FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 15, 2016

MEDIA CONTACTS

Gwen Schuler, Media and Communications, gschuler@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5152

Stacy Ellifritt, Media and Communications, stacy.ellifritt@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-2005

Interactive Dashboard Launched for Tacoma Streets Initiative

The City of Tacoma’s Public Works Department has launched an interactive dashboard that outlines funding as well as maintenance and capital projects for the Tacoma Streets Initiative.

In 2015, Tacoma voters said yes to invest in city streets and passed two propositions for increased funding for street repair and improvements. Over the next decade, proposition funding will combine with City funding, grants and matching funds that are estimated to raise $325 million for Tacoma’s streets. When these factors come together they create the Tacoma Streets Initiative that will maintain city streets through a number of ways.

“The voters of Tacoma said yes to dedicated new revenue to fix and maintain our streets, many of which have been neglected for decades,” said Mayor Marilyn Strickland.  “We promised accountability and transparency with how the money is spent. This online dashboard will allow Tacoma residents to track progress in their neighborhoods. It is another example of using open data to improve our city.”

Street maintenance and capital projects are starting now. With this launch, residents can view a layout of funds raised to date as well as search where projects are happening around the city. Residents can also view comprehensive data, which will be updated monthly, for funding, maintenance and capital projects.

“Over the next decade, the funds raised for the Tacoma Streets Initiative will be used as an investment in city street and infrastructure improvements,” said City Manager T.C. Broadnax. “The City is committed to keeping residents informed and this dashboard adds an extra layer of transparency to see how and where these important funds are being utilized.”

To launch the interactive dashboard, visit TacomaStreetsInitiative.org. For more information, visit cityoftacoma.org/TacomaStreets, email TacomaStreets@cityoftacoma.org or call 311 within Tacoma city limits or (253) 591-5000 from anywhere else.

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