Manitou, an area in Pierce County that covers 37 acres and is surrounded by University Place and the city of Tacoma, is now legally part of the city.
The laws of Tacoma, rather than those of the county, need to be upheld by the property owners, businesses, and residents of the city. Manitou is near 66th Street West and Lakewood Drive West in the southeast corner of the city.
Manitou had previously been an unincorporated entity in Pierce County. Annexing this area was part of the State Growth Management Act and is considered a high priority in the planning processes of the city and the region.
The major changes for Manitou include taxes and fees such as utility fees, land use and zoning, administration of their local government, and coverage by the police and fire departments that were previously handled by the county.
The city of Tacoma will also now handle solid waste management, pet and business licensing, and parking regulations. There will be no changes to street names, the schools which children attend, and the providers for water, natural gas, and electricity.
Such cities may consider flyer printing to send out to residents with further details about these changes and coverages.
Manitou will now receive new services that will include the south branch of the Tacoma Public Library, an elected representative to the City Council, customer support, and grants and other programs.
