Spokane has our number

Tacoma and Spokane remain locked in competition for the title of the second-largest city in the state, and that city to the east still has our number. More accurately, Spokane has a higher number of people living within its city limits. According to the latest population estimates released this week by the state Office of Financial Management, the Lilac City has increased its lead over the City of Destiny from 1,700 to 2,100 residents in the past year.

Spokane’s population has grown from 195,629 in 2000 to 205,500 this year, with a population increase of 1,100 people since last year’s estimate. Tacoma has followed a similar growth pattern. Our population has grown from 193,556 at the onset of the millennium to 203,400 in 2009, with an increase of 700 in the past year.

Coming up fast behind is Vancouver, which has held the fourth-place position the entire decade. Its growth has been considerable, increasing by nearly 21,000 people in the past nine years.

The state estimates the population of cities and counties using a variety of data, including school enrollment figures, voter registration, driver’s license applications and real estate records. These are estimates, not carved-in-stone fact. The U.S. Census Bureau has begun preparation for the 2010 Census, which will result in the figures considered to be the accurate number.

Some of Spokane’s growth has come through annexation, while a considerable amount of Vancouver’s has come through this process. Tacoma has experienced some growth through annexation, as small parcels have been added, a few at a time, mostly along the city limits on the East Side and Northeast Tacoma.

Where Tacoma ranks in the listings is probably not of considerable importance, but it provides a good point to start a conversation on the topic of annexation.

From both looking at a map and examining the urban growth boundary of Tacoma, which is the outlying areas that the state has defined as that can be annexed in accordance with the Growth Management Act, there are a number of areas that would seem to be logical choices.

One is the area between South 96th Street and Highway 512. This unincorporated section of the county has seen an increase in crimes such as prostitution and drug activity, due in part to Tacoma Police Department’s jurisdiction ending at the city limits.

Better police  protection is certainly enticing to residents of Browns Point and Dash Point, who currently are served by Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, whose closest station is on South Hill. A Tacoma station in Northeast Tacoma lies a few blocks away from the city limits.

Ruston is another wild card in the discussion. Annexation is a touchy subject in the town surrounded on three sides by Tacoma’s North End.

Whether these areas become annexed into Tacoma remains to be seen. But if they are, the several thousand new Tacomans would give the city a firm grip on second place.

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