Connect Tacoma: Safe Streets and Sidewalks
Proposition 1–Approved by Tacoma Voters on August 4, 2026
Investing in safer streets, sidewalks, and transportation safety over the next 10 years.
Thank You, Tacoma!
Tacoma voters approved Proposition 1 on August 4, 2026.
Thank you, Tacoma, for investing in the future of our streets, sidewalks, and transportation system.
Through Connect Tacoma: Safe Streets and Sidewalks, the City will make a 10-year investment in safer streets, better neighborhood connections, and improved transportation infrastructure across Tacoma.
Now, the work begins.
We’ll use this page to share project investments, timelines, progress, and results as Connect Tacoma moves forward.
The Connect Tacoma: Safe Streets and Sidewalks Levy is a 10-year funding measure focused on improving transportation safety, maintaining streets, and expanding access across our community. The levy will generate an estimated total of $200 million, along with an estimated $120 million in grant funds and partnership commitments.
Overview of Funding (numbers are estimated)
- Total Investment: $320 million (10 years)
- Voter-Approved Funding: $200 million
- Grants: $90 million
- Partnership Contributions: $30 million
Levy Investments
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Better Neighborhood Streets (numbers are estimated)
Total Investment: (approximately 26% of total funds)
- Voter Funding: $75 Million
- Grants & Partnerships: $10 Million
Investments focus on residential streets and nearby spaces where daily activities occur.
Key Improvements:
- New street paving
- Faster pothole repairs
- Sidewalk improvements
- Traffic calming measures
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Safer Streets for Everyone (numbers are estimated)
Total Investment: (approximately 50% of the total funds)
- Voter Funding: $85 Million
- Grants & Partnerships: $74 Million
This category focuses on improving Tacoma’s busiest streets and key arterials.
Key Improvements
- Improved street surfaces
- Supporting Freight and Economic Development
- Pothole repairs
- Safety enhancements
- Expanded transportation connections
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Improved Connections (numbers are estimated)
Total Investment: (approximately 24% of the total funds)
- Voter Funding: $40 Million
- Grants & Partnerships: $36 Million
This category focuses on improving access to everyday destinations.
Key Improvements:
- Safe Routes to School
- Sidewalk repairs and new sidewalk links
- ADA accessibility upgrades
- New and improved trails
- Multimodal enhancements (walking, biking, rolling, transit)
How the Levy is Funded
The Connect Tacoma levy is funded through a combination of property tax and utility tax revenue approved by Tacoma voters.
Property Tax
- $0.20 per $1,000 of assessed value
Utility Tax
- 1.5% earnings tax on natural gas, electric, and phone utilities
Exemptions and Assistance:
Seniors and individuals with disabilities who qualify for existing property tax relief programs are exempt from the property tax increase.
Tacoma Public Utilities’ Bill Credit Assistance Program (BCAP): Payment Assistance – Tacoma Public Utilities
Property Tax Information here: Tax Bills & Payments | Pierce County, WA – Official Website
Connect Tacoma: Safe Streets and Sidewalks Levy (Proposition 1)
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3,566
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Since 2015, the 2015 Voter Approved Streets Initiative has:
- Repaired more than 5,600 residential street blocks
- Secured over $144 million in state and federal grants for 77 capital projects
- Leveraged every Streets Initiative Dollar into roughly $3 in total project value
- Built partnerships with Environmental Services, TPU, private developers, Tacoma Public Schools, and Parks Tacoma.
- Improved major streets and arterials
- Expanded pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure
- Added safety features like crossings and traffic calming
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Connect Tacoma: Safe Streets and Sidewalks Levy is a 10-year funding measure to improve Tacoma’s streets, sidewalks, and transportation system. It focuses on better neighborhood streets, safer streets for everyone and better connections.
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The levy funds a range of transportation improvements, including:
- Street repairs, paving, and pothole fixes
- New and improved sidewalks
- New crossings and traffic calming measures
- School route safety improvements
- Bicycle and multimodal infrastructure
- Connections to transit and neighborhood destinations
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The levy is expected to generate approximately $320 million over 10 years, including $200 million of voter-approved funding, $90 million in federal, state, and local grants, and $30 million in partnerships.
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Investments are organized into three categories:
- Better Neighborhood Streets – Improving residential streets and local areas
- Safer Streets for Everyone – Enhancing safety on major roads and arterials
- Improve Connections – Expanding access to transit, schools, and business districts
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If approved by voters, the levy would include:
- A 1.5% increase in utility earnings tax on natural gas, electric, and phone utilities
- A property tax increase of $0.20 per $1,000 of assessed value
These changes would begin in 2027 and continue for 10 years.
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Certain residents may qualify for property tax exemptions under Washington State law, including:
- Seniors
- Individuals with disabilities
- Others who meet eligibility requirements
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The City will:
- Provide annual and regular public reporting
- Track and share progress