urban Development: A City on the Move
One of the most visible changes in Tacoma during 2017 was the ongoing investment in infrastructure and urban redevelopment projects. The city was in the midst of a broader transformation that saw long-dormant neighborhoods revitalized and formerly neglected industrial zones reimagined.
The Stadium District Becomes a Growth Engine
2017 marked a key turning point for Tacoma’s Stadium District, an area centered around Cheney Stadium, home of the Tacoma Rainiers. The district, once a disconnected commercial corridor, began to attract developers and investors. New mixed-use developments, including residential units, co-working spaces, and retail storefronts, began reshaping the neighborhood. This early momentum would later blossom into one of the city’s most promising urban revitalization projects.
Sound Transit Expansion and the Link Light Rail Extension
While the full Link Light Rail extension from Seattle to Tacoma had launched in earlier years, 2017 was notable for the maturing of the system’s integration into daily life. Commuters increasingly used the Central Link line, further reinforcing Tacoma’s viability as a live-work satellite city in the Puget Sound metro area. Improved service schedules and rising ridership numbers signified growing confidence in regional transit, which boosted Tacoma’s appeal.
Ongoing Investments in Multi-Modal Transportation
Tacoma also continued to invest in bicycle-friendly infrastructure and pedestrian safety improvements. In 2017, the city expanded its network of bike lanes and developed more transit stop amenities, including better shelters and schedules, reflecting its commitment to sustainable, accessible mobility options for residents and workers.
2017 Economic Outlook: Jobs, Investment, and Local Businesses
Economically, 2017 was a year of moderate to steady growth for Tacoma. The overall national economy was recovering well from the Great Recession, and the Pacific Northwest, including Tacoma, shared in this resurgence—though perhaps at a slower pace than Seattle. That modest pace may have actually worked to Tacoma’s advantage, avoiding some of the more dramatic gentrification issues faced by rapidly expanding urban hubs.
Low Unemployment and Rising Job Demand
According to regional economic data, Tacoma’s unemployment rate in 2017 hovered around 4.5%, a notable decrease from earlier years. Though higher than Seattle’s, that figure demonstrated a healthy labor market and growing job demand in key sectors like healthcare, education, retail, and tourism.
Strength in Healthcare and Education
Tacoma continued to solidify its role as a healthcare and education hub in the South Puget Sound region. Major local employers like MultiCare Health Systems and the University of Washington-Tacoma Campus saw expansions and stable hiring in 2017. The UW-Tacoma was also in the process of expanding its STEM programs, responding to growing workforce needs in technology and environmental sciences.
Booming Start-up Community and Small Business Growth
The city witnessed an uptick in small local entrepreneurial ventures. Several new breweries, artisanal cafes, and creative workspaces emerged during 2017, signaling increasing support for homegrown businesses and attracting younger professionals to the downtown and surrounding areas.
- New craft beer spots like the 7 Seas Brewing Co. opened expanded their downtown presence.
- Coffee roasteries and local artisan vendors participated in newly established farmers’ markets.
- Co-working spaces, such as LaunchPad Coworking, expanded their offerings.
Cultural Life and Public Art: Tacoma’s Creative Pulse
Tacoma has long prided itself on its creative spirit, and 2017 was a year that reflected and bolstered the city’s reputation in the arts, culture, and public engagement sectors.
Visions of the Black Experience at the Washington State History Museum
The Washington State History Museum in downtown Tacoma ran a year-long exhibit titled “Vision of the Black Experience” in 2017, sparking public discourse around African-American history, struggle, and achievement in the Pacific Northwest. The exhibit attracted diverse audiences and served as a touchstone event in community engagement and inclusiveness.
The Murray Morgan Bridge Reopening
Despite challenges with funding and logistics in prior years, discussions around reclaiming the iconic **Murray Morgan Bridge**’s pedestrian functionality gained traction in 2017. The bridge had closed for repairs after a failure to raise in 2009, but 2017 marked continued planning and design work toward making the bridge not only a transit corridor but a cultural landmark, integrating art and public space into its future use.
Public Art Initiatives
Tacoma continued its legacy of public art and murals in 2017. The city’s Arts Commission and partner organizations supported multiple community mural projects and sculpture installations, reinforcing Tacoma’s growing reputation as a city that supports artists and values public aesthetics.
Notable Public Art Unveiled in 2017
| Artwork | Location | Artist | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Motion | Main Street | Jennifer Eastman | Colorful kinetic murals that reflect the energy of the city’s transit corridors. |
| Whispering Spirits | Point Defiance Park | James Madison | Wooden sculpture blending Native artistic motifs with modern structure. |
Education: Growing Opportunities and Institutional Advances
Educational institutions in Tacoma continued to play a central role in shaping the local and regional workforce. 2017 was particularly notable for several university and college-level developments that expanded academic offerings, improved facilities, and broadened community access to higher education.
University of Washington – Tacoma Expands STEM Programs
In 2017, the **University of Washington-Tacoma Campus** launched a new interdisciplinary STEM initiative that encouraged collaboration between departments. Partly funded through federal and state grants, this initiative was designed to strengthen Tacoma’s standing as a player in innovation and technology education in the Pacific Northwest.
