Sneak Peek: Tacoma City Business - Week of January 30, 2012

Large-Scale Retail

At this Tuesday’s study session, the City Council is scheduled to hear Planning Commission recommendations on the proposed changes to ordinances governing development of large-scale retail spaces in Tacoma.  Public comment will not be taken at study session, but the public will get their chance to speak at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.  For details of the public hearing, see the public hearing notice (pdf).

A request for the first reading of an ordinance on the changes is currently listed on the draft agenda for the February 7th City Council meeting, and the final reading is scheduled for February 14th.  The moratorium currently in effect expires on February 29th.

Nonprofit Admission Tax

The final reading of an ordinance to make changes to the admissions tax break for nonprofits is on this week’s City Council meeting agenda.  The ordinance would require nonprofits with admissions revenues over $250,000 annually to collect a 5% tax on all admissions charges over that $250,000.  We saw the first reading of this item back on December 6th, as one of the list of proposals to raise revenue for the general fund gap.  A number of representatives of local nonprofits spoke during public comment on the impact the change would have on their organizations.  If the ordinance passes this week as written, it’s scheduled to go into effect this July.

Also Rans

Also on this week’s study session agenda:

• Funding to External Organizations Timeline and
• Government Performance and Finance Committee Draft Non-Profit Health Care Exemption Recommendation

Items of potential interest on the agenda for this week’s Environment and Public Works Committee special meeting (pdf):

• Off-street parking update
• Solid waste management pilot report (residential food waste and bi-weekly pick-up)
• Public comment