We are concerned about the city’s budget deficit and urge the Council to address it by prioritizing the funding of core government services while reducing, or eliminating, programs that do not directly support such services. We applaud the Council's effort on Dec. 3rd to identify cuts in City spending and ask that you continue on that path to address the deficit through cuts in nonessential services.

Tacoma has big city problems without a big city’s revenue. However, it can't be argued that we are doing the best we can with our limited resources. This year, Tacoma ranked 142 out of 148 cities in terms of the quality of the services residents receive against the city’s total budget. https://wallethub.com/edu/best-run-cities/22869 It’s time for the city to focus on core government services while embracing fiscal discipline to build a thriving Tacoma while living within its means—just as residents and businesses must do every day. 

CORE SERVICES MUST BE THE PRIORITY

To address our situation, the City must prioritize providing excellent core government services and fund that first.  The services that citizens have a right to expect include:

• Police: Inadequate staffing levels at TPD hamper its ability to serve Tacoma citizens at the level they deserve.  We must prioritize returning TPD to at least 406 commissioned officers.
• Fire: Maintain a strong, responsive department to protect public safety.
• Streets: Prioritize maintenance to ensure safe and navigable roads throughout the city.
• Trash and Graffiti Cleanup: Maintain the city’s appearance and livability.

Elimation of TFD's 16 Rovers.  Council’s decision to cut the 16 Rovers must be reconsidered. While we appreciate that Council raised the overall TFD budget, none of that money goes to the operational budget. TFD is already understaffed by 60 positions based on your own 2023 study and industry standards.  Cutting staff from an essential department to avoid cuts to nonessential staff elsewhere misunderstands the proper role of local government and is dangerous. These cuts put TFD at risk of closing fire stations due to inadequate staffing. It must be stated that the cuts appear to be a punitive response to the voter’s rejection of the levy lid lift. Placing essential services like fire on the chopping block because voters don’t support new taxes is indefensible. 

CUT SPENDING ON NONESSENTIALS

Until Tacoma’s tax revenue is sufficient to fund additional programs, spending on nonessential projects must be curtailed. For example:

• Participatory budgeting. We applaud the city for pausing participatory budgeting considering the current deficit, but more decisive action is needed. The city should also cancel the proposed $1 million skateboard park in District 2.  This proposal would benefit too few at too high a price. 
• Eliminate funding for other costly discretionary projects like the park benches on Hilltop.
• We note that if such projects truly have community support, the city could collaborate with residents and the business community to raise funds without tapping limited taxpayer resources.

FOCUS ON ECONOMIC GROWTH, NOT TAX HIKES

A long-term solution to Tacoma’s financial challenges is increasing tax revenue through economic development. Some practical steps that are within the city’s control include:

• Repopulate Downtown: Bring all city employees back to work. About 10% of the workforce remains remote despite the pandemic’s end. An additional 430 people working in the city would significantly boost local businesses and help address safety issues. 
• Enhance Public Safety: Increase proactive policing in business districts to create safer, more welcoming spaces. This will encourage more visitors and help retain existing businesses.
• Attract and Retain Businesses: Work to fill empty storefronts in the theater district and downtown. Incentivize businesses to return or relocate to Tacoma and direct the Economic Development office to recruit more employers.

These steps can stop the hemorrhaging of businesses, stabilize our economy, and generate the revenue needed to fund essential services sustainably.

Tacoma residents want a city that prioritizes their safety, essential services, and economic growth without unnecessary taxation or wasteful spending. We urge you to make these priorities the cornerstone of your budget decisions.