OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting Summary - March 25, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, March 25, 2025
BodyTacoma, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, March 25, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:03

I'd like to call to order the City Council meeting of March 25th, 2025.

0:09

Clerk, will you please call the roll?

0:10

Councilmember Bushnell.

0:12

Present.

0:12

Deputy Mayor Daniels.

0:13

Here.

0:14

Councilmember Diaz.

0:15

Here.

0:16

Councilmember Heinz.

0:17

Here.

0:18

Councilmember Rumba.

0:19

Here.

0:19

Councilmember Sidalgay?

0:21

Here.

0:21

Councilmember Scott.

0:23

Absent Councilmember Walker.

0:26

Here.

0:26

Mayor Woodards.

0:28

Here.

0:28

Please join me in listening to the land acknowledgement and flag salute led by Councilmember Rumba, followed by a moment of silence.

0:38

We gratefully honor and acknowledge that we rest on the traditional lands of the Pial people where they make their home and speak the Lashutsi language.

0:45

Please stand for the flag salute and remain standing for a moment of silence.

0:51

I believe the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

1:44

Seeing none, we'll move on to the consent agenda.

1:59

All right, are there any council comments, corrections?

2:02

Seeing none, all those in favor of adopting the consent agenda, please signify by saying aye.

2:07

Aye.

2:07

All those opposed, the aye have the ayes have it.

2:11

The consent agenda is declared adopted.

2:14

Moving on to proclamations, recognition, and presentations.

2:20

We have two ceremonials tonight.

2:22

And for the International Transgender Day of Visibility Proclamation, I would like to invite Oliver Webb, who is securing our own people program's program operations director and board chair emeritus of diversity of the diversity alliance of Puget Sound to the podium as I read this proclamation.

2:46

Whereas transgender and non-binary individuals have made an immeasurable contributions to our city, state, and nation, enriching our communities through their leadership, artistry, advocacy, and perseverance.

3:01

And whereas National Transgender Day of Visibility, observed annually on March 31st, is a time to celebrate the lives, achievements, and resilience of the transgender and non-binary individuals while also recognizing the ongoing struggles they face.

3:18

And whereas the despite significant progress, transgender and non-binary people continue to face discrimination, violence, and barriers to health care, employment, and housing, making it an imperative that we work toward a more inclusive and equitable society.

3:34

And whereas the City of Tacoma is committed to fostering a community that values diversity, promotes inclusion, and ensures that all individuals, regardless of gender identity or expression, are treated with dignity and respect, and will for the first time fly the transgender flag over the Tacoma Dome to commemorate this day.

3:56

And whereas by recognizing and supporting our transgender and non-binary residents, we affirm their rights to live open, openly and authentically, free from fear and discrimination.

4:08

Now, therefore, I, Victoria R.

4:10

Woodards, mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim March 31st, 2025 as National Transgender Day of Visibility in the City of Tacoma and urge all residents to join in celebrating and uplifting the voices of our transgender and non-binary community members while committed to continued efforts in building a just and inclusive society for all.

4:36

Please join me in a round of applause.

4:45

Today we come together to really celebrate and uplift and stand in solidarity with our transgender community.

4:54

Visibility matters.

5:00

It affirms dignity and it reminds us that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and valued.

5:10

For the past few years, the City of Tacoma has proudly raised the transgender flag, pride flag over City Hall, recognizing transgender day of remembrance in the fall.

5:22

But this year, we are taking an even stronger step forward for the first time.

5:33

Thanks to the new policy adopted by council under the leadership of Councilmember Diaz.

5:39

The flag will also fly above the Tacoma Dome, fire headquarters, and police headquarters.

5:48

Powerful symbols of our commitment to inclusion, safety, and belonging across our city.

5:57

To our transgender neighbors, colleagues, friends, and family, you are an essential part of Tacoma.

6:06

Your courage, your resilience, and your contributions make our city stronger.

6:15

We see you.

6:49

And I remember the first time we raised the flag when we were standing over in Ben Gilbert Park.

