OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting - May 6, 2025: Proclamations, Resolutions, and Public Comment

City Council — Tuesday, May 6, 2025
BodyTacoma, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, May 6, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 54:18

Transcript — Verbatim
0:03

I would like to call to order the city council meeting of May 6th, 2025.

0:07

Clark, will you please call the roll?

0:09

Councilmember Bushnell.

0:11

Present.

0:11

Deputy Mayor Daniels.

0:13

Here.

0:13

Councilmember Diaz.

0:14

Councilmember Heinz.

0:16

Here.

0:16

Councilmember Rumba here.

0:18

Councilmember Sidalgay.

0:20

Absent Councilmember Scott, absent.

0:22

Councilmember Walker.

0:24

Here.

0:24

Mayor Woodards, absent.

0:26

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

0:34

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

0:40

Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for a moment of silence.

1:32

All right, starting with agenda modifications, are there any modifications to the agenda this evening?

1:37

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

1:41

I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolutions numbers 41672 and 41673.

1:47

Second.

1:48

Are there any comments, questions, or corrections?

1:51

All those in favor of adopting the consent agenda, please signify by saying aye.

1:55

Aye.

1:56

All those opposed signify by saying nay.

1:58

The consent agenda is declared adopted.

2:02

Moving on to proclamations, recognition, presentations, and announcements.

2:06

We have three ceremonials on the agenda tonight.

2:08

And for the first one, we will start with Affordable Housing Week proclamation.

2:13

And I would like to invite Amanda DeShezo to the podium and Councilmember Rumba will read the proclamation.

2:26

Whereas all people should have access to decent, safe, and healthy affordable housing, and whereas currently over half of Tacoma renter households and over one quarter of owner-occupied households are currently spending more than 30% of their income on housing.

2:40

And whereas the City of Tacoma recognizes the profound impact that insufficient affordable housing has on public health, transportation, racial and social justice, economic development, child welfare, education, and family well-being.

2:53

And whereas the city supports the supply and development of affordable housing for residents through various initiatives, including our affordable housing action strategy, the Home and Tacoma Project, affordable housing financing programs, human services funding programs, and active participation in regional partnerships such as South Sound Housing Affordability Partners.

3:13

And whereas to address the shortage of affordable housing, Tacoma urges nonprofit organizations, financial institutions, private developers, government agencies, and business to create cross-sector collaborations and partnerships to support the further development of affordable housing to build a healthier community for all of Tacoma.

3:30

And now, therefore, I, Sarah Rumba, on behalf of the mayor and the city council, do hereby proclaim May 5th through 9th, 2025 as Affordable Housing Week in the City of Tacoma, and affordable and affirm our commitment to expanding affordable housing, recognize the indispensable role of affordable housing in achieving a comprehensive community well-being, and call upon all sectors of the community to community and acknowledge the importance of housing affordability and to actively participate in efforts to make housing accessible for all residents, thereby strengthening the fabric of our community for generations to come.

4:04

Thank you, Councilmember Ramba.

4:06

Amanda, I'd like you uh like to call on you to say a few words if you if you want to.

4:10

Yeah, of course I do.

4:11

Thank you.

4:12

I wouldn't miss this opportunity for anything.

4:14

Hi, you guys, it's so great to see you, and Deputy Mayor and all my council members.

4:18

Um I am Amanda DeShazo.

4:20

I'm the executive director for the Tacoma Pierce County Affordable Housing Consortium.

4:24

I am also um, I guess it's a board member or commissioner for TCRA, which is really great.

4:29

I'm on my second second term.

4:31

Um, I'm also a proud resident of Hilltop.

4:33

Um, and I am here today to accept the proclamation, which is so exciting.

4:37

It's our third annual proclamation.

4:39

Um, I have a little stuff written out here for you guys.

4:43

Um so each year this week gives us the chance to focus our collective energy on what housing truly means, not just in terms of buildings, but in terms of stability, opportunity, and dignity.

4:53

And our theme this year is housing across the continuum.

4:56

It's a reminder that there is no one size fits all solution.

5:00

Our community needs a spectrum of housing from emergency shelter to affordable homeownership to serve people at every income level and stage of life.

5:07

So Tacoma's been a leader in making housing a priority from zoning reform and supportive funding policies to meaningful community partnerships.

5:14

But we also know that the need is great.

5:16

Nearly half of Tacoma renters are cost burdened, and thousands remain without stable housing.

5:22

So Affordable Housing Week gives us a chance to acknowledge those challenges and more importantly to highlight the solutions already underway and those we must continue to advance together.

5:31

This year we're proud to be supporting nonprofit housing providers, many of whom are navigating complex development processes for the first time.