Community College Support and Skills-Based Training
Tacoma Community College continued to provide affordable and accessible education. Its vocational programs, including digital design and construction trades, saw a surge in enrollment as job seekers sought practical training relevant to Tacoma’s developing economy.
Public School Improvements
The **Tacoma School District** began several initiatives in 2017 to improve STEM and arts funding in elementary and middle schools. These included partnerships with local businesses and nonprofits to enhance student exposure to technology, green architecture, and urban agriculture projects—an innovative blend of public education and local development priorities.
Quality of Life: Parks, Environment, and Community Engagement
For many residents, quality of life considerations form a large part of what makes a city worth living in. In 2017, Tacoma made strides in environmental sustainability, outdoor recreation, and social inclusivity.
Green Spaces and Park Development
Tacoma maintained and expanded its network of green spaces in 2017. Point Defiance Park—Tacoma’s largest urban park—continued to draw both local visitors and out-of-town tourists. The city also approved plans for revitalizing Lincoln Park and Ruston Way, improving walkways, restoring waterfront access, and planting new trees to enhance biodiversity.
Climate and Sustainability Advances
Although overshadowed by major city climate initiatives in Seattle and Portland, Tacoma’s sustainability efforts in 2017 laid the groundwork for future green policies. The city passed smaller-scale energy efficiency policies and launched a public campaign encouraging residents to participate in waste reduction and urban gardening programs.
Community Engagement and Civic Involvement
2017 saw significant community-driven activism and urban design forums in Tacoma. Citizens were involved in reimagining parts of the downtown waterfront and providing feedback on future transportation planning. Grassroots movements gained traction, contributing not just to urban development decisions but also to a more inclusive vision of the city’s future identity.
Challenges and Areas for Growth
While 2017 was largely a positive year for Tacoma’s trajectory, it’s important to recognize some of the ongoing concerns that defined the broader challenges of the city during that year.
Homelessness and Affordable Housing
Like much of the Puget Sound region, Tacoma was grappling with rising homelessness and housing insecurity in 2017. While community and nonprofit organizations made considerable efforts to provide services and shelters, the need for more systemic solutions was increasingly apparent.
Development-Induced Displacement in Certain Neighborhoods
As redevelopment projects picked up pace, some long-term residents in older neighborhoods expressed concerns about being priced out. There was a visible economic and cultural shift in parts of Eastside and Hilltop that left questions about equitable development and who benefits from redevelopment efforts.
Transportation Budget and Systemic Gaps
Although the light rail connected Pierce County more directly with King County, 2017 saw budget uncertainties in future transit expansions. This raised concerns about whether the growth in ridership and infrastructure could be supported in the long term, especially if funding gaps were not addressed.
A Lasting Impact: How 2017 Set the Stage for Today’s Tacoma
In retrospect, 2017 was a year of foundational momentum for Tacoma. While some of its transformational changes were still in their infancy, this year laid the groundwork that would bear fruit in the ensuing years. The economic indicators, infrastructure investments, cultural programming, and community involvement all began pointing toward a more cohesive and confident identity for the city.
List of Notable 2017-2018 Tacoma Developments That Originated in Earlier Plans
- Launch and planning of the Downtown Waterfront Improvements Project.
- Approval of expanded Sound Transit services (which began full implementation in later years).
- Beginning of large-scale public art initiatives adopted in 2018–2019 frameworks.
Conclusion: Was 2017 a Good Year for Tacoma?
In short, 2017 was a good year for Tacoma, marked by slow but steady urban development, a growing cultural scene, and foundational investments that would enable the city to evolve rapidly in the following years. While challenges such as housing inequality and infrastructure funding gaps persisted, the city approached these issues with increasing community engagement and regional collaboration. Today, when examining the trajectory of Tacoma as a mid-sized urban center in the Pacific Northwest, the events and directions initiated in 2017 helped define its current success.
Tacoma may not have hit a dramatic milestone in 2017, but for those who lived, worked, and visited here that year, it was clear that something important was stirring—a city awakening to its own potential and starting to realize the vision of being more than just Seattle’s neighbor. It was, and still is, becoming its own rich and dynamic metropolitan hub.
What major developments contributed to Tacoma’s economic growth in 2017?
In 2017, Tacoma experienced a surge in economic momentum driven by key developments across various sectors. One of the most significant contributors was the expansion of the Port of Tacoma, which saw increased shipping activity and infrastructure investments. These improvements strengthened Tacoma’s position as a vital regional logistics hub and attracted new business and job opportunities. Additionally, the city made progress on downtown redevelopment projects, including the revitalization of the Theater District and the launching of new public spaces that encouraged both tourism and local commerce.
The year also marked the beginning of new partnerships between the public and private sectors aimed at stimulating economic development. Initiatives such as the creation of enterprise zones and incentives for small businesses helped attract startups and entrepreneurs. In particular, the growing tech scene in Tacoma started gaining traction, with co-working spaces and incubators emerging to support innovation. Collectively, these developments laid a foundation for sustained job growth, increased tax revenues, and improved economic diversity throughout the city.
How did Tacoma’s cultural scene evolve in 2017?
