Tacoma Strategic Plan
A strategic plan establishes priorities, provides long-term direction, and guides decision-making. Tacoma’s ten-year strategic plans are founded on the community’s priorities and vision and serve to identify the areas of emphasis for the City over this period of time. The 10-year plan provides a vision for the City.
Tacoma 2035 builds on the community’s vision, translating that vision into what the City of Tacoma municipal organization must focus on over the next ten years.
Tacoma 2035 establishes six goal areas for how the City of Tacoma can help advance a vision of a safe, housed, connected, working, sustainable, and thriving city.
Vision, Mission & Values
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Vision:
Tacoma is safe, connected, housed, working, sustainable, and thriving.
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Mission:
The City of Tacoma provides high-quality municipal services to enhance the lives of all Tacoma community members.
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Values:
- Belief and Trust: All City efforts earn consistent trust in City government by serving community members with integrity, respect, dignity, and excellence.
- Access, Opportunity, and Belonging: The City provides municipal services that support all Tacoma community members pursuing their goals and reaching their full potential.
- Fiscal Responsibility: The financial health of the City is considered in all policy and program decisions.
- Resilience: City systems maintain continuity and effectiveness through all shocks and stresses (climate, financial, etc.).
Tacoma 2035 Goal Areas
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Climate & Environment
How the City adapts to and mitigates climate change and manages its solid waste collection, stormwater, and wastewater. In 2035, the work in this Goal Area has protected Tacoma’s natural environment and is effectively adapting to the impacts of a changing climate.
Climate & Environment Strategies Table
Name of Strategy/Plan Description Year Published or Last Updated Mandated? If so, by who? Lead Dept. Council Committee Climate Action Plan City’s overarching plan to both reduce climate pollution and address effects of climate change in Tacoma for City programs. The 2025 update has the same Greenhouse Gas reduction target, focusing on air quality, flooding and sea-level rise, and urban heat islands. It now contains a set of actions separated by near terms actions (2025-27), long-term actions, departmental actions, and supporting actions. 2025 No CMO, ES IPS Urban Watershed Protection Plan Helps identify and prioritize areas that require action to manage stormwater effectively. It offers a transparent, data-driven approach to rank stormwater issues and find solutions that benefit both water quality and habitat. It has a Watershed Insights Tool, recommended actions, proposed capital improvement projects, programmatic activity enhancements, implementation approach, and priority areas in Tacoma. 2024 No ES IPS Climate Ready Urban Habitat and Landscape Strategy Updates Tacoma’s inventory of critical areas and natural resources; maps high-priority habitat areas designated for protection and restoration and establishes baseline watershed conditions to guide long-term planning initiatives. Not yet published, but nearly ready as of June 2025 No PDS IPS Stormwater Comprehensive Plan Directs Stormwater Management Program actions the City will take to ensure regulatory compliance, guide and identify capital improvement projects to address known flooding and water quality issues and protect habitat for fish and wildlife. The SWCP uses information from the City’s Urban Watershed Protection Plan. Not yet published No, but Municipal Stormwater Permit is required ES IPS Urban Forest Management Plan Strengthens urban forestry goals, strategies, actions, and targets throughout Tacoma. The plan works in tandem with the Comprehensive Plan and the Climate Action Plan. The goal is to achieve 30% tree canopy across Tacoma. 2019 No ES IPS Tacoma Climate Adaptation Strategy Has five sectors (infrastructure, natural systems, economy, public health, governance), each with strategies and actions that, combined, provide a blueprint and foundation for the City of Tacoma to adapt to future climate risks. 2021 No CMO IPS Strategic 20-year Passive Open Space Plan Provides a path forward for the active restoration and management of 515 acres of land. The intent of this Plan is to articulate measurable goals and objectives, strategies for achieving these goals, and establish benchmarks for evaluating success and timing. The plan has six objectives to be achieved by 2036. 2017 No ES IPS Wastewater Comprehensive Plan The plan will address nutrient-related regulatory requirements from the Washington State Department of Ecology, long-term capital improvement needs, and solids capacity upgrades at the Central Treatment Plant. It will also evaluate updates to the City’s Pretreatment Program, financial strategies, and implementation timelines for a 30+ year capital plan. The estimated cost is approximately $5 million over 3–4 years, consistent with similar efforts in other municipalities. Not yet published No ES IPS Environmental Services Strategic Plan Currently being rewritten for the next five years. Based on the why-how-what model. Why = healthy neighborhoods and a thriving Puget Sound; What = customers, employees, operations; What = three under each How category. Simple as that. 2018 No ES Building Decarbonization Strategy Identifies the technical and strategic pathway, targets, and milestones to equitably decarbonize Tacoma’s homes and buildings by 2050. It should be considered as a strategy under the umbrella strategy of the Climate Action Plan. It has five strategies within it, each containing actions the City can take to advance the goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. 