City of Tacoma Continues to Invite Community Engagement and Input During the 2025-2026 Biennial Budget Development Process

Tacoma is prioritizing community engagement in the creation of its 2025-2026 Biennial Budget, focusing on building a budget that reflects shared community values and needs. Mayor Victoria Woodards underscored the significance of public involvement, which has been crucial in fostering trust and responsible resource management. The city anticipates a $26 million shortfall in its General Fund, leading to potential adjustments in service levels across departments. To address this gap, reduction targets of 2. 5% for public safety and 6% for other departments have been proposed, with a commitment to thoughtful, community-informed decision-making.

City Manager Elizabeth Pauli emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability throughout the budget development process. Residents are encouraged to participate through workshops and the Balancing Act tool, allowing them to simulate budget scenarios and provide feedback. The city aims to ensure that the final budget aligns with the community's priorities and addresses the challenges posed by an uncertain economy. For more information and engagement opportunities, residents can visit the city’s dedicated budget page.