City Council Adopts City of Tacoma’s 2025-2026 Biennial Budget
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~ Tacoma City Council Approves $4.7 Billion Biennial Budget for 2025-2026

The City of Tacoma has taken a major step towards securing its financial future with the adoption of the 2025-2026 Biennial Budget. The comprehensive financial plan, developed through a collaborative and transparent process, aims to prioritize essential services, invest in innovative solutions, and reinforce the city's commitment to fiscal responsibility.

According to Maria Lee, the Media and Communications representative for the city, this budget is a proactive approach to address current economic challenges while laying the groundwork for a thriving future. "We recognize the impacts of inflation and a contracting economy and have taken steps to begin addressing the structural deficit in our General Fund," she stated.

The $4.7 billion budget includes expense reductions, innovative service delivery models, realignment of expenses with dedicated revenue sources, targeted fee increases, and elimination of certain tax exemptions. These measures will help maintain essential services while putting the city on a stronger financial footing.

One of the top priorities in this budget is public safety. With $634.8 million allocated to the General Fund, there is increased funding for both the fire and police departments. This will ensure that Tacoma residents continue to receive quality emergency response services.

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In addition to public safety, this budget also addresses the need for mental health and chemical dependency services. Resources have been allocated for access to treatment and enhanced crisis intervention services in order to provide support for those in need.

The city also recognizes the importance of investing in its youth. The adopted budget maintains funding for programs that provide valuable opportunities for education, recreation, and personal development. This includes after-school programs, summer camps, youth sports leagues, and mentorship opportunities that connect Tacoma's youth with safe and engaging activities that foster positive growth.

The City's proactive approach towards complex community challenges is evident in its alternative response programs. The Homeless Engagement Alternatives Liaison (HEAL) Team will continue its work connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with resources and support to help them transition into stable housing. The Holistic Outreach Promoting Engagement (HOPE) Team will provide crisis intervention and de-escalation support for individuals experiencing mental health crises, diverting them from the criminal justice system and connecting them with appropriate care.

Community Service Officers (CSOs) will also play a vital role in responding to non-emergency calls, freeing up sworn officers to focus on more serious crimes. These officers will also engage in community outreach and build relationships with residents and businesses.

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The city has also designated co-responders, who are mental health professionals, to partner with police officers in responding to calls involving individuals experiencing mental health crises. This will provide on-scene assessment and intervention to de-escalate situations and connect individuals with the care they need.

Libraries in Tacoma will continue to be havens of safety and support, with funding allocated for social work support and security coordination at all branches.

The budget also prioritizes resources for access, infrastructure, community, and economic development. Funding for street maintenance and facility projects will help support much-needed road repairs, sidewalk improvements, and upgrades to public facilities.

In line with its commitment to increasing the availability of affordable housing across the community, the city has incentivized the development of affordable housing units and is providing rental assistance to low-income residents.

Economic development is also a key focus for Tacoma. The adopted budget supports job training and apprenticeship programs, small businesses, initiatives to attract new businesses to the city, and revitalization efforts in commercial corridors.

While there are challenges ahead regarding housing and homelessness, the city is actively seeking additional state funding to address these issues. In its adopted budget, temporary and emergency shelters are set to close in June 2025 due to the expiration of federal funding.

Details on the City's adopted budget can be found on their website, cityoftacoma.org/budgetdevelopment. The city is committed to transparency and will continue to provide updates on the budget development process. With this budget, Tacoma is taking proactive and compassionate steps towards a brighter future for its residents.

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