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.

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.

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.

The utility earnings and property tax proposition will provide continued funding for street repair and improvements including residential street resurfacing, maintenance and capital improvements for arterials and freight access roads, promoting safety through Vision Zero, focusing on reducing traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries with systemic safety enhancements like protected bike lanes and safer crossings, and expanding multimodal connectivity.

The expiration of the original Tacoma Streets Initiative funding in March 2026 presents a critical juncture for the City of Tacoma. Without renewed funding, the City risks losing ground on the progress made over the past decade, especially with decreasing arterial road conditions and increases in traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries, the current infrastructure is not keeping pace with the growing demands of an expanding city.

The Streets Initiative II seeks to build on the successes of its predecessor by continuing to focus on:

1. Arterial Road Improvements: Major arterials serve as the backbone of Tacoma’s transportation network, yet many of these roads are in urgent need of repair. Investing in these corridors will enhance connectivity, support freight and transit operations, and stimulate economic development.
2. Residential Road Maintenance: Maintaining roads is a continuous effort, essential to preserving the improvements made to the residential road network over the past decade. While over 6,000 blocks of residential roads have been improved or maintained, approximately 2,000 blocks remain unaddressed and in need of attention.
3. Equity and Accessibility: According to the City's Equity Index, 64% of the highest-risk roadways are located in neighborhoods with low or very low access to opportunities. Streets Initiative II prioritizes projects in these underserved areas to reduce disparities, enhance safety, and promote equitable access to transportation options.
4. Vision Zero and Safety Enhancements: As part of the City's Vision Zero commitment, the initiative focuses on reducing traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries. Investments will include systemic safety improvements, such as protected bike lanes, safer pedestrian crossings, and enhanced lighting in high-risk areas.
5. Multimodal Connectivity: The new initiative emphasizes the creation of multimodal corridors that integrate bike lanes, sidewalks, and transit options to support sustainable transportation. The goal is to increase mobility options for all residents, with a focus on connecting neighborhoods to schools, parks, and business districts.

This proposition will authorize and replace the current Proposition 3 rates—1.5% utility tax (natural gas, electric, and phone companies) 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.

This new proposition is projected to generate close to $25 million dollars a year dedicated to street maintenance and roadway safety improvements.

The Tacoma Streets Initiative II plan proposes raising the property tax levy from the current rate of $0.20 per $1,000 of assessed property value to $0.25 per $1,000. Based on average Tacoma assessed property values in 2025, this would increase the monthly cost from the current $4.67 ($56 per year) to $10.67 ($128 per year). This represents an increase of $6 per month or $72 annually.

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

• Six-Year Comprehensive Transportation Improvement Program
• Six-Year Infrastructure Maintenance Plan
• Transportation Master Plan

The Public Works Department has also provided an in-depth layout of funding and project planning available on:

• Tacoma Streets Initiative Dashboard