FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 2023
MEDIA CONTACTS
Maria Lee, City of Tacoma, maria.lee@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-2054
Libby Catalinich, Pierce County, libby.catalinich@piercecountywa.gov, (253) 798-6606
City of Tacoma and Pierce County Partner to Provide Access to Data on Community Disparities
TACOMA, Wash. – The City of Tacoma and Pierce County have collaborated to create a second version of the Equity Index, an interactive mapping tool initially launched by the City in 2018 to visually highlight disparities across Tacoma. In addition to a freshly updated Tacoma Equity Index that now includes the latest Census information, the Pierce County Equity Index has launched to evaluate inequities in all of Pierce County.
With broader access to community-related data, both the Tacoma Equity Index and the Pierce County Equity Index seek to empower public and private sector decision-makers to address disparities measurably and intentionally.
“The Tacoma Equity Index has been a primary tool for us over the last five years, helping ensure we are making data-informed decisions that improve livability for all community members across our city,” said Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards. “We are so pleased that Pierce County has decided to partner with us to take these efforts countywide.”
“We are pleased to build upon the lessons learned by our partners at the City of Tacoma as we launch a Pierce County-focused equity index,” said Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier. “The new index will be a valuable tool in understanding the impacts of public investments and focusing them to better serve our community as a whole.”
Additional information regarding the Tacoma Equity Index is available at cityoftacoma.org/equityindex. Questions or requests for information in an alternate format on the Tacoma Equity Index can be directed to City of Tacoma Strategic Initiatives Coordinator Chelsea Talbert at ctalbert@cityoftacoma.org or (253) 337-7066.
Additional information regarding the Pierce County Equity Index is available here. Questions or requests for information in an alternate format on the Pierce County Equity Index can be directed to Pierce County Assistant Director for Budget and Performance Julie Demuth at julie.demuth@piercecountywa.gov or (253) 798-8534.
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