November 2025
A Message from the Director
As we enter the final months of 2025, I want to thank our residents and partners for their continued support of Tacoma’s infrastructure improvements. This has been a year of progress and partnership—from major street upgrades to new safety initiatives and community engagement programs.
Our Public Works team continues to deliver on the City’s commitment to maintaining safe, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure. This year, we’ve made significant investments in neighborhood streets, pedestrian safety, and historic preservation projects, all while keeping access, opportunity, and sustainability at the forefront of our work.
Whether it’s preserving landmarks like the Tacoma Municipal Building, improving neighborhood streets, or empowering future civic leaders, we’re proud to serve the community. Your continued engagement and feedback are invaluable as we work together to keep Tacoma moving forward.
– Jeffrey A. Jenkins
Director, Public Works Department
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 Empowering Future Leaders: Student Government Day 2025
On Student Government Day, Tacoma Public Works welcomed local high school students for a hands-on look at how we plan and maintain city infrastructure. Students participated in a Streets Initiative budgeting activity led by Joe Franco, Special Assistant to the Director, learning how projects are prioritized using the City’s criteria—equity, safety, and pavement condition.
Later, Street Maintenance Supervisors Matt Martinson and Derrick Wells and their team hosted a behind-the-scenes tour of the Street Operations campus. Students explored the Sign Shop, saw a live snow-response demo, and visited the Grounds Maintenance Shop. They also learned about career pathways in City government, with staff sharing personal stories of public service and the many opportunities available after high school graduation.
"It was amazing to see how decisions we make can affect the whole community," said one Tacoma Public Schools student.
By connecting students with real-world challenges, Public Works continues investing in Tacoma’s next generation of civic leaders.
👉 Learn more about Student Government Day
 Preserving a Tacoma Icon: Municipal Building Restoration | Project Website
Preservation work is underway on the Tacoma Municipal Building’s exterior to repair and protect this historic landmark. Phase 1, focusing on the east and west façades, will continue through 2025 and includes cleaning, sealing, and structural repairs to prevent further deterioration.
This work ensures the building remains safe, functional, and visually stunning for decades to come, while also serving as an educational example of historic preservation in the community. 📧 Contact: dpagel@tacoma.gov
Sheridan Arterial Improvements – Phase 1 | Project Website
Construction between South 64th–72nd Streets is improving safety, connectivity, and access to Wapato Park. Funded through Your 2015 Voter Approved Tacoma Streets Initiative and state grants, this $7.85M project runs through mid-2026.
Phase 1 includes narrowed travel lanes to calm traffic, a new shared-use path, updated sidewalks, and utility upgrades. Once complete, residents and park visitors will benefit from safer walking and biking connections, reduced congestion, and improved stormwater management. 📧 Contact: jkulju@tacoma.gov
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Tacoma Recognized as a Vision Zero Community
Tacoma has been officially recognized by the Vision Zero Network for its commitment to eliminating traffic fatalities and injuries by 2035 . This recognition reflects the dedication of our Transportation team and reinforces Tacoma’s leadership in street safety nationwide.
Our Vision Zero Action Plan focuses on street design improvements, speed limit reductions, public education, automated enforcement, and data-driven decision-making. Residents can expect to see continued investments in safer streets, crosswalk upgrades, and innovative traffic management strategies that protect all users—drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
👉 Read more about Tacoma’s Vision Zero efforts
Upcoming Work
Want to see what else is on the way? Check out the links below for more upcoming Public Works projects.
Track your tax dollars at work: 🔗 tacomastreetsinitiative.org
Visit our City projects page: 🔗 City Projects | City of Tacoma
Quick Updates
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Right-of-Way Design Manual Updated: Revised chapters improve clarity and usability. Training sessions open to the public are planned for late 2025.
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Job Openings: – Apply now to join a team making a difference in Tacoma!
- Upcoming Meetings:
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