Email
campaign@toddbriske.com
Town where you live
Tacoma
Experience (300 characters max)
I am a 20 year software engineer and database administrator who is also responsible for round-the-clock monitoring and analytics. I see the major part of my job as creating and connecting software to eliminate barriers, so that others can more easily accomplish their goals.
As an At-Large candidate, looking to represent the entire city, I would spend a large part of my time going to local neighborhood councils listening to the people about their specific pain points. When I hear about a problem, I will ask if they would be willing to show me in person, so that I could actually go and witness it for myself, in order to gain a greater understanding of the issue. I would also like to see the City of Tacoma given the ability to run regular advisory votes on the ballot, so that we could hear from the voters more often about preferences or directional changes that might be required.
Pollution is always a top concern. If the water, air, or soil is poisoned, then almost nothing else matters. Constant monitoring and reporting of toxins and forever chemicals is a necessity.
We currently have about another 10 years until the Puyallup landfill, which we currently truck all of our trash to, fills up. At which point, we will start having to long haul all of our trash even further away. I do not like the idea of burdening other distant communities with our trash, and believe that we could find another way of dealing with it.
As our summers become hotter and drier, due to climate change, I worry that we will be in drought conditions more frequently, which means we should build more reservoirs. Because Washington produces so little co2 (about 100MMT or 0.25% of the world total) we cannot fix this on the production side, even if we went 100% negative and removed 100MMT from the atmosphere, the trend would continue, so we should focus on mitigation efforts.
This would be my first elected office.
Our top priority should be to get folks off the street and into shelter. Even though the Supreme Court recently overturned it, I believe that Martin v. Boise was a better decision, and the model that we should follow, because homelessness should never be criminalized. This means that we have to do a better job of ensuring that we have ample shelter space available.
While in a shelter, we need to provide anyone in need with addiction and mental health services. Also, because of the new federal work requirements for SNAP and Medicaid, many will be left without food or healthcare, which is a tragedy. However, the city can ensure that everyone has the necessary community service opportunities to fulfill those requirements, because nobody should be without food or healthcare.
Tacoma needs to be a city that people can afford to live in.
Currently, our most painful expense is the cost of housing. We need more housing, we probably also need it to be denser, but I believe that we also need it to be purchasable. Instead of focusing on expensive apartments, where the city defines an affordable studio apartment as $1,481/mo or less, we should be focusing on building actually affordable ($150k - $200k) houses, townhomes, and condominiums. We should sell these new homes, at cost, to current Tacoma renters, with a priority given to those Tacomans who were directly discriminated against by Tacoma's unconstitutional redlining policies, or as an option to seniors who wish to downsize. This would insulate Tacomans from rent increases and secure their financial futures.
Another way we can make Tacoma more affordable is to reshore those family-wage jobs lost to NAFTA and the TCJA. This would give Tacomans more opportunities and increase their standards of living.
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Phone
(253) 300-6406
Email
info@latashafortacoma.com
Town where you live
Tacoma
Experience (300 characters max)
Organizer, advocate, small business owner, and community leader.
My approach to interacting with the residents of Tacoma is rooted in transparency, accessibility, and genuine engagement. With my city-wide position, I am uniquely positioned to orchestrate communication not only between the city and residents but also among residents across Tacoma. I have a proven track record of prioritizing public engagement and creating accessible avenues of communication. Through regular town halls, neighborhood meetings, and robust online platforms, I will continue to actively listen to diverse voices and concerns. By attending community events and utilizing social media and local media, I will keep residents promptly informed and involved in the decision-making process.
I believe Tacoma must lead in environmental issues, collaborating regionally with Pierce County, other cities, the Puyallup Tribe, and the Port. Federal cutbacks in agencies like the EPA threaten our climate resilience. Our city has borne the brunt of environmental harm, particularly in historically marginalized communities such as working-class and BIPOC communities. Tacoma needs regional cooperation and innovative funding for climate action to improve public health and economic stability. I've pledged no fossil-fuel money and aim to lead Tacoma's transition to a sustainable economy, prioritizing clean air, water, and soil policies to attract green businesses. We must ensure a just transition for our workforce, moving away from polluting industries for a healthier, economically secure Tacoma. I will also advocate for transparency in emissions reporting and ensuring all permitting aligns with our climate goals.
