City Delivers LIFT Application

Does downtown Tacoma have a faceLIFT in its future? The City of Tacoma submitted an application to compete for Washington State’s Local Infrastructure Financing Tool (LIFT) funding. (You can view the application at CityofTacoma.org.)

The City Council recently designated a Revenue Development Area (RDA) (Resolution # 27724 previously on Exit133) in downtown Tacoma as a step toward applying for LIFT funding. This designated area will become an RDA only if Tacoma receives the LIFT funding. Through LIFT, up to $1 million a year over 25 years in state funds may be invested in infrastructure improvements within the RDA.

Eligible LIFT public improvements include:

• Parking structures
• Right-of-way and streetscape improvements such as streets, sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting, landscaping, and traffic controls
• Utility infrastructure
• Sustainable storm drainage
• Transit Authority Park and Ride facilities
• Terminal and dock facilities
• Affordable Housing as defined in RCW 43.63A.510

LIFT would not increase local or state sales and use tax rates or property tax rates.

22 communities across the state have applied for this funding, and Washington State’s Community Economic Revitalization Board is anticipated to award LIFT funds to three communities by the end of September. With the deadline passed, and a limit of one RDA per county, we now know that within Pierce County the City of Tacoma is directly competing with Puyallup and University Place for LIFT funding.

What are our chances? One thing in our favor is job creation. The program aims to promote economic growth and create jobs. Tacoma’s application estimates that 11,500 jobs will be created. According to LIFT Program Manager Matthew Ojennus, Puyallup is estimating 8,600 jobs and University Place is looking to create 1,600 jobs. Does this mean we win? Not necessarily. But these numbers do look good.

For more information about the LIFT and RDA, including Tacoma’s application and appendix, and a map of the proposed downtown Tacoma area, visit CityofTacoma.org