March 2026
From the Assitant Director:
Spring is a time of progress, and we’re proud to share the strides we’re making to improve Tacoma’s streets and sidewalks. From completing key Tacoma Streets Initiative projects to responding quickly during March’s snow events, our teams are working every day to make our city safer and more connected.
We’re also moving forward with Connect Tacoma: Safe Roads and Sidewalks Levy. The launch of our Community Levy Committee ensures that community voices guide our planning, helping us prioritize safety, equity, and connectivity in every project.
We invite you to watch the first video in our new Tacoma Streets Initiative series. Episode 1 highlights completed projects, community benefits, and the people who make it all possible, showing the real impact these investments have across Tacoma.
As we bring a proposal forward in April and look toward the community vote in August 2026, our goal remains clear: safer streets, stronger neighborhoods, and a more connected Tacoma for everyone.
- Corey Newton, P.E., Assistant Director/City Engineer
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🎥 Tacoma Streets Initiative Videos – Episodes 1 & 2
🎥 Tacoma Streets Initiative Video Series
We’re excited to share our Tacoma Streets Initiative video series, highlighting the impact of investments in streets and sidewalks across the city.
Episode 1 explores why the initiative launched and the progress made since 2015. From newly paved roads to upgraded crossings and expanded sidewalks, these improvements are helping connect neighborhoods and make travel safer for everyone.
👉 Watch Episode 1 here: Tacoma Streets Initiative Episode 1: The Promise and The Progress
Episode 2 builds on that progress, showcasing how recent investments are improving safety and accessibility. From new sidewalks and ADA-accessible curb ramps to enhanced crosswalks and school crossing beacons, these upgrades are helping people of all ages and abilities travel more safely throughout Tacoma.
Stay tuned for future episodes as we continue to share stories that highlight the impact of the Tacoma Streets Initiative across our community.
🚧 Tacoma Streets Initiative Project Updates
Pictured: Pouring curb between South Ferry Street and South State Street.
Phase III of the Historic Water Ditch Trail project aims to upgrade and enhance existing infrastructure, which includes:
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Pedestrian crossing markers, lighting, and signs
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Traffic signal enhancements
Pictured: South Trafton Street between South 50th Street and South Railroad Street.
Package #30 is under way starting with storm and sewer upgrades on the northern part of South Trafton Street. Other streets included are the following:
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Sections of South Railroad Street
👀 Upcoming Projects
- Paving is scheduled to begin April 6 during the school district’s spring break.
📢 Stay up to date!
👷 Street Operations Updates
Winter Clearing
The Public Works Street Operations Division responded to several incidents during the odd couple days of snow this March. Because of the snow, many trees became too heavy and blocked or collapsed into the roadway, rendering at least one lane inaccessible to traffic. The debris was quickly removed and cleaned up thanks to our emergency response procedures.
 
🆘 Need Assistance?
Public Works is available by phone Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 4 PM, at (253) 591-5495. Please also visit our Inclement Weather Resources page to learn more about what services we provide and how we can help you!
Sidewalk Replacement
Several residents along South Yakima Avenue received newly paved sidewalks with the help of the Street Operations crew. This new sidewalk only took a couple days to complete thanks to the swift work of our maintenance crews.
🏗️ Looking Ahead: Connect Tacoma
Launching the Community Levy Committee
This month, Public Works launched the Community Levy Committee, a diverse group of community members and stakeholders helping guide the development of the Connect Tacoma: Safe Roads and Sidewalks Levy. Their input ensures the proposal reflects real community needs, lived experiences, and shared priorities.
The committee brings together voices from across Tacoma—including neighborhood representatives, business leaders, and community organizations—to help shape how we invest in streets, sidewalks, and our broader transportation system.
This effort reflects our commitment to stronger community engagement and better outcomes. Through this process, we aim to:
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Prioritize safety for all users
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Improve connectivity across neighborhoods
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Address infrastructure needs with equity and sustainability in mind
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Ensure transparency and accountability
We’re expanding outreach to gather input from stakeholders and the broader community, alongside coordination with internal partners to ensure a strategic and deliverable proposal.
We plan to bring the proposal forward in mid-April, with a community vote anticipated in August 2026. Together, we’re building a safer, more connected Tacoma.
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