The Connect Tacoma: Safe Streets and Sidewalks Levy will appear on the August 4, 2026, ballot as a proposed 10-year funding measure for transportation-related investments in Tacoma. If approved, the measure would generate an estimated $320 million over 10 years, including voter-approved funding, grants, and partnership contributions. 

The proposal organizes investments into three primary categories: 

Better Neighborhood Streets (approximately 26% of total funds) focuses on residential streets and nearby areas. Proposed uses include street paving, pothole repairs, sidewalk improvements, and traffic calming measures. 

Safer Streets for Everyone (approximately 50% of total funds) focuses on major streets and arterial corridors. Potential investments include improved street surfaces, pothole repairs, safety enhancements, freight and economic development support, and expanded transportation connections. 

Improved Connections (approximately 24% of total funds) focuses on access to key destinations. This category includes Safe Routes to School, sidewalk repairs and new sidewalk connections, ADA accessibility upgrades, new and improved trails, and multimodal improvements supporting walking, biking, rolling, and transit use. 

If approved, the levy would be funded through a combination of a property tax increase and a utility tax on natural gas, electric, and phone utilities. Estimated impacts include a property tax rate of $0.20 per $1,000 of assessed value and a 1.5% utility earnings tax. 

The proposal reflects input gathered through a range of community engagement efforts, including surveys, public meetings, and a Community Levy Committee that reviewed feedback and provided input on priorities. 

More information is available at tacoma.gov/connecttacoma.

🚧 Phil the Pothole Returns for Pothole Palooza (May 4–15) 

Tacoma’s most recognizable “street ambassador,” Phil the Pothole, is back as the City of Tacoma’s Public Works Department launches another round of Pothole Palooza from May 4–15, 2026. 

During this two-week maintenance effort, Street Operations crews will focus on 10 arterial roadway locations across all five City Council districts, highlighting the ongoing work required to preserve and maintain Tacoma’s transportation network. Phil the Pothole serves as a reminder of why this work matters—showing how everyday wear and weather impacts our streets and how crews respond year-round to keep roads safe and reliable. 

While revenue collection for the Tacoma Streets Initiative has concluded, this work continues to be supported by funding from the program, with Street Operations carrying out ongoing maintenance and preservation efforts, including addressing potholes and roadway conditions.

Crews will be active in multiple locations, and traffic control measures—including lane closures and detours—will be in place to safely guide travelers through work zones. Advance notice boards will be posted at least one week prior to work beginning at each site. 

Residents are encouraged to continue reporting potholes through Tacoma FIRST 311 by calling 311 within city limits, (253) 591-5000 from outside Tacoma, or visiting tacoma.gov/311. 

More information, including a schedule and FAQs, is available at tacoma.gov/potholes. 

We are continuing the video series with the release of episodes 3 through 5! These new episodes go over the many projects and upgrades that have taken place in local neighborhoods, the Port of Tacoma, partnerships with contractors and business owners, and what’s next for the Tacoma Streets Initiative and the City of Tacoma. Click on the links below to see the work that your tax dollars have contributed to. 

🔗 Episode 3: Neighborhood by Neighborhood 

🔗 Episode 4: Investing in Tacoma's Future 

🔗 Episode 5: What's Next 

South Tacoma Way is finishing this month with the final layer of pavement on both sides of the road. This phase included paving from South Pine Street to South Sprague Avenue, as well as several connecting side streets, intersections, and driveways. Work will continue with roadway striping and cleanup. Here’s a quick list of what has been completed so far on this project: 

• Pavement 
• Sidewalks and a shared-used path 
• Curb and gutter 
• ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps 
• Pedestrian crossing signals 
• Pedestrian curbs for safety 
• Pedestrian refuge islands 
• Lane adjustments 
• Foliage and trees 

Public Works Recognized by American Public Works Association 

The City of Tacoma’s Public Works Department recently received a Project of the Year Award from the American Public Works Association (APWA) Washington Chapter. The award is one of 11 presented statewide recognizing publicly owned infrastructure projects that demonstrate excellence in construction, management, and administration. 

The City was recognized for the emergency repair of the Hylebos Bridge fender, which was damaged when a vessel hit the structure and created an immediate safety concern in a heavily used shipping lane serving Tacoma’s industrial core. Public Works crews responded quickly to stabilize the situation and restore safe and reliable access to the waterway. 

“We are honored to receive the APWA Project of the Year award for the emergency repair of the Hylebos Bridge fender,” said Interim Public Works Director Kurtis Kingsolver. “When the fender was struck, it created an immediate hazard in a highly utilized shipping lane serving our industrial core. We acted swiftly to ensure the waterway remained safe and open. We are grateful for our partnership with the Public Works Board, whose emergency funding provided a vital ‘hand up’ to successfully complete this unexpected infrastructure challenge.” 

According to APWA, awarded projects reflect high standards in public infrastructure and highlight efforts that deliver sustainable solutions, resilient systems, and meaningful community benefits across Washington state. 

“These projects exemplify the very best of public works—delivering innovative, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure that strengthens communities and enhances the quality of life for residents across Washington state,” said Kristina Nelson, APWA Washington Chapter Award Committee Chair. 

A full list of award recipients is available through the APWA Washington Chapter.