Dear friends and neighbors,
As we enter fall, 2025 is still on track to be one of the hottest years on record. Washington is facing drought conditions that thankfully, Tacoma was able to mitigate with advance planning. Climate change is real, it is here, and if we want to protect the natural environment in our state for future generations, we must act now.
Over the last few years, we have enacted landmark legislation to help reduce our emissions, clean up our air and water, and transition Washington to clean energy sources. Climate change is a systemic problem, and it requires systemic solutions. That’s why this year I’m particularly proud that we passed legislation to update our recycling system in Washington state. We’re making it easier for people across the state to access recycle services, easier to know what can/can’t be recycled, and easier to trust that what you put n the recycle bin won’t just go to a landfill, but will be re-used in some way. This new system will require large companies to reduce their packaging, will ensure everyone has access to curbside recycle pick-up, and will prevent recyclable material from entering landfills.
We also adjusted our clean fuels program, which helps to reduce transportation emissions over time, to ensure that our plan is aligned with neighboring states, strengthening our efforts to reduce pollution in our part of the world. We continued our work to remove superpollutants like hydrofluorocarbons, powerful greenhouse gasses used in refrigeration that can affect indoor air quality. We’re supporting the development of low-carbon thermal energy systems that will help cut both costs and emissions, making it easier to access affordable, sustainable heating options.
Climate change is real, by acting now we can ensure that Washington is a leader in developing the economy of the future. One where clean energy doesn’t just mean reducing emissions or cheaper energy, it means living-wage jobs for the next generation, clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and beautiful places to live, work, and play.
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I also wanted to pass along a reminder for my last community conversation of this summer/fall stretch. Please join me on Monday, October 13th, from 10:30AM-12PM at Cutters Point Coffee Co. (2209 N Pearl St., Ste 104). These are intended to be smaller, community-based gatherings, so come with questions!
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Last week I was able to tour the new Asia Pacific Cultural Center. It’s a joy to see APCC in a space that matches their vibrancy and commitment to bringing together communities across our city. I was so grateful to support Lua Pritchard, Patsy Surh, and the entire APCC team with funding from our state’s Capital Budget to help with the construction, and walking through the building last week was a beautiful reminder of why this work is so important.
Just in the time I was there I saw the Tacoma-Pierce County Affordable Housing Consortium was holding a meeting, a knitting club gathered for their weekly session, and Philippine elders prepared for their lunch—all before 10 a.m. This space will be put to good use, and I’m already looking forward to celebrating Lunar New Year in this new space.
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I also wanted to pass along a reminder about the legislative internship. The priority deadline for applications is October 22nd, you can learn more about the program here.
This internship is an incredible opportunity for higher education students, who spend a session working in Olympia and learning about the legislative process. The 2026 internship begins January 6, 2026 and ends March 12, 2026. You receive academic credit for the program as well as a monthly stipend of $2,400.