6:55

That first year, and here we are today, and on Monday, we'll be down at the Tacoma Dome.

7:01

And I want to be super clear.

7:20

So while this is ever changing, I want you to take pride.

7:24

I want, I want you to see the fruits of your labor.

7:28

And know that while there's been people who have led through this, you were the fire starter.

7:33

And no fire can blaze unless someone starts it.

7:38

Thank you so much for your leadership and for your continued advocacy and willingness to continue to push and ask to make sure that we're always doing the right thing.

7:52

So I just I had to take just a personal point of privilege to share that with you and let you know how grateful I am for your leadership here in the city of Tacoma.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety███████████████████19%
Transgender Rights█████████████████17%
Public Works████████████████16%
Homelessness████████████████16%
Procedural████████8%
Economic Development█████5%
Public Comment████4%
Labor Standards████4%
Technology and Innovation███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting Summary - March 25, 2025

The Tacoma City Council met on March 25, 2025, at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, public comment, approval of a legal settlement, appointments, resolutions supporting the Business Improvement Area and a ballot measure, labor agreements, utility fee ordinances, and extensive community discussion about an encampment on MLK Jr. Way. Notable actions included the unanimous adoption of a resolution supporting Proposition 1 for street improvements and the approval of the 38th year of the Downtown Tacoma Business Improvement Area.

Consent Calendar

  • Items 1–9 were adopted unanimously, including minutes of various commissions, a resolution awarding a contract to SAFE Boats International for a patrol vessel ($902,880.51), a resolution setting a hearing date for a street vacation, and approval of payroll and payments totaling $60,823,951.05.

Proclamations & Recognitions

  • International Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31, 2025): Mayor Woodards read the proclamation, noting that for the first time the transgender flag will fly over the Tacoma Dome, fire headquarters, and police headquarters. Oliver Webb, Operations Director of the Diversity Alliance of Puget Sound and a proud trans man, accepted the proclamation and delivered a speech listing recent executive actions affecting trans rights, immigrants, DEI, and others, stating, “When my rights are gone, yours are next.” Councilmember Diaz thanked Oliver for their leadership.
  • Economic Development Board 2025 Excellent 10 Award: Presented by Paul Bacher to the city for launching the first-in-the-nation 5G network in the Tide Flats. The award recognized collaboration with Maritime Blue, Chasm (5G Open Innovations Lab), and retiring city staffer Pat Beard. Councilmember Heinz was thanked for his involvement.

Public Comments & Testimony

Public Comment on Agenda Items:

  • Michelle Reich opposed Proposition 1 (street improvement tax), arguing that utility taxes shift the burden unfairly and that heavy trucks should be taxed instead. She also spoke about transgender military members being discharged.
  • David Schrodell (Executive Director, Downtown Tacoma Partnership) supported the BIA renewal (Items 14–15), citing achievements: 2,000 safety incidents responded to, 120,000 pounds of trash removed, 5,500 graffiti tags removed, 19 new storefronts opened, and $485 million in residential development (2,000 new housing units) over three years.
  • Lori Arnold (Clarity Consulting) thanked council for the Transgender Day of Visibility proclamation but urged the council to push for police oversight (not just advisory), recounting a recent incident where a friend was stopped for a headlight (illegal under state law) and detained for a DUI that was later dropped.
  • Jalisa Trapp echoed concerns about police brutality against Black trans people, stating that violence is ongoing despite the proclamation.

