OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting – April 21, 2026: Proclamations, Ballot Measure, and Annual Action Plan

City Council — Tuesday, April 21, 2026
BodyTacoma, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, April 21, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 36:17

Transcript — Verbatim
0:04

Good evening.

0:05

I'd like to call to order the City Council meeting of April 21st, 2026.

0:09

Clerk, please call the roll.

0:10

Deputy Mayor Bushnell.

0:11

Present.

0:12

Councilmember Diaz.

0:13

Councilmember Hines.

0:14

Councilmember Palmer.

0:16

Councilmember Rumba.

0:17

Here.

0:17

Councilmember Sidalgay?

0:19

Here.

0:19

Councilmember Scott?

0:20

Here.

0:21

Councilmember Walker?

0:22

Here.

0:22

Mayor Ibsen?

0:24

Here.

0:24

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

0:30

We greatly honor and acknowledge that we rest on the traditional lands of the Puella people where they speak their where they make their home and speak their Lashutseed language.

0:41

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

1:11

Are there any modifications to the agenda tonight?

1:15

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

1:18

I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolution number 41892.

1:22

Moving second, are there any questions, comments, or corrections?

1:27

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

1:31

I was supposed to say nay.

1:32

Consent agenda is declared adopted.

1:35

We have two ceremonials tonight for the Fair Housing Month proclamation.

1:40

I'd like to invite Adrian Buchanan, Executive Director of the Fair Housing Center of Washington, and members from the Tacoma Pierce County Association of Realtors to the podium as I read the proclamation.

1:58

Whereas on April 11th, 1968, the Fair Housing Act was enacted into law and today affirms the right to housing free from discrimination based on aspects like race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

2:16

And whereas where people live has a direct impact on the quality of their health, education, and access to economic opportunities and discriminatory housing practice practices create racial and economic segregation in communities that can lead to disparate outcomes in overall quality of life.

2:32

And whereas the City of Tacoma believes that access to fair housing laws have made our communities stronger and more vibrant and is committed to programs that help educate the public about the right to equal housing, and whereas we are committed to promoting housing choices and fostering inclusive communities free from housing discrimination and to partnering with housing industry organizations to further fair housing causes.

2:53

Now therefore, I Andrews Ibsen, Mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim April 2026 as Fair Housing Month in the City of Tacoma and recognize the 58th anniversary of the Federal Fair Housing Act and thank the many people and organizations in our communities who have opened the doors of housing opportunity to all.

3:12

Please say a few words.

3:14

Thank you.

3:14

Thank you, Mayor and members of City Council for this proclamation.

3:18

My name is Adria Buchanan.

3:20

I've served as the Executive Director of the Fair Housing Center of Washington for the last seven years.

3:24

Our agency serves 23 counties, providing training, enforcement, and advocacy to limit unlawful housing discrimination and promote inclusive communities.

3:34

At a time when civil rights are under attack, we have found ourselves busier than ever helping clients navigate a plethora of housing challenges.

3:42

So far this year in 2026, we've seen a 30% increase in the number of calls we've received.

3:47

As municipalities work to bring more housing units online, we must stress that not much will change who is living on the street if the same discriminatory practices exist.

3:57

We must require fair housing education for property management companies taking over new developments for HOA and COA board members, for city councils, and for planning commissions and others who are making important decisions about housing.

4:11

Our call volume is too high, and our situations and the situations that we hear about on a daily basis are too dire for us to let up now.

4:19

The federal government's latest budget proposal eliminates funding for the work that we do, but we know our work is essential as the majority of fair housing complaints received throughout Western Washington are processed by our our agency alone.

4:32

And our clients are overwhelmingly older folks with disabilities.

4:36

We are fighting discrimination and fighting to exist, and so my ask of you today is to continue to do your part to create a culture of compliance and inclusivity.

4:46

We urge you to review how the city of Tacoma is building capacity to prevent discriminatory practice before it starts, and we're here to help.

4:53

So I want to thank you for your work and to our other partners here today for creating more housing opportunity.

5:00

Thank you.

5:02

Thank you, Ms.

