OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting - February 25, 2026

City Council — Wednesday, February 25, 2026
BodyTacoma, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateWednesday, February 25, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:36:33

Transcript — Verbatim
0:10

I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of February 24th, 2026.

0:14

Clerk, will you please call the roll?

0:16

Deputy Mayor Bushnell.

0:17

President.

0:18

Councilmember Diaz.

0:19

Councilmember Heinz.

0:21

Councilmember Palmer.

0:23

Here.

0:25

Councilmember Rumba here.

0:26

Councilmember Sidalgay?

0:27

Here.

0:28

Councilmember Scott.

0:29

Here.

0:29

Councilmember Walker.

0:30

Here.

0:31

Mayor Ibsen?

0:32

Here.

0:33

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

0:40

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

0:50

If you so choose, please stand for the flag salute and remain standing for a moment of silence.

1:09

Liberty and Justice R.

1:23

Are there any modifications to the agenda this evening?

1:27

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

1:30

We now have the consent agenda before us for consideration.

1:32

I move to adopt the consent agenda including the final reading of ordinance number two nine zero nine zero.

1:38

We've been seconded.

1:41

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

1:45

Aye.

1:45

All those posed say nay.

1:47

Consent agenda is declared adopted.

1:49

We have two ceremonials tonight.

1:51

For the day of solidarity with the people of Ukraine proclamation, I'd like to invite uh Ms.

1:57

Yulia Divkivska, Chair of the Tacoma Bravari Sister City Committee and a member of the Ukrainian community.

2:05

And uh Vladimir Poprovnik, head of advocacy, Ukrainian Association of Washington State to the podium as I read the proclamation.

2:14

Please join us.

2:26

Whereas on March 1st, 2022, the Tacoma City Council passed resolution 40920 expressing support for Tacoma's sister city in Bravari, Ukraine, and in February of 2023, 2024 and 2025 proclaimed a day of solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

2:42

And whereas the 24th of February marks the four-year anniversary since Russia has launched an unprovoked and unjustified attack and occupation of Ukraine that has killed and injured many Ukrainian citizens.

2:53

And whereas Ukraine has maintained a special bond with the United States, demonstrated by Ukraine's deployment of its military personnel alongside U.S.

3:01

troops and operations like those in Afghanistan and Iraq, reflecting its consistent support for NATO missions over the past 30 years.

3:08

And whereas Tacoma and Bravari, Ukraine, have maintained a unique sister city relationship since 2017, marked by meaningful exchanges and our local communities' efforts to donate resources and a surplus abundance that have supported their resilience.

3:22

And whereas the Ukrainian community in Tacoma has shown extraordinary resolve in organizing humanitarian aid efforts and maintaining crucial support for their homeland in its fight for sovereignty.

3:32

And whereas the city of Tacoma condemns Russia's unconscionable invasion and gross violations of human rights and war crimes against the Ukrainian people, whose invasion is putting the people of both countries in the way of unnecessary harm.

3:45

Now, therefore, I, Andrews Ibsen, mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council, do Hebrew proclaim Tuesday, February 224th, 2026, as day of solidarity with the people of Ukraine in the City of Tacoma, and urge all residents of Tacoma to stand in support of the Ukrainian people and their struggle for freedom.

4:04

We acknowledge their indomitable strength and determination in the face of brutal aggression and commemorate this day as a testament to the enduring spirit of Ukraine, emphasizing our collective belief in a brighter tomorrow, free from oppression.

4:18

Slava Ukraini, Yislava Goral.

4:21

Please say a few words.

4:31

Mayor, Council members, and Tacoma residents.

4:36

Today marks exactly four years since time stopped for us.

4:41

On February 24th, 2022, life for every Ukrainian was instantly and violently divided into before and after.

5:02

For four years, my people have fought for simplest and the sacred rights, the right to exist, the right to speak their language, the right to stand on our ancestral soil without fear.

5:19

As an educator, I spend all my life teaching my students to find their voices.

5:26

But I was forced to leave my own motherland because I refuse to stay silent in the face of enemy.

5:44

I'm here for my mother, who often has electricity for two hours a day and must cook over an open fire in the bit and cold.

5:55

I'm here for my sister, who spends her nights awake from awake from their piercing scream measles over her house, and who, like so many other Ukrainians, has had to find this trends to survive.

6:12

Wake up in the morning and work every each day.

6:22

And those who will never ever be able to see the eyes of their mothers.

6:39

In Ukraine today, in the heart of Europe, there is no such a thing as a safe place left.

6:47

But I truly believe in the power of your support.

6:53

When you stand up with us, you stand up with all Ukraine.