2024 No CMO IPS Comprehensive Plan – Environment and Watershed Health Chapter Includes baseline conditions related to environment and watersheds, goals and policies for the next 25 years, and priority actions to be taken in the nearer term. Technical report includes information about Tacoma’s watersheds, streams, and other environmental assets. 2025 Yes, State of WA PDS IPS / Full Council Commencement Bay Resilience and Restoration Master Plan Developed with regional partners, this plan will guide strategies to adapt to sea level rise and protect shoreline assets, coordinate partners and community around a shared vision for Commencement Bay, set the foundation for future projects that restore natural habitats, provide a roadmap for site-specific investments and long-term stewardship, and identify opportunities to balance shoreline restoration with port, industrial, and recreational uses. Not yet published No CMO IPS Home in Tacoma Eliminates single-family zoning in Tacoma, allowing up to four units by-right across Tacoma residential zones and more units in UR-2 and UR-3 zones. 2024 Partially PDS IPS / Full Council Green Economy Strategy Designed to enable Tacoma to seize new market opportunities created by public and private sector efforts to decarbonize the economy. At the core of this strategy are six strategic initiatives guided by a “hub” comprised of leaders from Tacoma’s most important economic institutions. 2023 No CED EDC -
Community Safety
How the City addresses the community’s safety needs by going beyond just the traditional forms of police and fire, while still including those critical departments. In 2035, the work in this Goal Area has led to a safer Tacoma where community members across all neighborhoods and demographics feel an increased sense of safety.
Community Safety Strategies Table
Name of Strategy / Plan Description Year Published or Last Updated Mandated? If so, by who? Lead Dept. Council Committee Community Safety Action Strategy A long-term approach to improving safety, and perceptions of safety, in Tacoma. It goes beyond policing and enforcement, identifying other factors that impact the community’s perceptions of safety. It is organized around four goals of “community safety,” with each goal comprised of objectives with near-term, long-term, and supporting City actions. 2025 No CMO Full Council Homelessness Strategy Describes how the City uses citywide initiatives and strategies along with collaborative efforts with regional partners and stakeholders to support long-term permanent housing and provide supportive services to people experiencing homelessness in Tacoma. Includes Goals, with Objectives, and measurable Actions under each. 2022 No NCS CVS Vision Zero Has the goal of zero traffic deaths or serious injuries on Tacoma roadways. It prioritizes safety over all other decision-making processes. It includes 11 Transformative Actions the City can take to achieve the goal. 2022 No PW IPS Transportation and Mobility Plan (TMP) The TMP is also the Comprehensive Plan Transportation Chapter. Ensures transportation plans align with future land use, population, and job growth goals. It has eight objectives with goals underneath each and is broken into Elements by transportation mode. 2025 Yes – State of WA PW IPS Alternative Response Study Study analyzes the effectiveness of current approaches to non-enforcement responses and the potential to implement alternative response programs, as well as the impacts of such approaches on cost and public safety outcomes. 2021 No TPD, TFD, NCS, CMO Full Council 21st Century Policing Recommendations 64 recommendations presented by consultant for Tacoma Police Department intended to strengthen the Department’s relationship with the community and ensure activities are safe, just, effective, lawful, and aligned with national and emerging practices. 2021 No TPD Full Council BRAYVE Plan Emphasizes prevention and intervention strategies to reduce youth violence through community-based organizations providing youth development, education, mental health supports, and intervention services. Not yet published No NCS CVS Opioid Settlement Plan Describes the use of Opioid Settlement Funds to address harm from opioid misuse impacting health, safety, families, and the community. Not yet published No – reporting mandated to Pierce County Opioid Abatement Council NCS Full Council -
Housing & Homelessness
How the City addresses the spectrum of housing needs, from funding for immediate shelter to various supports for affordable housing developers to zoning for more housing. In 2035, the work in this Goal Area has put Tacoma on a path to have the supply and diversity of housing options necessary to meet the needs of current and future residents across income levels and neighborhoods.