5:02

McCann.

5:03

Are there any other other comments from the council?

5:07

Seeing none, uh please come forward and accept the proclamation and please join me in giving a round of applause.

5:33

Let's see.

5:36

That's right.

5:37

All right, everybody.

5:39

Smile, one, two, three.

5:42

One, two, three.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural█████████████████████████████████████████41%
Transportation Safety█████████████████17%
Affordable Housing███████████████15%
Public Engagement█████████████13%
Fiscal Sustainability██████6%
Technology and Innovation███3%
Community Engagement███3%
Economic Development██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting – April 21, 2026

The Tacoma City Council met at 1:00 PM on April 21, 2026, for a regular meeting that included proclamations, public comments, a ballot measure for transportation safety, and a public hearing on the 2026 Annual Action Plan. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, reconfirmed the Director of Utilities, adopted a revised ballot measure for the August primary, and passed a compensation ordinance.

Consent Calendar

  • Adopted Resolution 41892 (routine approvals) unanimously.

Proclamations

  • Fair Housing Month (April 2026): Mayor Ibsen read a proclamation recognizing the 58th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. Adrian Buchanan, Executive Director of the Fair Housing Center of Washington, reported a 30% increase in calls this year and urged the city to build capacity for preventing discriminatory practices. She noted the federal budget proposal eliminates funding for their work and asked the council to continue fostering a culture of compliance and inclusivity.
  • Occupational Therapy Month (April 2026): Elizabeth Sherman Thomas (University of Puget Sound) and representatives from Bates Technical College accepted the proclamation, highlighting the profession's role in helping people with disabilities and those recovering from illness or injury.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Tyler Daniels (virtual) expressed concern that new housing construction itself is discriminatory due to policies and building standards that prioritize unit counts over quality, leading to toxic materials and unsafe environments. He referenced the Asarco superfund site and called for oversight of housing conditions.
  • Unnamed speaker (phone ending 9772) attempted to speak about rental housing code (PMC 1.95 and 1.100) but was informed the item was not on the agenda; redirected to email the council or attend the next community forum.
  • During the public hearing on the 2026 Annual Action Plan, Tyler Daniels again testified, asking for stronger oversight of housing maintenance and material toxicity in projects receiving federal funding.

