City Profile
A city on the rise, Tacoma’s revitalized downtown and ideal location offer plenty of opportunities for growth and investment.
Make It Tacoma
Our mission is to facilitate equitable economic growth and opportunity in Tacoma by supporting existing businesses, enabling reinvestment and revitalization, and promoting the attraction and creation of new businesses, living wage jobs, and housing options to enhance the quality of life in the community.
For more information, visit makeittacoma.com
Contact the City of Tacoma’s Community and Economic Development Department at
(253) 591-2012 or [email protected]
Overview
With a population of roughly 220,000 people, Tacoma includes a young and diverse mix of cultures, with 40% of the population under 30. Tacoma’s workers can get an education and training at one of Tacoma’s higher-education institutions, including the University of Washington Tacoma in downtown. With a median household income of $69,956 and a median home value of $469,000, Tacoma offers the best of both worlds: an affordable lifestyle and an incredible quality of life.
Location
Located 30 miles south of Seattle and 140 miles north of Portland, Tacoma is surrounded by Puget Sound to the west and the Cascade Mountains to the east. Tacoma’s ideal location offers access to an efficient supply chain, international trade, and the vast Pacific Northwest consumer market. Tacoma is also one of the closest ports to Alaska and Pacific Rim markets–equipping you to get shipments to Asia several days faster than Californian ports.
Joint Base Lewis McChord (“JBLM”), the fourth largest military installation in the country that employs more than 50,000 people, is located 17 miles south of the city.
Public Transportation
With an average commute of about 15 minutes, Tacoma offers an incredibly-efficient public transportation system, with a combination of commuter rail, light rail, buses, and ferries. Tacoma Link was the first modern electric light rail service in the state and takes riders throughout Downtown from the Dome District to Hilltop. Likewise, Sound Transit offers affordable and environmentally-friendly transportation throughout Pierce County, with route pick-ups about every 30-60 minutes. Regional ORCA transit passes,ORCA for Business,offered at a discount to employers, provide an affordable benefits opportunity for climate- and commute-minded companies. Learn more about Tacoma’s transportation infrastructure.
Local Government
The City of Tacoma is committed to providing high-quality, innovative, and transparent municipal services that enhance lives and grow businesses. The City operates under a Council-Manager form of government, with eight council members and a mayor. As Tacoma’s policy-making group, the City Council serves as the link between Tacoma residents and their municipal government; they’re responsible for enacting and amending City laws, adopting the Biennial Budget, appointing citizen boards, committees and commissions, and providing guidance and direction for actions which affect the quality of life in the City. Learn more about Tacoma’s government here.
Utilities
Tacoma is the “wired” city, with a reliable, high-speed fiber-optic network. Utility rates are among the lowest in the country. Tacoma Power is 97% carbon-free hydroelectric power to reduce your corporate climate footprint. Learn more about Tacoma Public Utilities.
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