The Town's Summer Concerts in Jeopardy! Learn How to Save the Music

Steilacoom Cancels Summer Concert Funding at Pioneer Park Sparking Call for Private Donations

Steilacoom recently announced it will discontinue funding for its summertime outdoor concert series at Pioneer Park which places its future in doubt. This program previously brought much enjoyment to members of Steilacoom area along with neighboring communities. The decision to discontinue the concert series resulted from recent budget cuts in Steilacoom and this information from Tacoma News Tribune.

Steilacoom's Popular Outdoor Concert Series Faces Uncertainty Due to Budget Restrictions

Steilacoom previously sponsored nine concerts at Pioneer Park overlooking the Puget Sound near Steilacoom ferry dock during late June through August. Over ten thousand people have attended these shows enjoying the bandstand performances in Pioneer Park but the music could stop without approximately $40000 needed in funding through private donations. The city will require more private support if it expects more concerts this year after cancelling previous support.

Mayor Dick Muri Cites Property Tax Cap as Reason for Steilacoom Budget Adjustments

Steilacoom’s mayor Dick Muri stated that decreased funding for concerts at Pioneer Park could be avoided with more financial backing and if needed may host less shows. A special meeting at the Town Hall on Sunday January 5 was held from 3 to 5 pm so residents may discuss strategies regarding the issue. Traditionally funds for the program came from general funding from Steilacoom but recent laws restricting property tax at only a 1% cap has forced many adjustments and budget cut backs on different programs.

Dick Muri communicated with the News Tribune claiming property tax restrictions have required Steilacoom to reduce non-essential funds such as concerts even as it manages deficits that increase over time. Mayor Dick Muri claims that while not in a crisis Steilacoom with approximately 6700 people currently runs a $200,000 annual deficit. Steilacoom will require private help for the upcoming programs to become reality .

Marcus Rogers Leads Community Fundraising For Summer Concert Series at Pioneer Park

Marcus Rogers manager for the last 22 years of Steilacoom outdoor concert series remains optimistic area fans will rise up to save the shows. Marcus Rogers expressed this funding hurdle offers an opportunity for group growth among concert fans with a feeling this current change will create additional growth through fan interaction and fundraising . Marcus Rogers has watched families traveling from Tacoma Lakewood Gig Harbor Lacey Tumwater to be able to take part in Pioneer Park events .

Marcus Rogers shared with News Tribune if citizens collaborate better budgeting and additional improvements can be made. Marcus Rogers would rather remove town from managing concerts so community may take more direct ownership for events going forward . Steilacoom officials created a system of funding to raise necessary amount of money needed for future Pioneer Park concert events .

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Seattle Police Department fired an officer responsible for the January 2023 accident causing death of a 23 year old woman providing greater insights on the disciplinary actions of police. The Green Beret Soldier that self inflicted an injury while driving a Cybertruck and parking outside a Trump hotel on New Years Day did hold a connection in the pacific north west. Congress also certified President Elect Trump following proceedings that were referred as ‘difficult’ by Rep Jayapal (D-Wash. 7) highlighting concerns related to governmental process for leadership transfer. Safeway and Albertson also partnered in launching a program called Nourishing Neighbors in hopes that people will receive nutritional food.

Regional News Updates: Canadian Tariffs, Local Education and Environmental Concerns

Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau stated new tariffs might lead to higher prices if President-Elect Trump enacted new trade laws that could negatively affect consumers. Billings Middle School implements curriculum focused on social justice intending to train students for roles of leadership during their lives showing local initiatives. Water damage consistently poses expensive claims homeowners frequently face totaling up to nearly 25 percent of all claims showing consistent environmental challenges for homeowners. Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust held tree-planting event providing local community members to actively help the environmental sustainability goals that exist across many organizations.

The Home Comfort Alliance group suggests different means of home improvement to bring more comfort better health efficiency and to reduce overall environmental effects during ownership and upkeep. This suggests an increase of individual initiatives while maintaining environmental consciousness throughout the community during current times.