Tacoma, WA town hall & government
Tacoma spent $1.4 billion in the year to December 31, 2024, about $6,121 per resident.
Where the money goes, where it comes from, property taxes, and how to reach Tacoma's government.
Who runs Tacoma
From public records (Open States and Wikidata), which can lag behind an election. If a name is out of date, tell us: when two neighbors agree, it's hidden until the records catch up.
Where Tacoma's money goes
Where the money comes from
- Utility sales 44%
- Fees & charges 22%
- Sales taxes 10%
- Other taxes & licenses 7%
- Interest, fines & other 6%
- Property taxes 6%
- From the state 3%
- From the federal government 1%
- From other local governments 1%
Who works for Tacoma
Staff on the town's payroll in March 2025. Pay is March payroll times twelve, so it's approximate.
Tacoma Public Schools
Tacoma's K–12 school district, shared with Ruston and Fircrest. It is its own government, with a budget separate from the town's.
Where the district's money comes from Washington districts overall: 27% local, 66% state, 8% federal
- Local 32%
- State 58%
- Federal 10%
Of the $19,619 per pupil, $10,822 goes to classroom instruction (teachers, aides, supplies); the rest to support services such as buses, buildings, counselors and administration. Building projects and debt payments aren't in the per-pupil figure.
Also serving Tacoma: Fife Public Schools ($17,782 per pupil).
Which schools Tacoma kids attend, test scores and graduation rate →
What homeowners in Tacoma pay
The median yearly bill homeowners report, covering every local property tax on the home (town, schools, county). The effective rate is that bill divided by the median home value, so it's a rough guide, not the official tax rate.
Contact Tacoma's government
Who represents Tacoma
Tacoma is represented in Congress by Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and Representatives Emily Randall and Marilyn Strickland. Bob Ferguson is governor.
Budget: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Census of Governments: Finance (every city and town government's revenue, spending and debt, grouped into plain categories). Property tax: Census American Community Survey, 5-year estimates.