Tacoma will hold two public sessions Oct. 27 and Oct. 29 to gather resident input on a $750,000 plan to fix sidewalk and curb-ramp barriers citywide.

The sessions are part of an effort by the city's Environment and Public Works Department to evaluate accessibility across Tacoma's public right-of-way and build a prioritized repair schedule.

The work, called the ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan, will measure conditions at sidewalks, curb ramps, traffic signals, bus stops and driveway curb cuts, according to the city's project page.

For anyone who relies on a wheelchair, walker or stroller to get around Tacoma, the plan could determine when and where barriers get fixed.

Both sessions will be held at People's Community Center, 1602 M.L.K. Jr Way, with a virtual option on Zoom:

  • Tuesday, Oct. 27: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, Oct. 29: 1 to 2:30 p.m.

The city announced the sessions Oct. 20, saying both events would offer in-person and virtual attendance.

What the plan covers

The city is working with a consultant to assess accessibility in Tacoma's public right-of-way. The finished plan will identify barriers, describe how the city intends to fix them and name the person responsible for carrying out the work, according to the project page.

The plan will also incorporate actions and policies from three existing city documents: the Vision Zero Action Plan, the Transportation and Mobility Plan and the Comprehensive Plan.

How the money breaks down

Funding comes from two sources, according to the project page:

  • $600,000 from a federal Safe Streets For All (SS4A) grant
  • $150,000 in local Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax (MVFT) funds

Getting involved

Residents who cannot attend in person can join by Zoom. Links for each session are posted on the project page.

An online survey is also open. The city says results will help guide which improvements get prioritized.

Residents needing accommodations such as sign language interpreters, live captions or materials in alternate formats can contact Kincaid Vineyard at [email protected] or (480) 299-2363. The stated deadline for accommodation requests was Oct. 20. It is unclear whether late requests will be accepted.

The city has published event flyers in six languages: English, Khmer, Korean, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese. The project team gathered earlier feedback at the Tacoma Area Coalition of Individuals with Disabilities (TACID) Disability Resource Fair on May 2.

Veronicah Munyao, the Public Works project manager overseeing the plan, can be reached at (253) 325-1152 or [email protected].