Tacoma City Council Meeting Summary - January 6, 2026

The Tacoma City Council convened on January 6, 2026, with City Clerk Nicole Emery presiding. The meeting opened with the swearing-in of Councilmembers Sandesh Sadalgay, Joe Bushnell, Latasha Palmer, Sarah Rumbaugh, and Mayor Andrews Ibsen, following the departure of previous officials. New members, including the first South Asian-born councilmember and the first Latina councilmember in Tacoma history, delivered emotional remarks emphasizing representation and service. After a brief recess to allow time for the swearing-in ceremonies, the council proceeded with the regular agenda, which included proclamations, appointments, contract awards, and critical votes on sales tax legislation and water rate structures.

Consent Calendar

• Adopted Consent Agenda: The council unanimously adopted the consent agenda, including Resolution 41827 (revenue bond refunding), Resolution 41828 (acceptance of federal funding), and the first reading of Ordinance 29090 (water rate adjustments). The council also accepted the findings and recommendations of the hearing examiner regarding the ordinance.

Proclamations and Recognitions

• National Mentoring Month (January 2026): Mayor Ibsen proclaimed January as National Mentoring Month. Representatives from Mentor Washington, Palmer Scholars, and Tacoma Public Utilities spoke on the importance of youth and workforce mentoring. Speakers expressed full support for the proclamation and its focus on community connection.
• Whole Child Month (January 2026): The council proclaimed January as Whole Child Month, with Laura Allen of Tacoma Public Schools delivering remarks. Speaker expressed deep commitment to ensuring every child receives support for academic, emotional, and physical well-being.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Michelle Reich: Spoke in support of mentoring, recounting her personal journey from military service to education, attributing her success to her mentor, Sergeant Tomkins. Speaker expressed gratitude for her mentor and stated that mentoring was the primary reason for her ability to engage with public service.
• Misty Roll (Virtual): Attempted to speak on behalf of the New York Apartments Tenant Union regarding recent events. The Clerk reminded her that public comment was restricted to agenda items. Speaker expressed a desire to address tenant union issues but was directed to other forums as the topic was not on the agenda.

