Unfortunately, dear readers, this week I’m gonna have to sock it to you with a tall soapbox because one thing is driving me absolutely nuts about this city:

Tacoma’s sense of entitlement regarding economic development.



I read Tacoma’s local blogs all of the time, I listen in on community meetings, and I watch what our local government is collecting feedback about. The one thing I hear so many of you constantly demanding is economic development.



I’m going to call you out and say that most of you don’t deserve it yet.



I read about people who want more businesses throughout the city, yet many of you barely support the small, wonderful, locally-owned businesses that are already here.



I notice people who are blogging all day long, talking crap about the businesses in Tacoma without ever trying a place out, or without providing feedback on poor experiences directly to the restaurant manager, opting to talk s*** online instead. I think all of the above is weak.



You say you want the Tacoma Link light rail to run later and you want a more efficient transit system, yet many of you never set foot on either.



You demand a vibrant downtown with all sorts of amenities and a 24-7 environment, but all foot traffic leaves the city center at 5 p.m.



Ladies and gentlemen, YOU are responsible for making economic development happen in our city!



First things first: Economic development will not occur in cities with high crime rates. What’s the best way to combat that? Tacoma must collectively raise its neighborhood standards relating to blight and crime. Bring your immediate neighbors together to create a neighborhood watch, report all crimes, and call Tacoma CARES to report properties in your area that need to be cleaned up, 253.591.5001. Follow the lead of the Hilltop Action Coalition. They understand that safe streets are not a right, they’re a responsibility.



If you want a vibrant downtown that’s open later, get your feet on the street after five to give the merchants there a compelling reason to stay open later. Good people on the streets quickly replace bad ones, and investors often make decisions based on things like foot and traffic counts, so do your part!



Transportation systems are only extended or improved based on ridership, so ditch your stupid car and get on the Tacoma Link or a Pierce Transit bus.



Get off your computer like I’m about to and actually EXPERIENCE Tacoma. Please understand that investors read your blog posts, and every time you talk trash about a place, it might appear that the Tacoma constituency is unsupportive of business and development. Booooo.



Gather your friends and family and support the local merchants like I do, as many as you can. They depend on you! Buying local means you’re improving our economy, and trust me, when our merchants start doing gangbuster business, other investors will notice and the economic development you’re demanding will indeed follow.

Tell me where you like to party at sceneofthecrime@hotmail.com.