Pierce County

The 2026 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Plan Update for Pierce County Parks establishes a long-range vision and 20-year Capital Improvement Plan extending to 2046. It integrates demand and needs assessments, capital investment strategies, a regional trails plan, and land management principles. The plan aims to enhance and expand the park system by increasing capacity, developing new park land, improving access to green spaces and trails, and preserving existing assets, while fostering collaboration for regional trail development and effective property stewardship.

The meeting featured a program update on the Social Isolation Request for Proposal (RFP) results and the Tablet Library initiative, where 50 eligible older adults will receive Chromebooks to combat social isolation. MultiCare Health Foundation was selected via RFP to run two programs: Senior Friend and New Caregiver Support Program. The Executive Committee discussed mileage reimbursement eligibility changes, requiring a W9 form to be submitted quarterly. The Education and Public Relations & Advocacy Committee reported on high phone answering rates, outreach activities at over 100 events, upcoming conferences, and the distribution of Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers via EBT cards. Legislative updates included funding increases for Health Homes, Medicaid Case Management rate adjustments, and the Hunger Relief bill (SHB 1784). The committee also reviewed budget outcomes and discussed the 2024-2027 Area Plan themes. Community engagement updates covered translating a community survey into seven languages, planning efforts for family caregiver outreach, and setting up an LGBTQ needs assessment survey. The Quality Improvement / Customer Service Committee reviewed evaluations of Home Care providers and transportation services, deciding to use both in-person visits and phone contacts for congregate nutrition review. The Administrative Staff provided an overview of the 2023 legislative session outcomes, noting partial approval of the Medicaid case management rate increase and funding increases for various programs.

The meeting included new business concerning a Major Amendment to a Conditional Use Permit (CP17005) for Sound Life Church, which involved decommissioning existing on-site septic in favor of connection to the public sewer system; a motion was made to recommend approval. Other business involved a presentation by the Pierce County Community Development Corporation regarding the Frederickson South Affordable Housing Development, including discussions about property division and undivided interest.

The meeting included an informational session on the Dementia Friendly Pierce County Project, funded by a U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services grant to Lutheran Community Services Northwest, which will disperse over a million dollars for dementia services, including programs like Opening Minds Through Art, Memory Ensemble, and Dementia Friends training. Committee business covered recommending three new candidates for the Advisory Board and discussing the upcoming Point in Time Count for surveying people experiencing homelessness. The Executive Committee nominated and elected new officers. The Planning and Allocations Committee reported no meeting. The ED/PA Committee reviewed nominations for holiday recognition, approved officer nominations, discussed holiday party planning, and provided updates on ADRC activities, the State Council on Aging (SCOA), and Senior Lobby activities, noting Washington State's ranking in long-term care. Legislative news included the upcoming State Legislature session priorities. The Quality Improvement / Customer Service Committee shared evaluation results from sampling Catholic Community Services home delivered meals, noting issues with meal taste, preparation, and dryness of certain items, and began developing the 2020 work plan, selecting new committee officers.

The key discussion topics for this meeting include the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the November 4th meeting. New business items consist of elections for the 2026 nominations and elections, and a discussion regarding Application Review Training. The meeting will also feature staff updates and a review of the calendar, which includes an introduction to the Current Use Open Space Program Improvement scheduled for February 11, 2026.