Discussion Items

• Judicial Appointment (Resolution 41829): The council considered the appointment of Sergio Ramon Cueva Flores to Tacoma Municipal Court Department No. 2. Councilmembers Hines, Diaz, and Scott expressed strong support, citing his compassion, experience, and potential to be a history-making judge for the Latino community. Judge Flores expressed a firm commitment to making the court a welcoming, fair, and solution-oriented entity for the community.
• Police Advisory Committee Appointments (Resolution 41830): Councilwoman Rumbaugh recommended a slate of diverse and qualified candidates. Councilmember Rumbaugh expressed full support for the committee's selection process and the qualifications of the nominees.
• Landmarks Preservation Commission Appointments (Resolution 41831): Councilmember Walker presented nominees Maddie Levesque, Lavecita Modric, and Sarah Hilsendeger. Councilmember Walker expressed confidence in the committee's review and selection of these individuals.
• Arts Commission & Creates Advisory Board (Resolutions 41832 & 41833): New members were appointed to the Tacoma Arts Commission and Tacoma Creates Advisory Board. Councilmember Diaz expressed support for the appointments and the committee's work.
• Contract Awards:
  • Portland Avenue Vision Zero (Res 41836): Councilmember Sidalgay confirmed the project scope covers I-5 to 56th Street. Councilmember Sidalgay expressed full support, noting the corridor's high risk and the necessity of moving the project to the design phase.
  • Railway Surface Improvements (Res 41837): Councilmember Rumbaugh inquired about the project location near Tacoma Mall Blvd and I-5. The Engineering Project Manager explained the routes.
  • Bulk Asphalt Oil (Res 41838): Councilmember Hines confirmed the purchase is for the city's asphalt plant. Councilmember Hines expressed understanding of the necessity for the plant's operations.
  • Erosive Contaminants Study (Res 41839): The contract with Herrera Environmental Consultants was extended.
• Drinking Water Loan (Res 41840): Mark Powell of Tacoma Water presented a request for a $1 million low-interest state revolving fund loan for water main replacement. Councilmember Walker sought clarification that this was a loan and not a grant. Councilmember Walker expressed understanding of the favorable interest rate and loan terms.
• Meeting Cancellations (Res 41841): The council amended the resolution to cancel meetings on April 7 and September 1 alongside other dates. Councilmembers Hines and Diaz expressed support for the amendment, stating that canceling meetings during periods of low public engagement (spring break and late summer) enhances transparency and allows for better public input during more active policy periods.
• Telecommunications Franchise (Ord 29079): Granted a 10-year franchise to SQF LLC (VRTA). Councilmember Palmer expressed a desire to abstain due to not being present for prior discussions.
• Local Option Sales Tax for Criminal Justice (Ord 29087): Imposing a 0.1% sales tax to fund domestic violence services, diversion programs, and police training. Councilmember Bushnell expressed support, acknowledging the tax is regressive but necessary given state legislative constraints. Councilmember Sidalgay expressed strong opposition to the regressive nature of sales taxes but stated he would vote yes to sustain existing safety programs. Councilmember Hines expressed support based on community desire for safety despite tax concerns. Councilmember Rumbaugh expressed strong support, linking the tax to preventing domestic and gun violence. Mayor Ibsen expressed support, noting the need to balance advocacy for fairer state tax codes with immediate community safety needs.
• Water System Development Charges (Ord 29091): Proposed a five-year phasing plan for SDC increases, raising single-family charges from ~$860 to ~$2,700. Councilmember Hines expressed concern about the cumulative cost of development fees. Councilmember Sidalgay expressed concern regarding the substantial increase (nearly 200-300% over five years) but acknowledged the necessity for system sustainability. Councilmember Palmer expressed interest in the multifamily charge reduction. Councilmember Rumbaugh inquired about exemptions for affordable housing. City Attorney Dan Ingle expressed that state law generally prohibits exemptions for corporations or LLCs, including affordable housing developers, due to the 'gift to public funds' constitutional prohibition.**

Key Outcomes

• Swearing-In completed for Councilmembers Sidalgay, Bushnell, Palmer, Rumbaugh, and Mayor Ibsen.
• Resolution 41829 adopted: Sergio Ramon Cueva Flores appointed as Judge for Tacoma Municipal Court Department No. 2.
• Resolution 41830 adopted: Appointments to the Community Police Advisory Committee approved.
• Resolution 41831 adopted: Appointments to the Landmarks Preservation Commission approved.
• Resolutions 41832 & 41833 adopted: Appointments to the Tacoma Arts Commission and Tacoma Creates Advisory Board approved.
• Resolution 41834 adopted: City council members appointed to various regional and local boards through December 31, 2026.
• Resolution 41835 adopted: Councilmember Joe Bushnell elected as Deputy Mayor for the 2026 calendar year.
• Resolution 41836 adopted: Contract awarded to Psalmus Inc. ($2.1M) for Portland Avenue Vision Zero design services.
• Resolution 41837 adopted: Contract awarded to R. L. Alia Company ($4.7M) for railway surface and infrastructure improvements.
• Resolution 41838 adopted: Contract awarded to U.S. Oil and Refining Company ($4.3M) for bulk asphalt oils.
• Resolution 41839 adopted: Extension of contract with Herrera Environmental Consultants for stormwater monitoring.
• Resolution 41840 adopted: Authorization to apply for a $1 million low-interest drinking water loan from the state.
• Resolution 41841 adopted (amended): Cancellation of eight council meetings and eight study sessions in 2026, including the added dates of April 7 and September 1.
• Ordinance 29079 passed (7-0, 1 abstention): 10-year telecommunications franchise granted to SQF LLC.
• Ordinance 29087 passed (8-0): 0.1% local option sales tax imposed on April 1, 2026, to fund criminal justice and public safety programs.
• Ordinance 29091 set for second reading: Water system development charges amendments set over for final reading next week.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned with the Mayor announcing the launch of weekly "Mayor's Office Hours" starting the following Wednesday.