Statement from District 4 Council Member Sandesh Sadalge on the Critical Importance of Centering Equity in Regional Transit Decisions

Tacoma City Council Member Sandesh Sadalge urged the Sound Transit Board to prioritize equity when addressing a $34.5 billion budget deficit, warning against delaying the Tacoma Dome light rail extension. Sadalge argued that his Eastside district—a majority-BIPOC area with lower incomes and remote work rates—needs the transit investment most, citing that 63% of residents commute outside the city and 82% rely on automobiles. The statement followed a March 31, 2026 Council meeting where Tacoma sent a joint letter to Sound Transit about budget decisions.