Reliable services

The Takoma Park City Council must deliver services equitably to all its wards. While not everyone uses every service the city government provides, these services exist to support the diversity of our city. In some wards, we have historic sidewalk deficits. In others, there is a lack of tree cover, making heat islands and the walk to the shops or bus stops more uncomfortable in the summer. Our annual funding for public works to build sidewalks and continue the Tree Takoma program is designed to address these issues. With the average age of Takoma Park's residents under 40, our city has many children and parents who are served by our library, after-school programs, camps, and other recreation programs. For those who would struggle to afford participation, Takoma Park expresses its welcoming values by providing scholarships.

We should support the behind-the-scenes work that plans for the city's future and makes it a livable place for all. Our housing department plays an important role in planning for choice, quality, and stability for housing, including educating tenants on their rights and working with landlords to ensure their properties are safe, healthy, and comfortable. The city promotes economic development and supports local businesses and community groups, such as the Village of Takoma Park, which helps older residents age in place. The city's planning staff are integral to designing streets and cycleways, conducting traffic studies, and seeking grants to fund these projects. Together, this range of services creates equity, expresses our values as a welcoming city, and makes Takoma Park a livable city.

Takoma Park offers other unique services for our diverse community. We have the only full-service police department of all the municipalities in the county. We are the only municipality in the county that provides curbside food waste collection as a public service, which supports our green goals, provides residents with free compost, and reduces what goes to the landfill. We have historic responsibility for managing our own stormwater goals. Takoma Park helps residents process new US passports. In these and other areas, our smallness can be a strength, allowing us to express our Takoma Park values and shape programs. This closeness narrows the gap between residents and the staff who provide the services. It gives residents short pathways to communicate, shape, and receive responsive services in ways that are not possible at the county and state levels.