The cultural landscape of Tacoma saw vibrant growth and increased visibility in 2017. A major highlight was the thriving arts community, which benefited from expansions and exhibitions at the Museum of Glass and the Tacoma Art Museum. Events like the Tacoma Refugee Choir performance and the growing popularity of the city’s cultural festivals showcased the region’s diversity and fostered cross-cultural understanding. These artistic endeavors positioned Tacoma as a destination that celebrates both local and global perspectives through creative expression.
Additionally, the revival of historic districts and investment in public art projects transformed the city’s atmosphere into one that embraced its heritage while promoting modern creativity. Murals, installations, and independent theaters brought color and character to once-overlooked neighborhoods. Local artists were also given greater platforms and funding opportunities through municipal support and nonprofit organizations. As a result, 2017 became a pivotal year in which Tacoma’s culture matured into an inclusive and thriving force that drew both residents and visitors alike.
Which infrastructure projects were completed in Tacoma during 2017?
One of the most prominent infrastructure projects completed in 2017 was the initial phase of the Point Defiance Bypass, a rail improvement project aimed at enhancing freight and passenger service between Tacoma and Oregon. This development improved railway efficiency and helped support the city’s economic ties to regional and national markets. Concurrently, major road and bridge upgrades, such as improvements to the 6th Avenue corridor and elements of the Tide pedestrian promenade, improved transportation options and urban connectivity.
Public infrastructure investments also extended into environmental sustainability. Green stormwater initiatives and enhancements to the city’s riverwalk systems reflected a growing commitment to resilient and accessible urban planning. Waterfront revitalization efforts continued to move forward, integrating natural areas with recreational facilities for community use. These projects not only enhanced the livability of Tacoma, but also demonstrated foresight in planning for a sustainable and connected city.
What was the impact of population growth on Tacoma in 2017?
2017 marked a year of noticeable population growth in Tacoma, adding momentum to the city’s transformation. The influx of new residents—fueled by Tacoma’s rising reputation, affordability compared to Seattle, and job opportunities—spurred demand for housing and placed new pressures on the city’s services. In response, developers began to focus more intently on mixed-use developments and affordable housing initiatives aimed at keeping pace with the rising population.
This growth also encouraged new investment in schools, parks, and community centers, as the city sought to accommodate the needs of its growing and diverse population. Meanwhile, retail and hospitality sectors also expanded, reflecting the increasing demand for quality of life offerings in the city. Overall, the population boom not only contributed to Tacoma’s economic vitality but also reinforced a cultural and social dynamism that would continue into subsequent years.
How did education and workforce initiatives progress in Tacoma during 2017?
In 2017, Tacoma made significant strides in strengthening its education system and workforce development programs. The Tacoma Whole Child initiative, launched in 2016, gained broader implementation in schools, emphasizing not only academic achievement but also health, safety, and overall well-being for students. Partnerships with local organizations, including the University of Washington Tacoma and Clover Park Technical College, were expanded to offer career-connected learning pathways for youth and adults.
Additionally, workforce training programs received a major boost from public-private partnerships, such as the Greater Tacoma Works initiative, which aimed to align training with employer needs in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and information technology. The goal was to build a more resilient economic future by equipping residents with the skills needed to thrive in a changing job market. These efforts laid a strong foundation for workforce development that would continue to provide long-term value to the community.
What was the role of the waterfront revitalization in Tacoma’s progress during 2017?
The revitalization of the Thea Foss Waterway and surrounding areas became a central part of Tacoma’s urban transformation in 2017. Continued efforts to clean up the waterway, improve access, and create recreational spaces contributed to a cleaner and more inviting natural environment. The new Tide light rail line was completed, connecting downtown Tacoma to the waterfront and enabling increased access for residents and visitors alike. These developments made the waterfront an attractive destination for leisure, dining, and community events.
In addition, waterfront events like the Tacoma Rib & Music Festival and sailing regattas brought economic and cultural energy to the area, drawing crowds and showcasing the city’s natural beauty. The transformation of derelict industrial spaces into parks and pathways also reinforced Tacoma’s commitment to sustainability and quality of life. As a result, the waterfront revitalization became both a physical and symbolic milestone in the city’s 2017 progress, blending recreation, ecology, and economic opportunity.
How did Tacoma enhance its public transportation system in 2017?
2017 saw several key advancements in Tacoma’s public transportation system, with a particular focus on expanding the Sound Transit light rail network. The completion of the first phase of the Tacoma Link extension, known as the T Line (formerly Tacoma Dome Station Link Extension), significantly improved connectivity between downtown Tacoma and the broader regional transit system. This allowed more seamless travel to and from Seattle and other Puget Sound cities, fostering intercity mobility and regional integration.
Simultaneously, the city made improvements to local bus routes and multimodal hubs, enhancing the convenience and accessibility of transit for daily commuters and visitors. Investments were also made in pedestrian infrastructure, including sidewalks and bike lanes, to support more environmentally friendly transportation alternatives. These efforts in 2017 marked a turning point in Tacoma’s vision for a modern, interconnected, and equitable transportation system that could better serve a growing population and evolving economy.