Exit133

February 10, 2014 · Exit133

State Farm to Give $200,000 for Community Revitalization in Tacoma

A lot of high hopes hang on State Farm's move into vacant Russell offices in downtown Tacoma - and early signs suggest reality might back up those hopes.

We wrote in January that State Farm's expanded Pierce County presence had affected commercial occupancy and rental rates in the county.

Now The News Tribune is reporting that not only does State Farm expect to bring 1,500 employees to Tacoma (up from 1,100), but the insurance company will be making a $200,000 grant for "community revitalization" in Tacoma.

In partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, State Farm is giving a total of $4 million to 11 cities for a variety of programs to support those communities, according to the LISC press release.

In particular, the grant will focus on efforts to build financial opportunities for families, improve community safety, revive vibrant commercial corridors and spur better educational outcomes.

Local organization Impact Capital will administer the grant. They plan to hold community roundtable conversations about how to best use the grant this spring.

So, $200,000 for community revitalization in Tacoma to "build financial opportunities for families, improve community safety, revive vibrant commercial corridors and spur better educational outcomes." Where should we begin?

Filed under: Tacoma Business, Tacoma Nonprofits

5 comments

  • Cheechmo February 10, 2014

    How many potholes can be fixed with 200k?

    • Rize February 10, 2014

      I think there are bigger fish to fry right now!

      • Truth_sayer February 10, 2014

        [quote]I think there are bigger fish to fry right now![/quote] Umm... there are potholes big enough and plentiful enough in this city to raise some of those "bigger fish." So, perhaps you should take a drive around town... Then we'll see if you're theory "holds water," as much as the potholes do.

  • Rize February 11, 2014

    I took a ride 'round town & I saw potholes, but I also saw streetlights out, homeless folks, kids on the Eastside w/ no youth-center to go to, etc. I think this $ will & probably should go to social-services to help those in need - but I know ya only care 'bout potholes :-(

  • Jesse February 11, 2014

    Maybe this could be seed money for a Saturday Market. That is, an outside market that concentrates on food, art, craft sales, and entertainment. McMenamins could partner to run it south of the Elks Lodge in the partaking lot there and on Broadway by the Elks lodge.