Edgewood Council explores regional homelessness solutions in Pierce County meeting

The Edgewood City Council convened for its regular meeting on March 11, 2025, addressing several key topics, including updates from subcommittees and discussions on homelessness strategies.

The meeting began with Council Member Buckley noting the importance of the upcoming update from the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) subcommittee, scheduled for two weeks after the senior lunch. This update aims to address various community questions and concerns.

Council Member Keith raised a point regarding the status of the car tab exemption table, which was previously removed from the agenda. She inquired whether staff was prepared for the next study session to discuss potential exemptions related to car tab fees. The council acknowledged that while the item was pulled from the current agenda, it would not automatically be rescheduled for the next session. A suggestion was made to postpone the discussion until the budget retreat on April 26, allowing for further planning.

Council Member West provided insights from the South Zone Housing Affordability Partners meeting and a related session on homelessness. He highlighted the collaborative efforts among Pierce County cities, including Edgewood, to develop unified strategies for addressing homelessness. The discussions focused on effective regional approaches, data sharing, and operational coordination among local governments. West emphasized the proactive nature of these discussions, aiming to prevent homelessness from escalating in Edgewood and surrounding communities.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue exploring solutions for homelessness and to share further updates with the council as more information becomes available. The council's ongoing work reflects a dedication to addressing community needs and fostering collaboration among neighboring cities.