Housing & Homelessness Strategies Table
Name of Strategy / Plan Description Year Published or Last Updated Mandated? If so, by who? Lead Dept. Council Committee Affordable Housing Action Strategy 10-year strategy to address affordable housing needs in Tacoma. Broken into four objectives with actions and targets for the City to achieve within ten years. 2018 No CMO, CED, NCS, PDS Full Council Homelessness Strategy Uses citywide initiatives and regional collaboration to support long-term permanent housing and supportive services for people experiencing homelessness. 2022 No NCS Full Council Anti-Displacement Strategy Addendum to AHAS focused on preventing displacement through 21 policy and program actions. 2024 No CMO, CED, NCS, PDS CVS Home in Tacoma Eliminates single-family zoning, allowing up to four units by-right citywide and more in UR-2 and UR-3 zones. 2024 Partially PDS IPS / Full Council Consolidated Plan HUD-required plan guiding investment decisions for CDBG, HOME, and ESG funds. 2025 (updated annually; rewritten every 5 years) Yes – HUD CED Housing Division CVS Comprehensive Plan – Housing Chapter Includes baseline conditions, 25-year housing and homelessness goals, policies, and priority actions. 2025 Yes – State of WA PDS IPS / Full Council Comprehensive Plan – Growth Strategy Blueprint for Tacoma’s growth to 2050 including the 15-minute city concept and land-use policies. 2025 Yes – State of WA PDS IPS / Full Council Planning and Development Services Strategic Plan Six-year departmental plan based on Tacoma 2025 outlining goals, initiatives, and workplan. 2019 No PDS N/A -
Jobs & Economy
How the City supports workers and businesses already in Tacoma and how it will bring more jobs and businesses here in the future. In 2035, the work in this Goal Area has helped build a thriving, resilient, and strong economy with good jobs, while also creating the conditions to support more (and better) jobs in the future.
Jobs Economy Strategies Table
Name of Strategy / Plan
Description Year Published or Last Updated Mandated? If so, by who? Lead Dept. Council Committee Community & Economic Development Strategic Plan CED departmental strategic plan being updated in partnership with EDC Council committee. Contains eight CED objectives, each with separate strategies and actions underneath. 2019, but currently being updated No CED EDC Green Economy Strategy Designed to enable Tacoma to seize new market opportunities created by public and private sector efforts to decarbonize the economy. Includes six strategic initiatives guided by a “hub” of leaders from Tacoma’s economic institutions. 2023 No CED EDC CED Disparity Study Determines the City’s utilization and availability of small, minority, and women-owned businesses as a percentage of all businesses in the market area and relevant industries. Analyzes disparities between availability and utilization on City projects and includes recommendations for future policies and programs. 2024 No, but is an important piece of a race or minority tailored program CED EDC Comprehensive Plan – Economic Development Chapter Includes baseline conditions related to jobs and the economy, goals and policies for the next 25 years, and priority actions to be taken in the nearer term. 2025 Yes – State of WA PDS IPS / Full Council Comprehensive Plan – Growth Strategy Describes the overall blueprint for Tacoma’s growth and development to 2050, including the 15-minute city concept. Includes in-depth land use characterizations; policies and priority actions follow the technical report and include population data. 2025 Yes – State of WA PDS IPS / Full Council Subarea Plan Will create a shared long-term vision and more coordinated approach to development, environmental review, and strategic capital investments. Policy chapters include Environmental Health, Transportation and Infrastructure, Tribal Assets, and Land Use and Economic Development. Not yet published No PDS IPS / Full Council -
Placemaking & Experiences
How the City contributes to what makes Tacoma’s unique historic buildings, libraries, City-funded art, iconic venues, support for many great festivals and events, and partnership with dozens of local institutions. While Tacoma is already a thriving healthy city that people enjoy living in and visiting, the work in this Goal Area only furthers this sense of place by 2035.
Placemaking & Experiences Strategies Table
Name of Strategy / Plan Description Year Published or Last Updated Mandated? If so, by who? Council Committee Library Strategic Plan Tacoma Public Library’s multi-year strategic plan. Strategic priorities include Equity and Access; Learning, Creativity, and Innovation; Invest in Youth; Cultivate and Engage Community; and Responsible and Resilient. 2020 (refresh in development) No CVS / Full Council ArtFull Tacoma Builds on Tacoma’s vision and values for a creative, cohesive community and arts and cultural sector. Though developed nearly 10 years ago, it remains relevant and may be updated. 2016 No EDC Tacoma Venues and Events Masterplan Comprehensive master planning effort for the Tacoma Dome, Tacoma City Theaters, and Cheney Stadium to ensure modern, accessible, and sustainable venues that support Tacoma’s 2035 vision. Not yet published No N/A Comprehensive Plan – Historic Preservation Chapter Describes the historic preservation program and includes goals and policies for the next 25 years. 2025 Yes – State of WA IPS / Full Council -
Transportation & Mobility
How the City builds high-quality functional street infrastructure to create a multimodal Tacoma to bring community members closer to the daily amenities they require. In 2035, the work in this Goal Area has helped the City of Tacoma create and sustain a transformative, safe, and accessible multimodal transportation system that connects people to places and people to people.