6:58

You are telling the families praying to wake up alive tomorrow that they are not forgotten.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural█████████████████17%
Water And Wastewater Management████████████████16%
Affordable Housing███████████████15%
Public Engagement██████████████14%
Immigration Detention Oversight████████8%
Human Rights███████7%
Economic Development██████6%
Public Health█████5%
Personnel Matters█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting - February 25, 2026

On February 25, 2026, the Tacoma City Council met to address a range of items including proclamations, appointments, labor agreements, and key ordinances on system development charges and utility taxes. The meeting included public comments on the Ukraine solidarity proclamation, Tacoma Beer Week, and opposition to proposed stormwater and wastewater fees.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent agenda was adopted unanimously, including the final reading of Ordinance 29090.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Michelle Reich (in-person) spoke during public comment on the Ukraine solidarity proclamation, arguing that the conflict began with a civil war and that both sides have suffered, urging perspective. She also spoke during community forum, advocating for zero growth to address overpopulation and climate change.
  • Kyle Jolly Boys (in-person) criticized Tacoma Beer Week, stating he is a recovering alcoholic with 30 years of sobriety, and questioned the message the event sends to youth. He also spoke during community forum about a dramatic increase in his utility bill (from $90 to $227) and requested an investigation.
  • Sean Egan (in-person, Port of Tacoma) opposed Ordinance 29085 (stormwater system development charges), arguing the port should not be charged for developments that do not connect to the city's system or for improvements already made. He noted that Seattle does not charge similar fees to the Port of Seattle and expressed concern that the ordinance would deter investment.
  • Aaron Hollenberg (virtual, Master Builders Association of Pierce County) opposed the SDC ordinances, stating that fee stacking increases housing costs and that developers pass these fees on to residents. He referenced a previous council action that removed a deduction against the gross earnings tax.
  • Sally Scheik (community forum) urged the council to take actions to limit ICE cooperation, including prohibiting city agencies from assisting federal immigration enforcement and using city property for ICE activities.
  • Lowell Wise (community forum, Climate and Sustainability Commission member) testified about the city manager hiring process, calling for more transparency, earlier notice of events, and accessible meeting times.
  • Chris Carnes (community forum, Planning Commission member) urged the council to ask city manager candidates about proactive traffic safety measures and using innovative tools.
  • Rob Crable (community forum, Planning Commission chair) argued for a slower, more transparent city manager recruitment process to build public trust.
  • Jessica Johnston (community forum) recommended hiring an internal candidate for city manager, citing the need for financial discipline and knowledge of Tacoma's systems.
  • Rocio Goodrich (community forum) called for shutting down the Northwest Detention Center and enacting a moratorium on ICE detention expansion, and for using health department authority to address conditions.

Discussion Items

  • Proclamations: The council adopted a proclamation declaring February 24, 2026, as the Day of Solidarity with the People of Ukraine (noting the four-year anniversary of Russia's invasion) and a proclamation declaring February 27 – March 8, 2026, as Tacoma Beer Week. Yuliia Divkivska (Tacoma-Brovar Sister City Committee) and Vladimir Poprovnyk (Ukrainian Association of Washington State) spoke in support of Ukraine. Kylie Palmer and Matthew McLaren (Tacoma Beer Week) highlighted 16 beer collaborations and 50 events.
  • Appointment of Tony Esparza: The council confirmed the appointment of Tony Esparza as Neighborhood and Community Services Director, effective March 23, 2026. Interim City Manager Kim Kim introduced Esparza, noting her work in Bellevue leading human services and ARPA funds. Esparza expressed commitment to equity and collaborative leadership.
  • Appointments to Human Rights and Human Services Commissions: The council adopted Resolutions 41855 and 41856, appointing and reappointing members to both commissions after interviews by the Community Vitality and Safety Committee.
  • Labor Agreements: The council adopted Resolutions 41857 and 41858 and set over Ordinance 29093 for final reading. These authorized new classifications: Hydro Park Aid (Teamsters Local 117) and Senior Retirement Specialist (IBEW Local 483), with associated pay ranges.
  • Contingency Fund for OASIS Youth Center: The council adopted Resolution 41859, allocating $30,000 from council contingency funds for staff-guided HIV and STI self-testing for LGBTQ+ youth ages 14+ in Pierce County, funding 300 tests. Councilmember Rumbaugh, Diaz, and Walker sponsored the resolution.
  • Wastewater and Stormwater System Development Charges: The council debated and voted on Ordinances 29084 and 29085. Staff presented the need to fund capacity-expanding projects, the fee structure (wastewater based on meter size, stormwater at $0.53 per added impervious square foot), and a phase-in effective July 1, 2026. Councilmembers Sidalgay and Heinz expressed concerns about fee stacking and impacts on housing affordability, while Mayor Ibsen noted the tension between growth paying for growth and existing subsidies. The council approved both ordinances, with Sidalgay voting nay on both; Heinz also voted nay on the stormwater ordinance.
  • Tacoma Water System Development Charges: The council adopted Ordinance 29091, updating water SDCs for the next five years through 2030. The increase was driven by regulatory requirements for pipeline pressurization and PFAS treatment. Councilmembers Sidalgay and Heinz voted nay, citing barriers to growth and insufficient state/federal funding.
  • Utility Tax Rate Reduction: The council adopted Ordinance 29092, reducing the utility tax rate from 7.5% to 6% effective March 1, 2026 (with a related amendment effective July 1, 2026).
  • City Manager Recruitment: Several community forum speakers requested more transparency and time in the city manager hiring process. Councilmember Sundester responded to immigration-related comments, highlighting existing city resources and advocacy.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda adopted unanimously.
  • Proclamations for Ukraine solidarity and Tacoma Beer Week approved.
  • Tony Esparza confirmed as Neighborhood and Community Services Director (vote: ayes unanimous).
  • Human Rights and Human Services Commission appointments approved (unanimous).
  • Labor agreements for new classifications approved (unanimous).
  • OASIS Youth Center contingency funding approved (unanimous).
  • Wastewater SDC ordinance (29084) passed 7-1 (Councilmember Sidalgay nay).
  • Stormwater SDC ordinance (29085) passed 7-2 (Councilmembers Heinz and Sidalgay nay).
  • Tacoma Water SDC ordinance (29091) passed 7-2 (Councilmembers Hines and Sidalgay nay).
  • Utility tax reduction ordinance (29092) passed (Councilmember Palmer absent, remainder ayes).
  • Ordinance 29093 (compensation plan) set over for final reading.
  • Adjournment motion approved.

