OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting - April 1, 2026: Sound Transit Support, Trans Day of Visibility, and Tax Exemptions

City Council — Wednesday, April 1, 2026
BodyTacoma, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateWednesday, April 1, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:38:33

Transcript — Verbatim
0:03

I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of March 31st, 2026.

0:07

Clerk, please call the roll.

0:09

Deputy Mayor Bushnell.

0:11

Present.

0:11

Councilmember Diaz.

0:13

Councilmember Heinz.

0:14

Here.

0:15

Councilmember Palmer.

0:16

Councilmember Rumba.

0:17

Here.

0:18

Councilmember Sidalgay.

0:19

Here.

0:20

Councilmember Scott?

0:21

Here.

0:21

Councilmember Walker.

0:22

Here.

0:23

Mayor Ibsen.

0:24

Here.

0:24

Please join me in listening to the land acknowledgement and flag salute led by Councilmember Walker, followed by Moan Silence.

0:32

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

0:40

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

1:10

We have two modifications to the agenda tonight to add a letter to the Sound Transit Board supporting the Tacoma Dome Link extension under the regular agenda as item 8A and to amend item 10 Resolution No.

1:20

41878 to correct the tax parcel number.

1:23

We now have a motion before us for consideration.

1:25

I move to suspend Rule 4A of the Rules of Procedure to amend the agenda by adding a letter to the Sound Transit Board supporting the Tacoma Dome Link extension under the regular agenda as item 8A.

1:37

Second.

1:37

Moving to second, there are any council questions or comments.

1:41

I just wanted to let the uh council know that um this is not going to be in the consent agenda, so we'll be able to comment on the letter later.

1:49

Thank you for clarifying.

1:50

Seeing no further comments, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

1:54

Aye.

1:55

Those opposed to say nay.

1:56

Motion is declared adopted.

1:57

Are there any additional modifications to the agenda this evening?

2:01

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

2:05

I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolutions number 41875 and 41876.

2:12

Move and second, are there any questions, comments, or corrections?

2:15

Councilmember Rumba.

2:18

I would like to correct the minutes of the October 29th, 2024 Council meeting on page 13 to change the voice vote on proposed amendment number nine to reflect that I abstained.

2:31

Second.

2:32

All right, moved and seconded.

2:33

Are there any additional questions, comments, or corrections?

2:36

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

2:40

Aye.

2:40

Those opposed to say nay.

2:41

Consent agenda is declared adopted.

2:44

We now have two ceremonials tonight for um Daffodil Royal Court recognition.

2:50

I would like to invite Queen Anica Howard, representing Eatonville High School to the podium as I read the recognition.

2:59

Welcome.

3:00

Whereas the Daffodil Royal Court represents a long-standing tradition of excellence, leadership, and service in our community, serving as ambassadors of goodwill and embodying the values of dedication, scholarship, and civic engagement.

3:13

And whereas members are selected from participating Pierce County schools not only for their academic achievements, but also for their commitment to community service, exemplifying the highest standards of integrity and leadership.

3:24

And whereas through their participation in the annual Daffodil Festival and various community outreach programs, the Daffodil Royal Court fosters unity, inspires future generations, and highlights the rich history and culture of Tacoma and the greater South Sound region.

3:38

And whereas the Daffodil royalty members serve as role models for young people, demonstrating the importance of volunteerism, education, and civic pride while strengthening the bonds.

3:48

They make our communities strong and vibrant.

3:50

And whereas it is fitting and proper that we recognize the contributions of these outstanding young leaders and commend them for their dedication to making Tacoma a better place for all.

3:59

And now therefore, I, Andrews Ibsen, mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council and the over 225,000 residents of Tacoma, do hereby recognize the Daffodil Royal Court and urge all residents to join in recognizing and celebrating their achievements and service and thanking them for their commitment to our community.

4:17

Please say a few words.