5:39

And thanks to advocacy at the state and direct engagement with local leaders like yourselves, we're seeing progress.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Affordable Housing████████████████████20%
Asian And Pacific Islander Heritage█████████████13%
Procedural███████████11%
Public Works██████████10%
Small Business Support█████████9%
Public Comment█████████9%
Economic Development████████8%
Public Utility Board Stipends███████7%
Arts And Culture██████6%
Summary of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting Summary – May 6, 2025

The Tacoma City Council met on May 6, 2025, at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included three proclamations, a consent agenda with routine approvals, public comment periods, and adoption of several resolutions and ordinances. Key topics included affordable housing, small business support, Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, labor agreements, parking services, a consolidated housing plan, and electric system bonds.

Consent Calendar

  • Adopted Minutes: Minutes from the Economic Development Committee (June 11, 2024), Landmarks Preservation Commission (January 22 and February 12, 2025), Public Utility Board study session and meeting (April 9, 2025), City Council special meeting (May 6, 2024), and City Council meeting (May 7, 2024) were approved.
  • Resolution 41672: Increased contract with Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers by $440,000 (from General Fund) for eviction prevention legal services, projected total $802,328.97.
  • Resolution 41673: Set a public hearing for May 20, 2025 (no earlier than 5:15 PM) on the Six-Year Comprehensive Transportation Improvement Program (2025–2031).
  • Payments: Approved payroll ($22,931,462.17) and other payments ($21,783,161.17) for April 7–20, 2025, totaling $44,714,623.34.

Proclamations & Recognitions

  • Affordable Housing Week (May 5–9, 2025): Proclaimed by Councilmember Rumba. Amanda DeShezo (Executive Director, Tacoma Pierce County Affordable Housing Consortium) accepted, noting the theme “housing across the continuum” and that nearly half of Tacoma renters are cost-burdened. Council expressed pride in city leadership but acknowledged the problem moves faster than solutions.
  • National Small Business Week (May 4–10, 2025): Proclaimed by Deputy Mayor Daniels. Speakers: Haley (co-owner of Side Peace Kitchen) highlighted grassroots success but warned of rising barriers; Asia Dillingham (A Plus Bookkeeping) emphasized giving back; Mari Griffin (Black Night Market) thanked the city for uplifting Black businesses; Laura De Guerrero Gonzalez (Sophie’s Corner) expressed gratitude.
  • Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May 2025): Proclaimed by Councilmember Bushnell. Speakers: Bakota Warren (Chief Policy Analyst) noted API representation in city leadership; Noemi Kagaton Porter (CJK Community Homes) received the Serve Washington Volunteer Service Award; Lua Pritchard (Asia Pacific Cultural Center) thanked the council. Councilmember Bushnell highlighted her Cambodian American heritage and the first South Asian councilmember.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Michelle Reich: Spoke on housing affordability, linking national immigration pressures, capitalism’s impact on evictions, and historical policies (deinstitutionalization of mentally ill). Supported the $440,000 eviction prevention contract but saw no end in sight.
  • Anthony (Tony) Jin: Representing Washington State Film Works and Arts Commission, urged creation of a creative arts district, citing a $60,000 state budget allocation and noting federal NEA grants have been cut. Implied the city should accept the state funding.
  • Larry Vigary: Addressed item 10 (payments), criticizing $89 million for two weeks as wasteful. Specifically targeted fire department spending ($250 million annually), advocating for 8-hour shifts instead of 24-hour shifts to reduce stress.
  • Marty Klass: Speaking as an Aid Northwest volunteer, supported the eviction prevention contract but requested similar funding for deportation defense, citing three individuals dumped in Tacoma after ICE detention. Asked council to revisit a rejected request from the Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs.

Discussion Items

  • Resolution 41674 (Appointments): Revised council appointments to committees through Dec 31, 2025. Renamed City Manager Performance Review Committee to Operational Strategy and Administration Committee; placed Councilmember Rumbaugh on Joint Municipal Action Committee (JMAC) and replaced Deputy Mayor Daniels with Councilmember Scott on the BRAVE Executive Steering Committee. Adopted unanimously.
  • Resolution 41675 (Parking Services): Awarded $2,000,000 contract to Premium Parking Service LLC for Tacoma Dome parking (5-year term, optional 2-year renewal). Adopted unanimously.
  • Resolutions 41676 & 41677 and Ordinance 29034 (Labor Agreements): Presented by Dylan Carlson (Labor Relations). Resolution 41676: Extended water treatment plant operator-in-training program from 18 to 24 months for IBEW Local 483. Resolution 41677: Created Crime Analyst Manager classification (unclassified, overtime category D), appointed Jacqueline Shelton with a one-time $5,200 payment, and provided 3% wage increase in 2026 for Local 17 unit. Ordinance 29034: Amended compensation plan to implement these agreements. All adopted unanimously; Ordinance 29034 set for final reading May 13.
  • Resolution 41678 (2025 Consolidated Plan): Presented by Felicia Medlen (Housing Division). Authorized submission to HUD and agreements with Tacoma Community Redevelopment Authority, Lakewood, and up to 20 contractors for housing, economic development, and public services. Strategic goals: advancing economic opportunity, preventing homelessness, increasing rental/homeownership opportunities. 2025 estimated allocations: CDBG ~$2.3M, ESG ~$210,000, HOME ~$1.08M. Public comment period ended May 1; public hearing held April 22. Passed unanimously.
  • Ordinance 29033 (Electric System Bonds): Final reading. Authorized up to $325,000,000 in Electric System Revenue and Refunding Bonds, Series 2025, for capital improvements, defeasance/redemption, and costs. Passed 5-0 (Councilmembers Diaz, Siddalay, Scott, and Mayor Woodards absent).
  • First Reading of Ordinance 29034: Already presented; set over for final reading next week.