Throughout my career as an organizer, advocate, and community leader, I've advocated for systemic change and accountability at the City.
As a co-founder of Aya Community Land Trust, I work to prevent displacement and build generational wealth for marginalized families in Tacoma. As a member of the Hilltop Action Coalition's board, I prioritize equitable community development for working-class communities.
In arts advocacy, I’m on the board at the Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center, which promotes arts education for Black and Brown youth.
My equity work in education includes founding the Race and Equity Committee at Bryant Elementary and co-founding the Know Peace Collective.
I've also championed policing accountability, equity-focused neighborhood councils, and inclusive election reforms on Tacoma's Charter Review Committee. Additionally, I've led efforts for enhanced policing oversight and community trust by co-founding the Tacoma Coalition for Policing Accountability.
Tacoma bears an unfair burden of regional homelessness as neighboring cities push their unhoused populations here without contributing resources. We need a coordinated regional response where every city shares responsibility. Current policies like camping bans and police sweeps are inhumane, ineffective, and misuse public funds. Instead, we need long-term investments in housing, services, and accountability within Tacoma, as well as from neighboring cities and the county.
Addressing homelessness requires systemic change, not just temporary fixes. We must understand and address the root causes: economic instability, lack of affordable housing, underfunded mental health and addiction services, systemic racism, and criminalization of poverty.
I propose implementing housing-first policies that provide genuine support, rather than displacement, for Tacoma's unhoused population, ensuring dignity and stability for all residents.
My vision for Tacoma is one where families feel secure in their homes. Affordable housing must be permanent, not a band-aid solution. That's why I'm co-creating a community-owned housing organization and advocating for social housing at council meetings. I believe in reclaiming housing for all.
I envision a Tacoma that prioritizes community safety and empowerment through neighborhood hubs. These hubs will foster trust, collaboration, and resource sharing, ensuring our resources can meet everyone's basic needs.
I'm committed to ending profit-first policies and transitioning to green jobs that support both workers and the environment. I aim to attract industries that uplift our communities and promote health and happiness for all.
I'm ready to promote genuine democracy and accountability through forward-thinking leadership, while shifting Tacoma's culture to prioritize people over profit and ensure that every voice is heard and respected.
Phone
406-212-6067
Email
info@kristaperez.com
Experience (300 characters max)
I’ve led equity-focused work across government, nonprofit, and business sectors. I manage multimillion-dollar workforce grants, own a DEIA consulting firm, have served unhoused populations, supported small businesses, and advised on statewide community reinvestment efforts.
I plan on fostering an open, accessible, and responsive government. My interaction strategy includes regular town hall meetings, both in-person and virtual, to hear directly from residents. I'll maintain an active online presence, utilizing social media and a dedicated city portal for feedback and updates. Establishing community advisory boards focused on key issues will empower citizens to contribute meaningfully. Additionally, I'll hold "office hours" at various neighborhood centers, making myself available for informal discussions. Proactive outreach to diverse community groups and neighborhood associations will ensure all voices are heard, fostering a true partnership between citizens and city hall.
Our city should be a leader in environmental stewardship. This involves implementing robust policies to reduce our carbon footprint, such as investing in renewable energy for municipal operations and incentivizing green building practices. We must protect our natural resources by preserving green spaces, improving water quality, and promoting sustainable waste management, including expanded recycling and composting programs. We should also develop training programs for jobs in the green economy. Education campaigns will empower residents and businesses to adopt eco-friendly habits. We will collaborate with regional partners and state agencies to address broader environmental challenges, ensuring a healthy and sustainable future for all.
My career has been rooted in public service, equity, and community-building. As a Contract Manager at the WA Dept. of Commerce, I manage over $60M in grants to support workforce development in underserved areas. I’ve served as a Housing Navigator for the chronically homeless, a Career Advisor at Workforce Central, and own a DEIA consulting firm focused on anti-racism and inclusion. I’ve coached small business owners, advised on the WA Community Reinvestment Plan, and led outreach to Latine and Indigenous communities. I’m also the founder of the Tacoma Women of Color Collective and have mentored students at Lister Elementary and Mount Tahoma High. As a second-generation immigrant, small business owner, and working mom, I bring both lived experience and policy expertise to address systemic inequities and help build a more inclusive, thriving Tacoma.