Transportation & Mobility Strategies Table
Name of Strategy / Plan Description Year Published or Last Updated Mandated? If so, by who? Lead Dept. Council Committee Transportation and Mobility Plan (TMP) The TMP is also the Comprehensive Plan Transportation Chapter. Ensures alignment with land use, population, and job growth goals and is organized by transportation mode. 2025 Yes – State of WA PW IPS Vision Zero Seeks zero traffic deaths or serious injuries on Tacoma roadways and prioritizes safety through 11 Transformative Actions. 2022 No PW IPS Safe Routes to School Action Plan Guides efforts to make walking, biking, and rolling to school safer and more accessible for K–12 students. 2023 No PW IPS Comprehensive Plan – Growth Strategy Blueprint for Tacoma’s growth to 2050, including the 15-minute city concept and land-use policy framework. 2025 Yes – State of WA PDS IPS / Full Council Public Works Strategic Plan Public Works departmental strategic plan outlining priorities and initiatives. 2023 No PW N/A
Tacoma 2035 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Tacoma 2035 is the City’s long-term strategic framework to guide all the work City departments and staff do on behalf of our community.
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- Create a shared vision, mission, and values for the City of Tacoma.
- Align the more than 40 strategies and plans being implemented across the city.
- Communicate to City Council and the community on key initiatives and policies, including providing coordinated reporting on the more than 40 strategies and plans being implemented across the City.
- Provide a tool to support Council decision-making in determining if, and how well, City actions and initiatives are advancing Council Priorities.
- Coordinate with budget development timeline and process, allowing for Tacoma 2035-aligned budget proposals and final budget document.
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The City of Tacoma’s Community Safety Action Strategy (CSAS) is a central part of Tacoma 2035. The CSAS is a long-term approach to improving safety for Tacoma community members that goes beyond policing and enforcement issues, identifying the many factors that impact the community’s perceptions of safety and how the City of Tacoma can work to address them. The CSAS is organized around four goals that reflect the community definition of “community safety,” with each goal comprised of objectives with near-term, long-term, and supporting City actions. The CSAS was brought forward for adoption in December 2025 along with Tacoma 2035.
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Tacoma 2035 has six guiding goal areas:
- Climate & Environment
- Community Safety
- Housing & Homelessness
- Jobs & Economy
- Placemaking & Experiences
- Transportation & Mobility
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Tacoma 2035 was a collaborative effort between the community, its elected officials, and City of Tacoma staff. Throughout 2024, we engaged Tacoma community members and partner organizations in a series of outreach events held across Tacoma neighborhoods in a cross-departmental effort to develop three major bodies of work: Tacoma 2035, the One Tacoma: Comprehensive Plan, and the Community Safety Action Strategy. Additionally, Tacoma 2035 builds off the community’s vision established by Tacoma 2025 and the input received through engagement done via development of each of the plans and strategies that make up Tacoma 2035.
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- The 10-Year Strategic Plan (the City long-term strategic plan)
- The Comprehensive Plan (guides growth and development over 25 years)
- The Transportation and Mobility Plan (formerly the Transportation Master Plan)
Tacoma 2025
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Tacoma 2025 Strategic Plan
Tacoma 2025 was adopted in 2015 as the long-term strategic plan for the City and represented the community’s vision for Tacoma’s future. With defined indicators and other ways to measure progress, it is a plan that guides where the City of Tacoma – as both a local government organization and a community – has been heading for the last 10 years.
The City works hard every day to ensure that the vision of Tacoma 2025 is being implemented in a way that improves the quality of life for everyone who lives, learns, works, and plays in Tacoma.
On January 27, 2015, the City Council approved Resolution 39016: A Resolution approving the City of Tacoma’s Ten-Year Citywide Strategic Plan and Vision, Tacoma 2025; and establishing the Tacoma 2025 Advisory Committee, to consist of 11 members to be appointed by the Mayor.