MATT DRISCOLL: TRIED NOT TO SPILL WINE ON ANYTHING EXPENSIVE >>>

Yesterday afternoon at Dragonfly, an impressively large gathering of interested citizens, politicians, and business and property owners convened over wine, shrimp and roasted red pepper hummus to talk about the future of Tacoma’s SODO â€" or the South Downtown Dome District. The event was billed as mainly a “meet and greet,” and in that respect it didn’t disappoint. Surrounded by Dragonfly’s “unique furnishings,” a group of 40-50 mingled for the first hour or so, and then heard from Dragonfly owner Angela Schellenberg, Darrel Bowman from Mynetworkcompany.com and Jim Merritt, principal at Merritt Arch â€" all of whom spoke about the importance of defining the future vision of what the South Downtown Dome district will become.

While the presentation, which was led by Mr. Merritt, lasted less than fifteen minutes, the shindig at Dragonfly succeeded in rallying support for the Dome District cause and recruiting some new, motivated troops for the fight.

Speaking to a crowd that included well known faces like Marty Campbell and Jake Fey, Merritt reiterated a theme that’s pulsing nearly everywhere in Tacoma these days â€" where everything seems ripe for the remolding and recreating. It’s time for us to fashion the Tacoma we all want. The decision is ours.

“What happens to this district? What can happen in this neighborhood?” asked Merritt. “How do we make a difference?”

“It will happen to us anyway. So let’s make it happen so it can become something we’re proud of.”

While specific visions for the Dome District weren’t actually discussed, several ideas and things to consider were. What can be done with the Dome? How can we show Brown & Haley we care about them, want them here, and are building a better Tacoma? How can we increase pedestrian friendly spaces and park spaces? How can we do more to bring people to the Le May Museum?

But in the end, it came down to people and community.

“It’s about what’s right for the people. It’s about collaboration, grassroots, and people first,” says Merritt.

“We have not done a very good job over the last decade,” continued Merritt, emphasizing the need to work collaboratively with all Tacoma’s neighborhoods, not separately.

“Let’s define the future vision of what the South Downtown District can be.”

If you’re interested in helping shape the future of the South Downtown Dome District, a group meets every Thursday at Mystic Mocha Cafe between 7:30 â€" 9 a.m. You’re totally invited.