Washington: Streetcar initiative faces challenges
An effort by two Tacoma residents to put a streetcar system up to a public vote could be doomed before it builds very much steam. Last month, Committee to Build the Streetcar submitted a citizen petition to the city of Tacoma. Written by long-time streetcar advocates Chris Karnes and Morgan Alexander, the petition calls for funding to come from something called a transportation benefit district. For every $10 spent in this district, .2 cents of sales tax would go to constructing and operating the system. Currently Tacoma does not have such a district, which is a substantial stumbling block, according to City Attorney Elizabeth Pauli. She briefed Tacoma City Council members on the issue during their Committee of the Whole meeting on March 2.