Community Forum (general city policy matters):

  • Jalisa Trapp elaborated on the police incident, describing how the person’s car was impounded, they were not notified, and they owed $1,400 to retrieve it with a broken window.
  • Ashley said “public safety is a trans rights issue” and criticized the city’s actions as not matching its statements.
  • Lori Arnold repeated her account of the March 5 police stop, describing escalation and the DWI charge being dropped. She implored the council to make the Community Police Advisory Committee an oversight body.
  • Michelle Reich spoke in opposition to the ShotSpotter program, arguing it is ineffective for mobile shootings, costs $800,000, and could instead fund eight police officers.
  • Sophia Riley (owner, Red Elm Cafe) described the impact of the encampment at MLK Jr. Way and Ernest Brazil, including human waste, drugs in her lobby, threats, and loss of her compassionate nature. She said she has been ignored for eight weeks.
  • Ben Ruble (representing Ice Cream Social) said they have lost a driver, vendors won’t deliver, and there have been a drive-by and a murder nearby. He urged the city to preserve small women-owned businesses.
  • Claire Etheridge (Tupac Children’s Center) described seeing a person doing drugs outside the door with pants down. She noted a removal is scheduled for Friday but urged a permanent solution.
  • Ayla Hopkins (owner, Physician Coach) supported the other business owners and called for change.

Discussion Items

  • Settlement (Item 11A): Motion to authorize $270,000 settlement of Anthony White v. City of Tacoma (disparate impacts claim) was approved unanimously.
  • Appointment to Public Utility Board (Item 12): Resolution 41645 appointing Devin Hampton to the Tacoma Public Utility Board (filling the seat of Chair Watson, temporarily absent) was approved. Mayor Woodards noted Hampton’s experience in utility and energy policy and his family history in Tacoma fire service.
  • Business Improvement Area Renewal (Items 14–15): Debbie Bingham presented. The BIA continues for its 38th year (May 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026) with assessment rates: high intensity $0.15/sq ft, low intensity $0.09/sq ft (increase of $0.01), land rate $0.06/sq ft. Total revenue projected at $1,893,647. An administration contract with Downtown Tacoma Partnership for $2,015,200 was also approved. Councilmembers Walker and Rumba expressed strong support. The BIA board approved the work plan unanimously on February 27, 2025.
  • Labor Agreements (Items 16–17, 21): Dylan Carlson presented:
    • Resolution 41649: Four-year collective bargaining agreement with Sheet Metal Workers (Yardmasters) covering 5 positions at TPU, with wage increases from $61.13/hr (2025) to $68.76/hr (2028), plus a one-time floating holiday leave deposit. Approved.
    • Resolution 41650: Letter of Agreement with IBEW Local 483 for Engineering Support Supervisor classification, transitioning from 9-step to 5-step pay range with a 24% increase at top step. Approved.
    • Ordinance 29028 (first reading) implements the compensation changes; set over for final reading next week.
  • Proposition 1 Support (Item 18): Resolution 41651 expressing council support for the April 22, 2025 special election ballot measure that would fund street repairs, maintenance, and safety improvements via a 2% utility tax and a $0.25/$1,000 property tax levy increase (estimated $375 million over 15 years). Councilmember Walker noted similar resolutions by Parks Tacoma and Port of Tacoma Commission. Approved unanimously.
  • Utility Fee Ordinances (Items 19–20): Final reading of Ordinance 29026 (utility charges and electrical code fees) and Ordinance 29027 (water regulations and rates) both passed by roll call vote.
  • Encampment Update (Community Forum Follow-up): Mayor Woodards asked Katie (interim director, Neighborhood and Community Services) to explain the process. Katie stated that the encampment at MLK Jr. Way straddles private and public property; removal was posted that day with a 72-hour notice, so removal will occur on Friday. The site is in a prohibited camping zone (within 10 blocks of a temporary emergency shelter), which dictates the timeline. Outreach teams have been working intensively. Councilmember Walker asked about shelter capacity; Katie said shelters are at 80–90% capacity. Mayor Woodards noted that the city faces a $12 million state funding shortfall that could close 300 shelter beds by June 30, and urged advocacy to the state legislature. Councilmember Rumba emphasized that the city cannot force people to accept services and that other cities in Pierce County ban camping, pushing people into Tacoma.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda adopted unanimously.
  • Proclamation for International Transgender Day of Visibility approved; flag to be raised at Tacoma Dome, fire, and police headquarters.
  • Settlement of $270,000 in Anthony White v. City of Tacoma approved.
  • Devin Hampton appointed to Tacoma Public Utility Board.
  • Contract increase for Brown and Caldwell ($764,185) for North End Treatment Plant design approved.
  • BIA renewal (Resolution 41647) and administration agreement (Resolution 41648) approved, with assessments and work plan for 2025–2026.
  • Labor agreements for Yardmasters (Resolution 41649) and Engineering Support Supervisor (Resolution 41650) approved.
  • Proposition 1 support resolution (41651) approved unanimously.
  • Ordinances 29026 and 29027 (utility fees) passed on final reading.
  • Ordinance 29028 (compensation plan) introduced and set for final reading next week.
  • Encampment removal on MLK Jr. Way scheduled for Friday, March 28, 2025, with continued outreach and police liaison presence.

