City of Tacoma kicked off Pride Month today with the celebratory unveiling of a new, permanent Pride-themed crosswalk on Broadway, between South 9th and 11th streets. The vibrant installation stands as a powerful symbol of Tacoma’s long history as a welcoming and inclusive city for the LGBTQIA2+ community.
The inception of Tacoma’s decorative crosswalks began with the City Council’s authorization of $35,000 in one-time Council contingency funds and the adoption of Resolution 41539 last October. This initiative was championed by Council Member Olgy Diaz and Council Member Kristina Walker, and brought to life by the City’s Public Works Artist in Residence, Natalie Dupille, who designed the crosswalk. The design was subsequently approved by the Tacoma Arts Commission.
Mayor Victoria Woodards, Council Member Diaz and Council Member Walker were joined by Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello, representatives from Downtown on the Go, and enthusiastic community members for the crosswalk unveiling. The event culminated in a “First Look” photo opportunity on the colorful crosswalk, for which the street was temporarily closed to traffic.
“I’m proud to see the unveiling of our city’s first Pride crosswalk—a vibrant symbol of inclusion, love, and solidarity,” said Mayor Woodards. “This crosswalk reflects our ongoing commitment to celebrating the diversity that makes our community stronger.”
“This crosswalk is a visible affirmation of Tacoma’s longstanding history of uplifting our LGBTQIA2+ community, and our ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Council Member Diaz. “It is long overdue and placed in the heart of our city to send a clear message to all residents and visitors: Tacoma is a place where everyone belongs and is celebrated.”
The crosswalk’s location was strategically chosen not only for its visual impact but also for considerations around traffic volumes and speeds. Situated in Tacoma’s downtown core—a nexus for culture, education, and commerce near schools, theaters, art installations, transit centers, and the popular Downtown Farmers Market—the Broadway location also serves as an ideal pilot for creative crosswalk installations due to lower traffic volumes and speeds.
“This decorative crosswalk marks a bold commitment to inclusion and the pride we have for each other in our city,” said Council Member Walker. “The pedestrian environment is so important to all users of our streets and this rainbow, pride flag crosswalk is a reminder that Tacoma is a creative and community-oriented place where diversity is celebrated.”
The City selected preformed modular thermoplastic for the crosswalk. This durable material features factory-integrated, skid-resistant aggregate that meets ASTM E303 standards for slip resistance for all pedestrians and road users. The modular composition is also designed to allow for selective area maintenance and replacement as needed.
The crosswalk remains a legal mid-block crossing. The required original white “rail style” stripes have been retained and increased in width. Road users are required to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk as mandated by state law (RCW 46.61.235). Existing warning signs, both in advance of and at the crossing, also remain in place for all who use this vibrant new landmark.
The City is developing a comprehensive process to guide future creative installations, carefully balancing artistic expression with the critical need for uniform pavement markings as guided by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.