Our city should respond to homelessness with compassion, dignity, and a multi-faceted approach. We must increase access to affordable housing by expanding options, increasing shelter capacity, and creating transitional programs. I support removing barriers to mixed-use development and implementing zoning reforms to prioritize homeownership opportunities. Collaboration with social service organizations, non-profits, and faith-based groups is crucial to coordinate resources and avoid duplication of efforts. Prevention strategies, such as rent assistance and eviction diversion programs, are also vital to address the root causes of homelessness and support vulnerable residents before they lose their homes.
My vision is for a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city where every resident thrives. I envision a city with safe neighborhoods, supported by a professional police department and alternative response teams, alongside community-driven public safety measures. We will foster a robust economy, supporting local businesses and creating well-paying jobs, including those in the green economy. My vision includes expanding affordable housing, supporting working families with access to childcare and fair wages, and ensuring a safe and comfortable community for immigrants by remaining a sanctuary city with language access. Ultimately, I see a city that embraces its future while cherishing its unique character and heritage.
Phone
2533532369
Email
lindsayintacoma@gmail.com
Town where you live
Tacoma
Experience (300 characters max)
Lifelong public servant with lived experience and
I will interact with Tacomans in whatever way they want to interact with me. That may be through email, social media, a phone call, or in person. I want to be available and accessible to anyone who needs to reach me. If elected, this will be my only full-time job so I will have the time to serve residents properly. It’s very important to me that I respond to anyone who reaches out. I’ve had Council Members leave me on read and it’s not a nice feeling. I also plan on having regular office hours at City Hall and at local businesses throughout Tacoma, where people can stop in and chat with me about whatever is going on. My main goal will be to re-establish trust, and in turn, get folks involved in local government.
The City should take a proactive role in dealing with environmental issues. The 2030 Climate Action Plan is a great guide and launching point for the issues that residents are facing, especially in the South End and Eastside. As someone with a background in permits, I will work with the Planning & Development Services Department to find ways to attract climate-friendly businesses to our city. I want to see more Tacomans taking advantage of public transportation because I think less cars on the road is better for the environment and for pedestrians.
I’ve been a public servant my whole life. My first job was working the Permit Counter for North County Fire Authority in Daly City, CA. I knew almost immediately that working with the public was what I wanted to do for my career. I worked my way up to becoming a Fire Inspector/Investigator with the Menlo Park Fire District, where I responded 24/7 to fires and hazmat incidents. When I moved to Washington, I began working for the City of University Place and served as their Permit Manager. All of these positions were public facing and so over the years I’ve talked to many different types of people and I’m proud of my ability to diffuse situations and find common ground on whatever subject is being discussed.
Apart from my professional life, I also serve as a Board Member of the Eastside Neighborhood Advisory Council of Tacoma and am on their Economic Development Committee. I participate in neighborhood litter pick ups and volunteer as a course marshal for the Tacoma City Marathon Asso
I think the City should respond to homelessness with compassion. Many people, including myself, are one medical emergency away from being homeless. As a Council Member, I plan to make regular visits to our unhoused community to listen and learn how each individual can best be supported. Every person has their own path out of homelessness and we need to keep that in mind. I support ideas like social housing and would love to see tenant-owned cooperatives implemented within the City. I will also say that this is a very complicated issue and I do not think that I have all the answers or will be able to eliminate homelessness. We live in a society that benefits from folks staying in poverty and until we eliminate the many systemic failures at the federal level, we will never truly see an end to this issue.
My vision for Tacoma is one where everyone is involved and living in community. I want as many people as possible to know their neighbors, to attend Neighborhood Council meetings, and to be aware of what is going on at City Hall. My dream is to see consistent voter turnout above 75% and this is possible if we elect leaders who truly serve the people. When folks have faith in their elected officials, they are more likely to pay attention and participate in the democratic process. I want every Tacoman to know that they can come to 747 Market St on Tuesdays at 5pm to attend a City Council meeting (or listen on Zoom if preferred). I envision more trees, safer streets, and a stronger sense of community for us all.