Meeting Transcript

I'd like to call to order the City Council meeting of March 25th, 2025. Clerk, will you please call the roll? Councilmember Bushnell. Present. Deputy Mayor Daniels. Here. Councilmember Diaz. Here. Councilmember Heinz. Here. Councilmember Rumba. Here. Councilmember Sidalgay? Here. Councilmember Scott. Absent Councilmember Walker. Here. Mayor Woodards. Here. Please join me in listening to the land acknowledgement and flag salute led by Councilmember Rumba, followed by a moment of silence. We gratefully honor and acknowledge that we rest on the traditional lands of the Pial people where they make their home and speak the Lashutsi language. Please stand for the flag salute and remain standing for a moment of silence. I believe the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Seeing none, we'll move on to the consent agenda. All right, are there any council comments, corrections? Seeing none, all those in favor of adopting the consent agenda, please signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed, the aye have the ayes have it. The consent agenda is declared adopted. Moving on to proclamations, recognition, and presentations. We have two ceremonials tonight. And for the International Transgender Day of Visibility Proclamation, I would like to invite Oliver Webb, who is securing our own people program's program operations director and board chair emeritus of diversity of the diversity alliance of Puget Sound to the podium as I read this proclamation. Whereas transgender and non-binary individuals have made an immeasurable contributions to our city, state, and nation, enriching our communities through their leadership, artistry, advocacy, and perseverance. And whereas National Transgender Day of Visibility, observed annually on March 31st, is a time to celebrate the lives, achievements, and resilience of the transgender and non-binary individuals while also recognizing the ongoing struggles they face. And whereas the despite significant progress, transgender and non-binary people continue to face discrimination, violence, and barriers to health care, employment, and housing, making it an imperative that we work toward a more inclusive and equitable society. And whereas the City of Tacoma is committed to fostering a community that values diversity, promotes inclusion, and ensures that all individuals, regardless of gender identity or expression, are treated with dignity and respect, and will for the first time fly the transgender flag over the Tacoma Dome to commemorate this day. And whereas by recognizing and supporting our transgender and non-binary residents, we affirm their rights to live open, openly and authentically, free from fear and discrimination. Now, therefore, I, Victoria R. Woodards, mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim March 31st, 2025 as National Transgender Day of Visibility in the City of Tacoma and urge all residents to join in celebrating and uplifting the voices of our transgender and non-binary community members while committed to continued efforts in building a just and inclusive society for all. Please join me in a round of applause. Today we come together to really celebrate and uplift and stand in solidarity with our transgender community. Visibility matters. It affirms dignity and it reminds us that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and valued. For the past few years, the City of Tacoma has proudly raised the transgender flag, pride flag over City Hall, recognizing transgender day of remembrance in the fall. But this year, we are taking an even stronger step forward for the first time. Thanks to the new policy adopted by council under the leadership of Councilmember Diaz. The flag will also fly above the Tacoma Dome, fire headquarters, and police headquarters. Powerful symbols of our commitment to inclusion, safety, and belonging across our city. To our transgender neighbors, colleagues, friends, and family, you are an essential part of Tacoma. Your courage, your resilience, and your contributions make our city stronger.

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