What is happening with housing affordability in Tacoma?

Recently, we’ve had several conversations on the podcast centering around tenant organizing in Tacoma, the landmark tenant protections that voters passed in Tacoma, and what can be done at the state level to encourage more affordable housing in Tacoma.

The Move to Tacoma Podcast has always taken exploring issues of Housing Affordability in Tacoma very seriously. Over the past 11 years we’ve interviewed activists, elected officials, policy makers, real estate agents, and regular Tacomans just trying to find secure housing in a city that has become much less affordable in recent decades.

Here are three recent epidodes of the Move to Tacoma podcast where we interview local Tacomans about how tenants rights, real estate, and affordability work in Tacoma, Washington. If you’re a renter, landlord, or aspiring homeowner trying to understand the climate for affordable housing in Tacoma- you’ll live these episodes.

How to Fix H

NYA Tenants Union and Tacoma 4 All

n 2023, Tacomans organized and passed some of the strongest tenant protections in Washington State. Now, renters are taking the next step: organizing tenant unions. What is a tenant union, and why are more people saying we need them? On this episode of the Move to Tacoma Podcast, Francis Faye Oak and Devin Rydel Kelly join Marguerite to talk about tenant rights, tenant organizing, and the growing tenant union movement in Tacoma.
They share the story of Tacoma for All, a housing justice organization that formed in response to rising rents, displacement, and unsafe living conditions—and their recent fight to defend Tacoma’s voter-approved Landlord Fairness Code from rollbacks at City Council. We dig into the difference between traditional “activism” and grassroots organizing, and why building real relationships between neighbors around shared conditions is where lasting power comes from. Francis Faye and Devin explain how a citizen-led initiative helped pass landmark tenant protections—and why tenant unions are now a crucial next step, especially as landlords and political leaders attempt to weaken those wins.
The conversation also breaks down what a tenant union actually looks like, using the New York Apartments Tenant Union as a real-world example. What started as unresolved maintenance issues turned into collective action for safe, stable housing once tenants realized they weren’t alone. Zooming out, we talk about the larger housing crisis, political accountability, nonprofit housing, and the limits of market-based solutions for a basic human need. Housing instability isn’t a moral failing of tenants. It’s a systemic issue. And real change requires organized tenants, community solidarity, and sustained pressure. The episode closes with a call to renters and allies to get involved, talk to your neighbors, and recognize your collective power in shaping Tacoma’s future.

 

Tacoma Pro Bono | Free Lawyers in Tacoma with Ash Meer and Laura Davenport

TacomaProBono is a legal aid organization right here in Tacoma’s Hilltop Neighborhood. In this episode we interview Laurie and Ash about how they help Tacomans access lawyers and legal advice at no cost. Tacoma Pro Bono provides free legal services, including representation, advice, and education to people without enough money to effectively access the legal system.

They explain how accessing free legal aid in Tacoma works, emphasizing the accessibility of services through walk-in hours and online applications. We cover everything from intake to legal representation in court hearings. When it comes to housing TacomaProBono is primarily focusing on tenants due to recent legal changes with the passage of Citizens Initiative Measure No. 2023-1. Citizens’ Initiative 2023-01’s passage enacted rental requirements for landlords and rental rights for tenants.

Tacoma now has some of the most progressive tenant protections in Washington State. The passage of Tacoma’s progressive Initiative 1 Tenant Protections laws might have the impact of influencing statewide reforms. Our conversation covers the vital role of TacomaProBono in providing accessible legal aid, empowering individuals in Tacoma facing legal challenges, and advocating for systemic change in the legal landscape.

Moving to Tacoma and wondering about the cost of living?

If you’re moving to Tacoma this year here are some of the main features of the site that people relocating to our area find most helpful.

The Move to Tacoma Podcast is really a place of exploration around affordable housing. There are many conflicting opinions about how Tacoma real estate can be ethically improved to help everyone. The podcast takes the responsibility to the community seriously. That’s part of what makes Move to Tacoma feel like a trustworthy place to start. Wondering about affordability and why Tacoma isn’t affordable anymore? Check out, “Tacoma isn’t affordable anymore. Here’s why.”

How Move to Tacoma Works

Here at Move to Tacoma we’ve been helping people find their place (and their real estate agent) in Tacoma for over a decade. We recommend choosing a local agent that lives and works in Tacoma and knows all the nuances of pricing, neighborhoods, and the condition (and quirks!) of these historic homes.

Here at MovetoTacoma.com we help people find their place in the City of Destiny. If you or a friend are looking to buy a home in Tacoma and would like help learning about Tacoma neighborhoods and finding a real estate agent please reach out to us! You can click the contact form on MovetoTacoma.com. You can also schedule a one-on-one with Marguerite on zoom by clicking here. 

Step 1: Explore the Clickable Neighborhood Map of Tacoma

Our clickable neighborhood map of Tacoma’s neighborhoods is our pride and joy. Click through to find images and videos of each neighborhood. The Neighborhood guides on the map also include median home price information, blog posts about the neighborhoods, podcast episodes about the neighborhoods, and candid quotes from local neighbors.

Step 2: Listen to the Move to Tacoma Podcast

The best way to learn about Tacoma is to hear from the people who live here. On the Move to Tacoma Podcast Marguerite interviews Tacomans who’ve been here generations and Tacomans who just got here. From business and technology leaders to politicians and activists and everyone in between. The Move to Tacoma Podcast will give you insight into why people move here and how they find meaning and happiness in Tacoma.

Step 3: Read the Blog Posts on MovetoTacoma.com

On the Move to Tacoma Blog we have been writing about things to do in Tacoma, where to eat in Tacoma, hot button community topics, neighborhoods and more since 2015. There are hundreds of posts to help you find what you love in the City of Destiny. From posts about where to eat and drink to interviews with locals- the blog is a great place to keep up one what’s happening in Tacoma and Pierce County.

Step 4: Get Realtor Referral from a Local Realtor

Marguerite Martin is a different kind of Tacoma real estate agent. Reach out to find out answers to questions you have about neighborhoods in Tacoma and Pierce County. When the time is right to start looking, Marguerite can connect you with a local real estate agent who specializes in the neighborhoods you love most. You can see reviews from past clients who’ve worked with Marguerite on Yelp and on Google.

Need a Tacoma real estate agent? Marguerite has been a real estate agent in Tacoma for over 20 years. She can introduce you to the best agents in town, at no cost to you!

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Marguerite is a Tacoma Real Estate Agent and Blogger who is passionate about Tacoma.