Tacoma’s proposed $3.67 billion budget: what’s in it and how to get involved
Tacoma’s proposed budget for the 2021-22 biennium totals about $3.67 billion and will be adopted at the end of November.
Tacoma residents have the chance to weigh in on how their money is going to be spent.
On Wednesday, Oct. 21, the city will host a town hall to gather public input. A “Balancing Act” survey and two public hearings also are scheduled.
Tacoma’s 2021-22 budget book and highlights are available for viewing online at cityoftacoma.org.
What’s in Tacoma’s budget?
Tacoma is facing a deficit of $40 million for the next two years, primarily due to COVID-19 pandemic impacts.
Tacoma’s total budget breaks down as follows:
- Utility and Enterprise funds (Includes Tacoma Public Utilities) — $2 billion.
- Retirement, Trust and Special Revenue funds — $877 million.
- General Fund — $505 million.
- Internal Services fund — $213 million.
- Debt and Capital services funds — $59 million.
Tacoma’s general fund includes the following:
- Police — $172.32 million.
- Fire — $129.09 million.
- Libraries — $27.57 million.
- Neighborhood and community services — $22.49 million.
- Other public safety-related costs — $13.57 million.
Public works and related costs — $30.8 million.
Other departments, including finance, community and economic development and City Attorney’s Office — $42.64 million.
Other non-departmental — $66.74 million.
How can I get involved?
The public is invited to attend a virtual town hall at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21. via Zoom. The town hall will provide an overview of the proposed budget and will include breakout conversations with City Council members.
The City will host two public hearings:
- 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27, during the regular City Council meeting.
- 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10, during the regular City Council meeting.
The city also reopened its online “Balancing Act” budget tool that allows the public to balance the city’s budget by adding or subtracting funds in certain departments.
The Balancing Act tool will close on Nov. 13.
