Extensive municipal improvements are in progress. Among the more
important are several miles of asphalt and brick paving; fifty miles of
new sidewalks, principally of cement; sewers, water mains and bridges.
TACOMA owns and operates its own water and electric lighting plants,
supplying both water and light to private consumers. The city procures
current from the power companies at the lowest rates paid in the United
States and receives a large and increasing revenue from operation,
notwithstanding recent reductions in rates, which are as low to private
consumers as in any American city. TACOMA maintains an efficient free
employment bureau.