Tacoma suffered a prolonged decline in the mid-20th century as a result of suburbanization, divestment, and federal urban renewal programs. Today the city is undergoing a renaissance, investing in the downtown core to establish the University of Washington, Tacoma; Tacoma Link Rail is the first modern electric light rail service in the state; art and history museums; and a restored inlet, the Thea Foss Waterway.

With a long history of blue-collar labor politics from the railroad workers of the 1800s, to the longshoremen of the 20th century, to the Labor Ready workers of today, Tacoma has long been known for its rough, gritty image.Today, the City has been named one of the most livable areas and the 19th most walkable city in the country.