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Tacoma Streets Initiative II

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.

 

Streets Initiative II Project Opportunity Map

 

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.

District 1

District

Street

From

To

Type

1

N 17th St / Westgate Blvd

N Narrows Dr

N Pearl St

Arterial

1

N 37th St

N Narrows Dr

N Shirley St

Arterial

1

N Shirley St / N 35th St

N 37th & Shirley

N 35th & Mason

Neighborhood Greenway

1

N Mason St

N 35th St

6th Ave

Neighborhood Greenway

1

S 8th St

Jackson Ave

Hunt Middle School

Neighborhood Greenway

1 & 2

Union Ave

N 30th St

6th Ave

Arterial

1 & 2

N 11th

N Pearl St

N Steele St

Neighborhood Greenway

1 & 3

N 7th/S Madison/S 15th/S Mason

N 7th and Mason

S Stevens and Mason

Neighborhood Greenway

1 & 3

6th Ave

S Jackson Ave

S Huson St

Vision Zero HRN

District 2

District

Street

From

To

Type

2

NE Nassau Ave

Northshore Parkway NE

33rd St NE

Arterial

2

St Paul Ave

Portland Ave

E 11th St

Arterial

2

N Yakima / N 24th St

Union Ave

Division Ave

Neighborhood Greenway

2

33rd St NE

NE Nassau Ave

49th Ave NE

Neighborhood Greenway

2

Marine View Dr

Norpoint Way NE

Schitzer Steel Dwy

Vision Zero HRN

1 & 2

Union Ave

N 30th St

6th Ave

Arterial

1 & 2

N 11th

N Pearl St

N Steele St

Neighborhood Greenway

2 & 4

E Portland Ave

E River St

74th St

Vision Zero HRN

2 & 4 & 5

Pacific Ave

S 7th St

S 96th St

Vision Zero HRN

District 3

District

Street

From

To

Type

3

S 12th St

S Madison St

S Cedar St

Arterial

3

S Pine St

Center St

S 47th St

Arterial

3

S 25th St

S State St

S Hood St

Arterial

3

S 8th St

Pine St

Tacoma Ave

Neighborhood Greenway

3

S 17th St

S Cedar St

S J St

Neighborhood Greenway

1 & 3

N 7th/S Madison/S 15th/S Mason

N 7th and Mason

S Stevens and Mason

Neighborhood Greenway

1 & 3

6th Ave

S Jackson Ave

S Huson St

Vision Zero HRN

3 & 4

S 38th St

S Pine St

McKinley Ave

Vision Zero HRN

3 & 4 & 5

S 56th St

S Oakes St

E Swan Creek Dr

Vision Zero HRN

3 & 5

Tyler St

S 36th St

S 74th St

Arterial

3 & 5

S Tacoma Way

S 58th St

Pacific Ave

Vision Zero HRN

District 4

District

Street

From

To

Type

4

E 43rd St

Pacific Ave

E J St

Arterial

4

E McKinley Ave

E Division Ln

E 56th St

Arterial

4

S G St

S Wright Ave

S 40th St

Arterial

4

S/E 52nd St

I-5

First Creek Middle School

Neighborhood Greenway

2 & 4

E Portland Ave

E River St

74th St

Vision Zero HRN

2 & 4 & 5

Pacific Ave

S 7th St

S 96th St

Vision Zero HRN

3 & 4

S 38th St

S Pine St

McKinley Ave

Vision Zero HRN

3 & 4 & 5

S 56th St

S Oakes St

E Swan Creek Dr

Vision Zero HRN

4 & 5

S Park Ave

S 40th St

S 96th St

Neighborhood Greenway

4 & 5

A St

S 37th St

E 84th St

Neighborhood Greenway

4 & 5

S 72nd St

I-5

S Roosevelt Ave

Vision Zero HRN

4 & 5

S Yakima Ave

S 48th St

S 64th St

Vision Zero HRN

District 5

District

Street

From

To

Type

5

S/E 84th St

S Hosmer St

E McKinley Ave

Arterial

5

S Hosmer St

S 84th St

South City Limits

Arterial

5

S 66th St

S Orchard St

South Tacoma Way

Arterial

5

S 58th St

Washington St

S Fife St

Neighborhood Greenway

5

S 59th St

S M St

S Park Ave

Neighborhood Greenway

5

74th Street 

Lakewood Dr W

I-5

Vision Zero HRN

2 & 4 & 5

Pacific Ave

S 7th St

S 96th St

Vision Zero HRN

3 & 4 & 5

S 56th St

S Oakes St

E Swan Creek Dr

Vision Zero HRN

3 & 5

Tyler St

S 36th St

S 74th St

Arterial

3 & 5

S Tacoma Way

S 58th St

Pacific Ave

Vision Zero HRN

4 & 5

S Park Ave

S 40th St

S 96th St

Neighborhood Greenway

4 & 5

A St

S 37th St

E 84th St

Neighborhood Greenway

4 & 5

S 72nd St

I-5

S Roosevelt Ave

Vision Zero HRN

4 & 5

S Yakima Ave

S 48th St

S 64th St

Vision Zero HRN

 

1/10th of 1% Sales and Use Tax Imposition Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the goal of replacing Proposition A, the sales and use tax imposed by the TBD?

