Fife is a small city with a big-city feel—entirely located on Puyallup Tribal land and intersected by I-5, it plays an outsized role in the region’s development. “Fife offers a plethora of planning opportunities” says Community Development Director Chris Larson. Its strategic location near the Port of Tacoma and the upcoming Sound Transit Light Rail Station is accelerating its transformation from a car-centric area to a more connected, walkable city center.

What makes Fife unique?  Fife is one of only three cities in Washington fully on tribal land, resulting in a patchwork of city and tribal jurisdictions. I-5 splits the city into a bustling commercial north side and a quieter, residential south side. With a strong retail tax base, Fife offers exceptional public amenities, including an aquatic center and robust parks like Dacca Park and the new Old Cannery Splash Pad.  Though the official population is around 11,300, its daytime population exceeds 20,000. City services, including police, are scaled to meet this higher demand.

Key Challenges & Responses

Fife’s infrastructure must support regional traffic and commerce. To meet those needs, the city aggressively pursues grants and state and federal funding. Challenges related to homelessness have prompted innovative solutions, like converting motels into studio apartments through Sage Investments and launching the Fife Jobs Program, which helps unhoused residents build skills and find housing.

A partnership with Commonstreet Consulting supports daily outreach to connect people with services—contributing to the absence of encampments in the city.

What’s Ahead

Fife is planning a major city center around its future light rail station. This long-term project includes major infrastructure upgrades and partnerships with Sound Transit, developers, and the Puyallup Tribe. Other priorities include completing a Port of Tacoma Road interchange, supporting the SR 167 extension, and developing two new parks—one featuring a pick-your-own berry farm.

New Businesses:

• Rivian
• Tesla
• My Depot
• Wing Stop
• Scratch Pizza & Billiards

Community Development Director Chris Larson noted that “people want more third places, not just dinner,” and the City of Fife is responding by enhancing its mix of amenities and gathering spaces. With the anticipated completion of State Route 167 and the expansion of regional trail connections linking, I-5, Fife, Edgewood, Milton, Puyallup and Tacoma, the city is well-positioned to see a reduction in truck traffic and an increase in walkability and livability.

As Fife looks to the future, its leadership remains focused on managing growth thoughtfully while investing in infrastructure, public spaces, and community well-being. These efforts will help ensure that Fife continues to evolve into a more connected, accessible, and vibrant city—one that serves both its residents and the broader region with distinction.