World Cup & Around District 6 - jhitchen
June 4, 2026
Good morning neighbors,
It's starting to feel a little more like summer. The graduation parties, end-of-year events, the smell of BBQ, and hearing about people’s plans for the next few months are great indications that summer is almost upon us.
In Pierce County and across the Americas, we will host the FIFA World Cup. Because the Tacoma area is hosting—the Puyallup Tribe of Indians will create a space called a Fan Zone—I want to provide some updates and highlight events that happened around District 6 recently.
The World Cup is Coming
The FIFA World Cup is coming to North and South America. This will be the largest worldwide soccer tournament, featuring 104 matches and 48 teams from across the planet. For many, you already knew this—maybe you have even been watching this for a while and are excited to be this close! For others, this could be new.
I am sharing this so that as you consider ways to enjoy this opportunity—or avoid it—you have information at your fingertips. You can learn more about the teams for the entire program directly from FIFA here.
People from across the planet are coming to the region starting on June 11th. Locally, the Puyallup Tribe is hosting a Fan Zone, slated to open for the world and the greater Pierce County region on Friday, June 12. This is a free place to get together with the community and watch matches live on various screens, and just be part of the community. They have events, viewing parties, fireworks, and kids' spaces. The goal is to bring people together to witness the events. All Events - Puyallup All Together
Seattle is a host city, which means the matches for our region will be held in Seattle. This will impact travel, so please be mindful if you are trying to move around the region via I-5. You can learn about what is happening in Seattle here: Seattle | FIFA World Cup 2026™ Host City
I want to thank the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, the city of Tacoma, and the economic development team at Pierce County for thinking about HOW we can make this a celebration of community. This is the first time in the world that a Tribal Nation is hosting an event like this, and I couldn’t be prouder of this work.
Whether you knew this was happening and have your jersey and schedule up on a wall, or this was news to you, please plan accordingly.
Out and About in District 6
Last week on Friday afternoon, I enjoyed the first of the “Street Festivals” held by the city of Lakewood. Lakewood is officially turning 30 years old this year, and they are continuing to host these free events where the community can gather in the street, “Motor Avenue” specifically, and dance, play, chat, and just enjoy community.
I also spent some time in Parkland with a Blue Zones project that is working to add a little beauty as you enter the community, with murals that welcome you. This is going out before the mural is finished, but I am excited to turn blighted walls into artwork.
Over Memorial Day Weekend, there were so many events, but even in the rain, the ceremony in Lakewood was powerful. From the wreath-laying in Steilacoom to Wear Blue: Run to Remember in DuPont, each event ensured we paused to pay our respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Each of these events, whether set up for a dozen people or thousands, requires the time and talent of many professionals and often many volunteers. For those who prioritize putting on events like these or the hundreds of others that happen all over the place, thank you!
Thank you for giving your time back to the community to help us learn, reflect, access resources, and find joy in District 6.
Being Honored
I want to share a special note of thanks to the Clover Park School District for receiving a Community Leadership Award from the Washington Association of School Administrators. Being a former Clover Park educator, this was even more special to me. There were many different individuals and groups selected from across numerous school districts that are doing phenomenal work with and for young people.
It was truly an honor.
Community Connections
District 6 Library Events in June: Pierce County Library events and classes at the Anderson Island, DuPont, Lakewood, Parkland/Spanaway, Steilacoom, Tillicum, and Virtual libraries.
Parkland Community Clean-Up: Saturday, June 6th, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., we are meeting to clean up the Parkland area. Join us at 402 - 123rd Street S. in Parkland.
Light The Lake: Saturday, June 6th, from 5:30 to 10 p.m. at Spanaway Lake Park, experience the lake as the sun sets, and a glowing paradise is created. Live music and family-friendly. Tickets are required.
Sunnyside Beach Clean-up: Saturday, June 14th, from 8 to 9:15 a.m. at Sunnyside Beach in Steilacoom. Help clean up the beach in preparation for the festivities ahead over the next few weeks. Please reach out to Mayor Grasher if you have any questions.
I want to close with reflections on the Proclamation that we brought forward last week, on May 26th. June 2026 is “Gun Violence Awareness Month” in Pierce County. It was even more impactful because of the recent shooting death of a Washington High School student named Braylon. It has brought the community together, and as we focus on turning grief into action, we remind the community that if you own a gun, please make sure that it is stored safely. Gun thefts from cars continue to be one of the main ways that criminals are getting access to guns.
Guns should always be stored safely. The Tacoma Pierce County Health Department has some suggestions on ways to keep firearms out of the hands of those who might do harm, and you can read them here.
We grieve for the family, friends, and community that have lost someone so young. He should have been counting down the days of school left this year, and instead, his family is planning a funeral.
Again, as summer begins, remember to spend time enjoying family and community.
Jani