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Content current as of 02/20/25

Data Privacy Policy

Users can interact with City websites in the form of reading published information, applying for jobs and permits, etc., or making payments for various programs and services provided by the City. The City is committed to maintaining online privacy for users and does not collect personal information without permission. Any information volunteered through City websites will be secured following industry-standard measures and controls. The following outlines the City of Tacoma’s Privacy Policy for all users of the Tacoma.gov domain.

The City is the sole owner of the information collected on its websites. With regard to information collection, use, and sharing, the City will:

  • Collect and access information that is voluntarily entered into the website, mobile applications, or provided via email
  • Use the information collected to respond regarding the reason it was contacted
  • Not share the information with any third party outside of the City organization other than as necessary to fulfill a request (for example, processing online payments with our secure payment partner or as otherwise directly necessary to render or conduct a legitimate business transaction related to the services provided by the City of Tacoma)
  • Retain the information by records retention schedules and rules

The City may use “cookies” to automatically collect information. A cookie is a small amount of data generated by a website and saved by your web browser in the form of a text file on your computer. The City may use cookies to understand how users interact with its website and to track navigation paths. Cookies do not collect personal information.

Information Collection and Use by Third-Party Service Providers

Some City websites or applications use Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google, Inc. (“Google”). Google Analytics uses cookies to help analyze how users utilize a website. The information generated by the cookie regarding usage of the website (including your IP address) will be transmitted to and stored by Google on servers in the United States. The City and/or Google may use this information to evaluate usage of the website, compile reports on website activity for website operators, and provide other services relating to website activity and internet usage. Google may also transfer this information to third parties where required to do so by law, or where such third parties process the information on Google’s behalf. Google will not associate your IP address with any other data held by Google. Users may refuse the use of cookies by selecting the appropriate browser settings. However, doing so may limit the functionality of this website and/or diminish the user experience. By using a City of Tacoma website, users consent to the processing of data by GTranslate in the manner and for the purposes set out above. Please read the GTranslate Terms of Service for further information.

The City of Tacoma’s websites contain links to other third-party websites or domains. The City is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of such websites.

The City uses third-party service or application providers in some cases to complete business transactions. In such cases, the City strives to ensure that the third-party providers follow the City’s privacy policies and standards.

SeeClickFix Data Collection

The City of Tacoma is using SeeClickFix (a public company), an online and mobile service request system, to power our Tacoma FIRST 311 support efforts. SeeClickFix is an application that allows Tacoma customers to report issues, ask questions, and request services. SeeClickFix can be used via the website as well as a custom mobile app on Google and Apple stores. The requests entered may be visible to the public (depending on the question category). Your display name will also be visible unless you choose to submit as Anonymous.

Security

The City takes reasonable, generally accepted precautions to protect the information shared by users, both online and offline. The City will make its best efforts to ensure that all personally identifiable information that the City collects is encrypted and transmitted securely. This can be verified by identifying a closed lock icon at the bottom of the web browser, or by identifying “https” at the beginning of the address of the web page. Additionally, the servers in which the City stores personal information are located in a controlled environment.

While the City uses encryption to protect information transmitted online, it also protects offline personal information. Such personal information is accessed by authorized City employees, authorized agents, or public organizations on a need-to-know basis, and as a result of a public disclosure request per Chapter 42.56 RCW.