4:20

On behalf of the 2026 Daffodil Court, I want to thank you all so much for the invitation out to the Tacoma City Council to recognize us as official ambassadors for the City of Tacoma.

4:30

I would also like to formally invite all of you guys here to the parade this Saturday with four different locations and four different start times.

4:38

The Tacoma Parade starts at 1015 in the morning.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural███████████11%
Human Rights██████████10%
Public Safety██████████10%
Active Transportation██████████10%
Immigration Detention Oversight██████████10%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████████9%
Personnel Matters███████7%
Youth Programs██████6%
Transportation Safety██████6%
Summary of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting - April 1, 2026

The Tacoma City Council met on April 1, 2026, to conduct regular business, including adopting a resolution supporting the Tacoma Dome Link extension, recognizing the Daffodil Royal Court and Transgender Day of Visibility, approving collective bargaining agreements, property tax exemptions, and funding for immigrant rights. The council also addressed public comments on trans rights and heard committee reports.

Consent Calendar

  • Adopted resolutions 41875 and 41876, corrected minutes from October 29, 2024, to reflect Councilmember Rumba's abstention on a proposed amendment.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • John Staub (Pierce County Immigration Alliance) commended the Trans Day of Visibility proclamation and urged broader protections for trans people, renters, workers, and immigrants.
  • Matt pleaded for conversion therapy bans and protection of trans youth, sharing personal testimony about a friend lost to transphobia.
  • Gemini (Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Osage Nation) called for stronger protections for trans community and criticized the Northwest ICE Processing Center.
  • Dez criticized "pink washing" and demanded meaningful action beyond symbolism.
  • Tyler Michael Daniels (also known as Relit) alleged wrongful termination by the city due to discrimination, linking health issues to systemic oppression.
  • Nathaniel called for concrete protections in housing, hiring, and workplaces.
  • Ifa Pasquale (Freedom Road Socialist Organization) emphasized the need for material protections, noting the city's immigrant detention center contradictions.
  • John Henry (online) made hostile remarks about the Daffodil Royal Court and trans visibility; was cut off for not identifying an agenda item.
  • Amelia Escobedo cited statistics on trans homicides, including 70% involving guns and disproportionate deaths of Black trans women, and urged data tracking in Washington.
  • Brown Jameson shared personal tragedy of losing a trans son to suicide, expressing support for visibility.

