Issues
JOBS. HOUSING. PUBLIC SAFETY.
JOBS
Accomplishments
Tacoma’s journey toward economic resiliency has been challenging, but we’ve achieved important milestones to support local businesses and strengthen our economy. We’ve worked hard to help small businesses stay open and thrive, ensuring they remain the backbone of our community.
One of my key initiatives has been the creation of the Hosmer Business Association, fostering collaboration to enhance community safety and economic prosperity. Additionally, we are taking significant steps to move away from Tacoma’s legacy of dirty industry at the Port, laying the groundwork for a cleaner and more sustainable economic future.
Vision
It’s time to build on this progress and position Tacoma as a leader in the green energy economy. Over the next four years, I’ll focus on actively recruiting businesses that align with our vision for a sustainable future, creating opportunities for innovation and growth in green technology.
Tacoma must also strengthen its reputation as a city where businesses can start, grow, and thrive. By partnering with other cities in the Puget Sound Region, we can attract and build more family-wage jobs and ensure that Tacoma’s economy is inclusive, forward-thinking, and built to last. Together, we can create a stronger, more sustainable economic foundation for generations to come.
Don’t just vote,
Join us for
Joe Bushnell
Don’t just vote,
Join us for
Joe Bushnell
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY AND HOMELESSNESS
Accomplishments
During my term, we’ve taken bold steps to tackle Tacoma’s housing affordability crisis by passing two landmark pieces of legislation. The first, Home in Tacoma 2, represents a transformative overhaul of our city’s zoning policies, making way for more affordable housing options in neighborhoods across Tacoma. By increasing housing supply and leveraging tax incentives, we’re working to ensure these new homes remain accessible to the people already living here, helping to stabilize rising housing costs.
We’ve also championed renters’ rights with the passage of Tacoma’s Tenant Rights Package, which provides greater protections against sudden and excessive rent increases and ensures landlords maintain safe, livable units. This legislation represents a critical step toward fairness and stability for renters in our community.
Vision
While progress has been made in addressing unsheltered homelessness and encampments, there’s still more to do. I’ve supported initiatives like Tiny Homes and other transitional housing programs, but it’s clear that our city’s needs surpass current resources.
In the coming years, I’ll push for stronger partnerships with local non-profits to expand support for those on the brink of homelessness. Preventing homelessness not only reflects our values as a compassionate community but is also a more cost-effective and sustainable solution. Together, we can build a city where everyone has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.
Public Safety
Accomplishments
When I first ran for City Council, one of the biggest concerns I heard from residents was frustration with the lack of timely police responses to 911 calls. Since taking office, we’ve made significant strides in addressing this issue. We’ve hired 30 additional police officers, resulting in a remarkable 22-minute reduction in response times. In some of our city’s most challenging areas, such as South 88th Street and Hosmer, we’ve seen a dramatic 100% reduction in violent crime.
Equity and accountability in public safety have also been key priorities. We’ve expanded our public safety team to include Community Service Officers and HOPE Team responders. These professionals are trained to handle non-violent crises, providing critical support for mental health and social services, ensuring our approach to public safety is comprehensive and compassionate.
Vision
While we’ve made progress, there’s more work to be done to meet our community’s expectations for safe, thriving neighborhoods. I’ll continue focusing on improving recruitment and retention in our police force to ensure we have the capacity to respond effectively.
However, responding to crime is just the beginning. To create lasting safety, we must tackle the root causes. In the next four years, I’ll prioritize investments in mental and behavioral health resources, expand access to economic opportunities for Tacoma’s youth, and support initiatives that uplift our community from the ground up. Together, we can build a safer, stronger Tacoma for everyone.
Don’t just vote,
Join us for
Joe Bushnell
ISSUES
JOBS
Tacoma’s journey toward economic resiliency has been challenging, but we’ve achieved important milestones to support local businesses and strengthen our economy.
Housing Affordability & Homelessness
We’ve taken bold steps to tackle Tacoma’s housing affordability crisis by passing two landmark pieces of legislation.
Public Safety
One of the biggest concerns I heard from residents was frustration with the lack of timely police responses to 911 calls. Since taking office, we’ve made significant strides in addressing this issue.