Key Outcomes

  • All consent calendar items adopted unanimously.
  • Three proclamations issued with community acceptance.
  • Resolution 41674 (committee appointments) adopted.
  • Resolution 41675 (parking contract) adopted.
  • Resolutions 41676 and 41677 (labor agreements) adopted.
  • Resolution 41678 (consolidated plan) adopted.
  • Ordinance 29033 (electric bonds) passed on final reading.
  • Ordinance 29034 (compensation plan) moved to final reading next week.
  • Mayor Woodards, Councilmembers Scott and Siddalay were excused.
  • Meeting adjourned around 6:20 PM.

Reports

  • City Manager: Announced Planning and Development Services received the Washington Association of Building Officials’ Jurisdictional Outreach Award for work on Home in Tacoma.
  • Infrastructure, Planning, and Sustainability Committee (Councilmember Walker): Reported on Climate and Sustainability Commission appointments, 2030 Climate Action Plan update, speed camera code recommendations (to align with state law), and upcoming pride-themed crosswalk discussion.

Meeting Transcript

I would like to call to order the city council meeting of May 6th, 2025. Clark, will you please call the roll? Councilmember Bushnell. Present. Deputy Mayor Daniels. Here. Councilmember Diaz. Councilmember Heinz. Here. Councilmember Rumba here. Councilmember Sidalgay. Absent Councilmember Scott, absent. Councilmember Walker. Here. Mayor Woodards, absent. Please join me in listening to the land acknowledgement and flag salute led by Councilmember Hines, followed by a moment of silence. We gratefully honor and acknowledge that we rest on the traditional lands of Piolo people where they make their home and speak the Lashutsi language. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for a moment of silence. All right, starting with agenda modifications, are there any modifications to the agenda this evening? Seeing none, we'll move on to the consent agenda. I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolutions numbers 41672 and 41673. Second. Are there any comments, questions, or corrections? All those in favor of adopting the consent agenda, please signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed signify by saying nay. The consent agenda is declared adopted. Moving on to proclamations, recognition, presentations, and announcements. We have three ceremonials on the agenda tonight. And for the first one, we will start with Affordable Housing Week proclamation. And I would like to invite Amanda DeShezo to the podium and Councilmember Rumba will read the proclamation. Whereas all people should have access to decent, safe, and healthy affordable housing, and whereas currently over half of Tacoma renter households and over one quarter of owner-occupied households are currently spending more than 30% of their income on housing. And whereas the City of Tacoma recognizes the profound impact that insufficient affordable housing has on public health, transportation, racial and social justice, economic development, child welfare, education, and family well-being. And whereas the city supports the supply and development of affordable housing for residents through various initiatives, including our affordable housing action strategy, the Home and Tacoma Project, affordable housing financing programs, human services funding programs, and active participation in regional partnerships such as South Sound Housing Affordability Partners. And whereas to address the shortage of affordable housing, Tacoma urges nonprofit organizations, financial institutions, private developers, government agencies, and business to create cross-sector collaborations and partnerships to support the further development of affordable housing to build a healthier community for all of Tacoma. And now, therefore, I, Sarah Rumba, on behalf of the mayor and the city council, do hereby proclaim May 5th through 9th, 2025 as Affordable Housing Week in the City of Tacoma, and affordable and affirm our commitment to expanding affordable housing, recognize the indispensable role of affordable housing in achieving a comprehensive community well-being, and call upon all sectors of the community to community and acknowledge the importance of housing affordability and to actively participate in efforts to make housing accessible for all residents, thereby strengthening the fabric of our community for generations to come. Thank you, Councilmember Ramba. Amanda, I'd like you uh like to call on you to say a few words if you if you want to. Yeah, of course I do. Thank you. I wouldn't miss this opportunity for anything. Hi, you guys, it's so great to see you, and Deputy Mayor and all my council members. Um I am Amanda DeShazo. I'm the executive director for the Tacoma Pierce County Affordable Housing Consortium. I am also um, I guess it's a board member or commissioner for TCRA, which is really great. I'm on my second second term. Um, I'm also a proud resident of Hilltop. Um, and I am here today to accept the proclamation, which is so exciting. It's our third annual proclamation. Um, I have a little stuff written out here for you guys.

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