Discussion Items

  • Modification to Agenda: Added a letter to the Sound Transit Board supporting the Tacoma Dome Link extension as item 8A and amended Resolution 41878 to correct a tax parcel number. Approved unanimously.
  • Ceremonials:
    • Recognized the 2026 Daffodil Royal Court (Queen Anica Howard and princesses from multiple high schools) and their future plans.
    • Proclaimed March 31, 2026, as Transgender Day of Visibility. Oliver Webb (Executive Director of Diversity Alliance of the South Sound) spoke, emphasizing the need for accountability, access, and beyond symbolic support. Councilmember Diaz noted the city's LGBTQIA+ sanctuary policy.
  • Appointment of Permanent City Manager: Approved appointment of Hun Kim effective April 1, 2026, with a voice vote in favor. Councilmembers praised his leadership on safety, homelessness, and budget sustainability.
  • Sound Transit Letter: Council adopted a letter to the Sound Transit Board supporting the Tacoma Dome Link extension. Deputy Mayor Bushnell and Councilmember Walker (Sound Transit Board rep) highlighted the importance for Pierce County, noting a $34.5 billion budget gap and the need to avoid disproportionate delays. Councilmembers cited equity, climate, and generational investment. Approved unanimously.
  • Collective Bargaining Agreement - IBEW 483 Court Clerks: Resolution 41877 approved a three-year agreement with 3% wage increases and market adjustments for court clerks and financial clerks. Approved.
  • Multifamily Housing Tax Exemptions:
    • Resolution 41878 approved a 12-year property tax exemption for Journey Points Homes LLC (six units at 310 S. Puget Sound Ave), amended to correct parcel number. Expected net positive city impact of $56,000 over exemption period. Approved with amendment.
    • Resolution 41879 approved a 12-year tax exemption for Meacham Development LLC (four units at 5440 S. K Street). Mayor abstained due to conflict of interest. Net positive city impact of $36,000. Approved.
  • Tacoma Creates Underspent Funds: Resolution 41880 endorsed using $500,000 from underspent funds for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 program years to support nonprofit cultural organizations. Councilmember Scott and Walker noted concerns over federal/state funding cuts. Approved.
  • Council Contingency for NW Immigrant Rights Project: Resolution 41881 authorized $15,000 sponsorship of the 2026 Gala and a declaration of solidarity. Councilmember Diaz emphasized support for detained immigrants. Councilmembers highlighted ongoing city funding for legal aid and the Aid Northwest Welcome Center. Approved.
  • Final Reading of Ordinances:
    • Ordinance 29098 (compensation for SMART T&D conductors) passed with all ayes.
    • Ordinance 29099 (personnel rules for railway conductor trainee) passed with all ayes.
  • First Reading of Ordinances:
    • Ordinance 29100 (IBEW 483 court clerks compensation) set for final reading on April 14, 2026.
    • Ordinance 29101 (eliminating Board of Building Appeals, transferring appeals to hearing examiner) introduced. Building Official Chris Seaman explained the board has not met for an appeal in over 10 years. Council discussed fee refunds and repurposing current board members. Set for final reading on April 14, 2026.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved addition of Sound Transit support letter, adoption of resolutions 41875-41881, and ordinances 29098-29099.
  • Amended Resolution 41878 to correct tax parcel number.
  • Appointed Hun Kim as permanent city manager with a voice vote.
  • Approved $15,000 in council contingency for NW Immigrant Rights Project.
  • Directed staff to work with board members from Board of Building Appeals for reassignment.
  • Next regular meeting: April 14, 2026 (April 7 session canceled).

Meeting Transcript

I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of March 31st, 2026. Clerk, please call the roll. Deputy Mayor Bushnell. Present. Councilmember Diaz. Councilmember Heinz. Here. Councilmember Palmer. 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 Walker, followed by Moan Silence. We gratefully honor and acknowledge that we rest on the traditional lands of the Pualut people where they speak their home and they make their home and speak the Leshutseed language. Please stand for the flag salute and remain standing for a moment of silence. We have two modifications to the agenda tonight to add a letter to the Sound Transit Board supporting the Tacoma Dome Link extension under the regular agenda as item 8A and to amend item 10 Resolution No. 41878 to correct the tax parcel number. We now have a motion before us for consideration. I move to suspend Rule 4A of the Rules of Procedure to amend the agenda by adding a letter to the Sound Transit Board supporting the Tacoma Dome Link extension under the regular agenda as item 8A. Second. Moving to second, there are any council questions or comments. I just wanted to let the uh council know that um this is not going to be in the consent agenda, so we'll be able to comment on the letter later. Thank you for clarifying. Seeing no further comments, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Those opposed to say nay. Motion is declared adopted. Are there any additional 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 number 41875 and 41876. Move and second, are there any questions, comments, or corrections? Councilmember Rumba. I would like to correct the minutes of the October 29th, 2024 Council meeting on page 13 to change the voice vote on proposed amendment number nine to reflect that I abstained. Second. All right, moved and seconded. Are there any additional questions, comments, or corrections? All those in favor of adopting the consent agenda, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Those opposed to say nay. Consent agenda is declared adopted. We now have two ceremonials tonight for um Daffodil Royal Court recognition. I would like to invite Queen Anica Howard, representing Eatonville High School to the podium as I read the recognition. Welcome. Whereas the Daffodil Royal Court represents a long-standing tradition of excellence, leadership, and service in our community, serving as ambassadors of goodwill and embodying the values of dedication, scholarship, and civic engagement.

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