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ISSUE 30
July 22, 2026
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PIERCE COUNTY AIRPORT – THUN FIELD
Pierce County Thun Field Runway to Close Through Plans Suicide Fall for $7.56 Million Reconstruction Prevention Summit, Bridge to Hope 5K Pierce County Human Services
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PREVENTION SUMMIT, 3
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ircraft owners will need to find somewhere else to take off and land beginning July 27 as Pierce County undertakes the first full reconstruction of the runway at Thun Field in nearly four decades.
The runway at Pierce County AirportThun Field in South Hill will close to all fixed-wing aircraft operations through approximately early November. The airport’s grounds, gates, hangars and businesses will remain accessible during construction, but
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Pierce County Invests in Brighter Futures Through Expanded Youth Learning Opportunities Staff Report
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oday Pierce County Human Services announced the latest round of investments from the Puget Sound Taxpayer Accountability Account (PSTAA), committing roughly $2.6 million to expand access to high-quality, affordable early learning and out-of-school programming. These strategic investments advance Executive Ryan Mello’s Forward Together agenda, reinforcing the County’s commitment to supporting residents from early childhood through young adulthood. The funding goes to organizations to address critical gaps in local services, where community demand far outweighs currently available resources. Awardees were chosen from 72 applications. “Helping youth to thrive is one of the top areas we’re devoting our attention and resources,” said County Executive Ryan Mello. “These funds support programs and services proven to keep youth safe, foster academic success, and develop the socialemotional skills”
VISKBX – STOCK.ADOBE.COM
rom the sweeping shadow of Mount Rainier to the quiet shores of the Key Peninsula, Pierce County boasts some of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic views. Yet beneath this postcard-perfect backdrop lies a staggering reality: the county’s suicide rate is 20% higher than the national average. To confront this unfolding crisis, community leaders, families, first responders and healthcare professionals will gather at the PenMet Parks Recreation Center in Gig Harbor on Friday, Sept. 18, for the first Suicide Prevention Summit and Bridge to Hope 5K. Suicide is a serious but preventable public health issue, and some of Pierce County’s most vulnerable residents are struggling. Adults ages 20 to 39 in the county are nearly three times more likely to die by suicide than people of the same age elsewhere in Washington. Residents who may be beginning careers, attending college or raising young families are struggling at a significantly higher rate than their peers across the state. At the other end of the age spectrum, adults age 85 and older face the highest suicide risk in Pierce County, exceeding rates among seniors elsewhere in Washington and across the country. “We must protect the mental health and well-being of all Pierce County residents, especially our most vulnerable,” Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello said. “Young people in Pierce County are at much greater suicide risk than youth in other parts of the state, and our aging population faces a loneliness epidemic. This event is one way to raise awareness about these urgent issues and bring people together to build community and find solutions.” Co-sponsored by County Council members Robyn Denson and Paul Herrera, the event will feature a keynote speaker and offer practical tools and local resources to help participants care for their own mental health, recognize when someone may be struggling and connect people with help before a crisis occurs. The day is intentionally divided to serve both frontline professionals and the community members they support. Participants can register for free online for one or more of the following sessions: • Professional Learning Program, noon to 4:30 p.m.: Designed for educators, first responders and behavioral health professionals, with a focus on intervention and postvention, or support provided after a suicide.
no takeoffs or landings will be permitted. The closure will allow crews to rebuild the aging runway, widen it and complete a series of safety, drainage and lighting improvements. Construction is expected to cost approximately $7.56 million. “This project safeguards a critical county asset,” Airport Manager Trent Smith said in a county announcement. “By securing a new 20-to-30-year runway lifespan, this investment eliminates costly emergency repairs and preserves runway access for airport businesses, tenants, pilots, and emergency services.” The existing runway was built in 1988 and has received maintenance as needed since then. County officials said the pavement is nearing the end of its useful life and must be replaced if the airport is to remain operational. The runway will be widened from 60 feet to 75 feet, although its current length of 3,650 feet will remain unchanged. The work will include a full-depth reconstruction of Runway 17-35, improved drainage, new energy-efficient LED lighting and replacement of the precision approach path indicator lighting that helps pilots maintain the correct approach to the runway.
TACKLING THE CHILDCARE CRISIS
With childcare costs often exceeding affordability for working families, Pierce County is directing $510,000 toward early learning for children from birth to age 5. According to the 2025 Childcare Report, many providers are already operating at capacity and turning families away; increasing access to childcare is one way to improve affordability. The following awards will support capital enhancements to increase facility capacity and provide vital navigation, enrollment, and subsidy
support to families facing financial hardship: • Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center, $250,000 • BrightSparkEarly Learning Services, $180,000 • Greentrike, $60,000 • Step byStep, $20,000 Step by Step, a Washington State First Steps provider offering maternity support services and infant case management, received $500,000 in PSTAA funds in 2022 to purchase land to build a family center and preschool. This year, their award will provide tuition assistance to low-income families enrolled at that early learning center, the Grove Farm School.
STRENGTHENING YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION
An additional $450,000 is dedicated to high-quality, out-ofschool programming for youth ages 11 through 25. These programs are essential in providing safe, structured environments during the hours when youth benefit most from mentorship and connection and include the following awards: • Communities in Schools of Tacoma, $125,000 • Hilltop Artists, $220,000 • Tacoma Community Boat Builders, $105,000 Among this year’s awardees, Hilltop Artists’ Arts Connect
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