Meeting Transcript

I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of February 24th, 2026. Clerk, will you please call the roll? Deputy Mayor Bushnell. President. Councilmember Diaz. Councilmember Heinz. Councilmember Palmer. Here. Councilmember Rumba here. Councilmember Sidalgay? Here. Councilmember Scott. Here. Councilmember Walker. Here. Mayor Ibsen? Here. Please join me in listening to the land acknowledgement and flag salute led by Councilmember Palmer, followed by a moment of silence. We gratefully honor and acknowledge that we rest on the traditional lands of the Puala people where they make their home and speak the Lushutsi language. If you so choose, please stand for the flag salute and remain standing for a moment of silence. Liberty and Justice R. Are there any modifications to the agenda this evening? Seeing none, we'll move on to the consent agenda. We now have the consent agenda before us for consideration. I move to adopt the consent agenda including the final reading of ordinance number two nine zero nine zero. We've been seconded. Seeing none, all those in favor of adopting the consent agenda, please signify by saying aye. Aye. All those posed say nay. Consent agenda is declared adopted. We have two ceremonials tonight. For the day of solidarity with the people of Ukraine proclamation, I'd like to invite uh Ms. Yulia Divkivska, Chair of the Tacoma Bravari Sister City Committee and a member of the Ukrainian community. And uh Vladimir Poprovnik, head of advocacy, Ukrainian Association of Washington State to the podium as I read the proclamation. Please join us. Whereas on March 1st, 2022, the Tacoma City Council passed resolution 40920 expressing support for Tacoma's sister city in Bravari, Ukraine, and in February of 2023, 2024 and 2025 proclaimed a day of solidarity with the people of Ukraine. And whereas the 24th of February marks the four-year anniversary since Russia has launched an unprovoked and unjustified attack and occupation of Ukraine that has killed and injured many Ukrainian citizens. And whereas Ukraine has maintained a special bond with the United States, demonstrated by Ukraine's deployment of its military personnel alongside U.S. troops and operations like those in Afghanistan and Iraq, reflecting its consistent support for NATO missions over the past 30 years. And whereas Tacoma and Bravari, Ukraine, have maintained a unique sister city relationship since 2017, marked by meaningful exchanges and our local communities' efforts to donate resources and a surplus abundance that have supported their resilience. And whereas the Ukrainian community in Tacoma has shown extraordinary resolve in organizing humanitarian aid efforts and maintaining crucial support for their homeland in its fight for sovereignty. And whereas the city of Tacoma condemns Russia's unconscionable invasion and gross violations of human rights and war crimes against the Ukrainian people, whose invasion is putting the people of both countries in the way of unnecessary harm. Now, therefore, I, Andrews Ibsen, mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council, do Hebrew proclaim Tuesday, February 224th, 2026, as day of solidarity with the people of Ukraine in the City of Tacoma, and urge all residents of Tacoma to stand in support of the Ukrainian people and their struggle for freedom. We acknowledge their indomitable strength and determination in the face of brutal aggression and commemorate this day as a testament to the enduring spirit of Ukraine, emphasizing our collective belief in a brighter tomorrow, free from oppression. Slava Ukraini, Yislava Goral. Please say a few words. Mayor, Council members, and Tacoma residents. Today marks exactly four years since time stopped for us. On February 24th, 2022, life for every Ukrainian was instantly and violently divided into before and after. For four years, my people have fought for simplest and the sacred rights, the right to exist, the right to speak their language, the right to stand on our ancestral soil without fear.

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