About the Tacoma Streets Initiative II
In 2015, Tacoma voters passed Propositions No. 3 and A, which set the foundation for the Tacoma Streets Initiative. Over the past decade, this initiative has allowed the Public Works Department to complete over $397 million in critical infrastructure improvements in the City’s rights-of-way. As the current funding nears expiration in December 2025, Tacoma is planning to bring Tacoma Streets Initiative II to the April 2025 ballot.
Tacoma is gearing up for the next phase of the Tacoma Streets Initiative that will focus on:
- Replacing Proposition A by continuing to impose the 1/10th of 1% sales tax dedicated to the Transportation Benefit District.
- Enhancing funding through a proposed ballot measure that will replace the current Proposition 3 rates—1.5% utility tax and a property tax rate of $0.20 per $1,000 of assessed value—with an increase to a 2% utility tax and $0.25 per $1,000 of assessed value.
- Tacoma Streets Initiative II is expected to raise $37 million a year for street improvements, multimodal enhancements, and residential upgrades.
Timeline and Next Steps
Tacoma Streets Initiative II is set to be presented to voters in April 2025. Leading up to the vote:
- November 5, 2024: City Council reviewed and considered the Streets Initiative II proposal at City Council Study Session.
- December 3, 2024: A Resolution – Imposition of 1/10th of 1% of Transportation Benefit District Sales and Use Tax proposal goes before the Transportation Benefit District Board (the full Council acts as the Board’s members).
- December 17, 2024: The City Council will consider placing a ballot measure for the April 2025 election.
- January to March 2025: Extensive outreach to the business community and Tacoma residents, including the distribution of informational packets.
- April 22, 2025: Vote on the proposed utility and property tax proposition of the Tacoma Streets Initiative II.
Project Opportunity Map
The map below shows the Public Works Department’s initial project opportunities.
Project Opportunities By District:
The color codes for each project in the table under each district accordion correspond to the respective districts shown on the map above.