WHO WE ARE
Our Mission:
The City of Tacoma’s Environmental Services Department protects and restores natural resources, keeping our city clean, safe, and livable through garbage and recycling pickup, wastewater treatment, household hazardous waste disposal, protection from stormwater pollution, and much more. We believe everything we do supports healthy neighborhoods and a thriving Puget Sound, leaving a better Tacoma for all.
About Stormwater Management:
The water that leaves our streets, yards, and driveways flow directly – untreated – to lakes, streams, rivers, and Puget Sound. Stormwater Management concentrates on preventing pollution before it reaches our waters and restoring sites already affected by industry and urbanization. The utility maintains more than 500 miles of public stormwater pipe, 22,000-plus storm drains (catch basins,) four pump stations, and numerous detention ponds/structures.
Last year’s festival partnering with the City of Tacoma and Foster’s Creative was a major success and we’re ready to make this year’s even bigger with the inclusion of ALL artists. We will now be showcasing a wide variety of artists in addition to the very talented filmmakers of the South Sound!
We’re working with a talented creative roster of artists who have banded together with the common mission of protecting and restoring our precious natural resources. The Ground to Sound Film & Art Fest is a call to action by the City of Tacoma for the health of our neighborhoods, our marine ecosystems, and Tacoma’s future. The theme for 2025 is “Healthy Sound. Better Tacoma. Now and Forever” and pop-up events will take place throughout the months leading up to the big festival at Foss Waterway Seaport on March 14th, 2025.
In addition to our film contest, we are also hosting a photo contest each month from October through January and encourage all South Sound residents to grab their phones or cameras and submit their snaps!
Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to stay afloat on tons of important info regarding the fest, such as submission requirements and deadlines, cash prize revelations, judging criteria, and more!