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Public Works

Public Works provides essential public services by designing, building, maintaining, and preserving public infrastructure that enhances the quality of life for the people of Tacoma in a fair, responsive, sustainable, and equitable manner. Public Works does this through an open and engaged partnership with customers, cost-effective services, and a consistent approach to satisfying the needs of the community.

Questions?

Call 311 within Tacoma or (253) 591-5000 from anywhere else.

Reporting Tools

Abandoned Automobiles Parking Potholes Alley Grading and Maintenance Graffiti on Signal Box/Street Signs/Bridges Traffic Signs-Missing or Damaged Streetlight Outage Traffic Signal Outage Sidewalks Traffic Calming Crosswalk and Pedestrian Safety Issues Other Issues

Department Initiatives

Tacoma Streets Initiative I Tacoma Streets Initiative II Transportation Benefit District Transportation & Mobility Plan Six-Year Comprehensive Transportation Improvement Program  Vision Zero Capital Facilities Plan 2025-2030 Transportation Impact Fees

Department Divisions

The Engineering Division is responsible for project and program management for the City’s transportation and capital facilities projects, including road construction projects, Sidewalk Program, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Program, Local Improvement District Program, and Bridge Operations and Maintenance Program.

Visit Engineering’s web page.

Questions?

The Facilities Management Division provides Real Property, Facilities Maintenance, Fleet, and Capital Project Improvement services. Real Property Services manages Right-of-Way Property Sales, Property Acquisitions, Easements, and Property Management. Facilities Maintenance provides service and maintenance to General Government facilities, including Fire, Police, Community Service, Public Works, and the Municipal Complex. Fleet Services supports the City’s transportation requirements for the General Government by managing a safe, efficient, cost-effective, diversified fleet of vehicles and construction equipment.

Visit Facilities Management’s web page.

Questions?

The Street Operations Division manages several programs, including Street Repair and Maintenance, Grounds Maintenance, Signs & Markings, and Emergency Response. Street Operations is responsible for the operation and maintenance of 864 lane miles of arterial streets, 8,020 blocks of residential streets, 38,000 street signs, 19 City-owned parks, and 15.5 miles of walking, hiking, and biking trails.

Visit Street Operations’ web page.

Questions?

The Transportation Division is responsible for leading the planning, development, and maintenance of a transportation system that realizes the vision of the Transportation Master Plan through various programs, including Vision Zero, Traffic Calming, Safe Routes to School, Active Transportation, Parking, Abandoned Automobiles, Traffic Signals, and Streetlights.

Visit Transportation’s web page.

Questions?

Resources

Capital Projects Capital Projects Map Capital Facilities Plan Map Sidewalk Program Right-of-Way Design Manual Standard Plans ADA Design Guidance Traffic Control Handbook Real Property Services Streetlight Replacement Project Mobility Options Snow Route Map

Department Director

Public Works Director & City Engineer

Ramiro A. Chavez, P.E. PgMP

As Public Works Department Director for the City of Tacoma, Ramiro Chavez is responsible for the City’s facilities management and real property services, street operations and grounds maintenance, streetlights and traffic signals, capital projects, design and construction services, fleet services, parking management, active transportation and traffic safety programs, commercial vehicle enforcement, and local improvement districts. More than 300 City staff are employed with the Public Works Department, which has a 2023/2024 adopted Biennial Budget of $250 million. The City of Tacoma Public Works Department is accredited by the American Public Works Association.

Ramiro came from the County Manager position for Thurston County, where he oversaw the Public Works, Public Health, Social Services, and Economic Development departments. Ramiro began serving as County Manager for Thurston County in an interim capacity, starting in June 2016, and in a permanent capacity starting in February 2017. Ramiro joined the City of Tacoma as a part of his return to his passion for public works.

With a robust background in public works, architecture, public administration, and project management, Ramiro brings both expertise and dedication to public service. From August 2014 to June 2016, Ramiro served as Public Works Director for Thurston County, where he oversaw utilities and public spaces, including transportation and parks. From September 2003 to August 2014, Ramiro served as Transportation Division Manager for Pierce County’s Public Works Department.

Education

Architecture Degree, Central University of Ecuador

Affiliations

  • American Public Works Association
  • American Society of Civil Engineers
  • Institute of Transportation Engineers
  • International City/County Management Association
  • Project Management Institute

Registrations and Certifications

  • Professional Engineer (Washington)
  • Program Management Professional

Director’s Office

(253) 591-5525

Email

Questions?

Call 311 within Tacoma or (253) 591-5000 from anywhere else.