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Tacoma Celebrates Tech Revival, With Good Reason

TACOMA, WA-Since the city spent $100 million on a fiber optic network, 100 start-up technology companies having set up shop, prompting some locals to add an "e-" in front of Commerce Street, a major city thoroughfare.

By Brian K. Miller | Updated on August 17, 2000

The Washington Software Alliance is partying in Tacoma this week, and for good reason. Since the city spent $100 million on a fiber optic network that connects every city block and alley with the equivalent of a T3 line, 100 start-up technology companies having set up shop in the city that lies 30 miles south of Seattle and Bellevue.

They’re coming not only for some of the best communications infrastructure around, but also for low lease rates, lower housing costs and free parking – three things long since forgotten by their well-known neighbors to the north.

Add to that a host of publicly funded projects including a new convention center, a new art museum and a major waterfront cleanup effort, and its clear why Tacoma’s director of economic development, Juli Wilkerson, says “Tacoma’s revival is for real.” To keep it going, Wilkerson plans to begin aggressively promoting Tacoma as “America’s No. 1 Wired City” this fall in business publications and newspapers.

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