Replacing Proposition A by imposing the 1/10th of 1% sales tax by the Transportation Benefit District (TBD) that is set to expire on March 31, 2026, will support street improvements, maintenance, preservation, and transportation infrastructure operations, with a focus on enhancing public safety, health, and creating a more connected, accessible city. Proposition A provides additional funding for transportation projects outlined in the Capital Improvement Plan, the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan, and the City’s Six-Year Comprehensive Transportation Improvement Program.

Why is this replacement needed?

The replacement is necessary to maintain and improve Tacoma's streets and transportation infrastructure. Without continued funding, Tacoma risks losing the progress made in street improvements and will face challenges in maintaining current service levels. In 2023, TBD funded projects included 196 blocks of residential surface treatment, 85 blocks of residential overlay, 278 blocks of residential preventative maintenance, installation of 87 ADA compliant curb ramps, and permanent repair of 2,003 potholes.

Where will the money go?

By replacing Proposition A with the 1/10th of 1% sales and use tax by the Transportation Benefit District (TBD), it is projected to generate $7.5 million a year to fund projects outlined in the Comprehensive Transportation Program, safety, and roadway improvements, as well as multimodal enhancements. This funding will be used for street improvements, maintenance, preservation, and the operations of Tacoma’s streets and transportation infrastructure. This includes improvements to residential streets, sidewalks, crosswalks, bike and pedestrian mobility, and freight access, which are vital for economic growth and mobility. The TBD is required by state law to issue annual reports specifying the status of TBD revenues, expenditures, and construction schedules. These reports are available to the public.

Will residents see or experience a change? If so, how?

Yes, residents will see continued improvements in transportation infrastructure. The funding will help maintain and improve arterial and residential streets, sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes.

How much will this cost per household?

By replacing Proposition A with the 1/10th of 1% sales and use tax by the Transportation Benefit District (TBD) at the same tax rate imposed by the TBD, there is no additional expense to the taxpayer. Sales and use tax in Tacoma will not increase under this replacement and will amount to one cent on a $10 purchase.

Are there any other options?

Currently, the replacement of this proposition is the most viable option for maintaining Tacoma's transportation infrastructure at its current level. Without it, the city risks losing the progress made in street improvements and the ability to maintain its existing transportation systems.

 

FAQ for City of Tacoma Property and Utility Earnings Tax for Street Improvements Proposition 

What Will This Proposition Do?

The property and utility earnings tax proposition will provide continued funding for street repair and improvements including pothole repair, street resurfacing, maintenance and capital improvements for arterials and freight access roads, installation of school crossing beacons, and building missing sidewalks.

Why Do We Need to Increase Funding for Street Improvements?

Continued dedicated funding is needed to keep up with street maintenance needs in accordance with industry standards.

How Much Revenue Will the New Proposition Generate?

This new proposition is projected to generate close to $26 million dollars a year dedicated to street maintenance and roadway safety improvements.

How Can I Know What the City’s Plans are for Street Improvements?

The City has adopted multiple plans that are regularly updated to identify street improvement projects for funding. These plans include:

·         Six Year Comprehensive Transportation Program

·         Six Year Infrastructure Maintenance Plan

·         Transportation Master Plan



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