Discussion Items

  • Reconfirmation of Director of Utilities: Deputy Mayor Bushnell moved to reconfirm Jackie Flowers as Director of Utilities for a two-year term starting May 3, 2026, based on an annual performance review. Council members praised her leadership, culture-building, and community engagement. The motion passed unanimously.
  • Appointments to Climate & Sustainability Commission: Resolution 41893 appointed/reappointed Daniel Purcell, Chelsea Brown, Justine Jadala, Michael Chang, Hope Springer, Laura Swansaric, and Casey Twiggs. Approved unanimously.
  • Connect Tacoma Safe Streets and Sidewalks Ballot Measure (Resolution 41894): This resolution supersedes Resolution 41890 and transmits a proposition to the August 4, 2026, primary ballot. The measure would increase utility taxes by 1.5% and property taxes by 20 cents per $1,000 assessed value for 10 years, raising $200 million from the levy, plus an expected $90 million in grants and $30 million in partnerships for a total $320 million. Two changes were made from the previous version:
    1. Dedicated revenues to three investment themes: 26% for better neighborhood streets ($85M total, $75M from levy), 50% for safer streets for everyone ($159M total, $85M from levy), and 24% for improved connections ($76M total, $40M from levy).
    2. Adjusted the maximum levy rate ceiling from $1.78 to $1.95 per $1,000 to account for future assessed value changes (the actual increase remains 20 cents). The resolution was adopted unanimously.
  • Ordinance 29103 (Final Reading): Amended the compensation plan for employees represented by IBEW Local 483 (clerical) and Teamsters Local 117 (Tacoma Venues & Events). Passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
  • Public Hearing – 2026 Annual Action Plan: Felicia Medlin presented the draft plan for three federal programs: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) – $2.4M, Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) – amount not specified in total? Actually transcript shows ESG allocation split: $187,000 contracted for shelter and rapid rehousing plus admin, and HOME Investment Partnerships Program – $1.07M (with $824,000 for Tacoma and $251,000 for Lakewood). Total combined funding approximately $3.7 million. The plan includes public services focusing on shelter programs, microenterprise assistance (Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber's Space Works and Business Impact Northwest), single-family home repair (Rebuilding Together South Sound and city program), and administration. The public comment period runs through May 1; final council action scheduled for May 5. One public comment was received (Tyler Daniels, as noted above).
  • City Manager Reports: Noted ongoing efforts to increase outreach for community forums and meetings, and recognized IT Director Daniel Key as a finalist for a second Orby Award for technology leadership.
  • Committee Report: Councilmember Rumba reported that the Community Vitality & Safety Committee met on March 26 to review the Annual Action Plan and interview Human Services Commission candidates; next meeting April 23 includes interviews for the Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs and briefings on the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center and therapeutic courts.
  • Council Comments: Councilmember Sidalga thanked colleagues and community partners for a Route 7 cleanup (over 30 volunteers) and promoted Litter Free 253 events on April 25.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda (Resolution 41892) adopted unanimously.
  • Jackie Flowers reconfirmed as Director of Utilities for two years (unanimous).
  • Resolution 41893 (Climate & Sustainability Commission appointments) adopted unanimously.
  • Resolution 41894 (Connect Tacoma ballot measure) adopted unanimously; the proposition will appear on the August 4, 2026, primary election ballot.
  • Ordinance 29103 (compensation plan) passed unanimously.
  • Public hearing on the 2026 Annual Action Plan opened and closed; final council adoption scheduled for May 5, 2026, with HUD submission by May 15.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. I'd like to call to order the City Council meeting of April 21st, 2026. Clerk, please call the roll. Deputy Mayor Bushnell. Present. Councilmember Diaz. Councilmember Hines. 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 Diaz, followed by a moment of silence. We greatly honor and acknowledge that we rest on the traditional lands of the Puella people where they speak their where they make their home and speak their Lashutseed language. Please stand for the flag salute and remain standing for a moment of silence. Are there any modifications to the agenda tonight? Seeing none, we're going to move on to the consent agenda. I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolution number 41892. Moving second, are there any questions, comments, or corrections? Seeing none, all those in favor of adopting the consent agenda, please signify by saying aye. I was supposed to say nay. Consent agenda is declared adopted. We have two ceremonials tonight for the Fair Housing Month proclamation. I'd like to invite Adrian Buchanan, Executive Director of the Fair Housing Center of Washington, and members from the Tacoma Pierce County Association of Realtors to the podium as I read the proclamation. Whereas on April 11th, 1968, the Fair Housing Act was enacted into law and today affirms the right to housing free from discrimination based on aspects like race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. And whereas where people live has a direct impact on the quality of their health, education, and access to economic opportunities and discriminatory housing practice practices create racial and economic segregation in communities that can lead to disparate outcomes in overall quality of life. And whereas the City of Tacoma believes that access to fair housing laws have made our communities stronger and more vibrant and is committed to programs that help educate the public about the right to equal housing, and whereas we are committed to promoting housing choices and fostering inclusive communities free from housing discrimination and to partnering with housing industry organizations to further fair housing causes. Now therefore, I Andrews Ibsen, Mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim April 2026 as Fair Housing Month in the City of Tacoma and recognize the 58th anniversary of the Federal Fair Housing Act and thank the many people and organizations in our communities who have opened the doors of housing opportunity to all. Please say a few words. Thank you. Thank you, Mayor and members of City Council for this proclamation. My name is Adria Buchanan. I've served as the Executive Director of the Fair Housing Center of Washington for the last seven years. Our agency serves 23 counties, providing training, enforcement, and advocacy to limit unlawful housing discrimination and promote inclusive communities. At a time when civil rights are under attack, we have found ourselves busier than ever helping clients navigate a plethora of housing challenges. So far this year in 2026, we've seen a 30% increase in the number of calls we've received. As municipalities work to bring more housing units online, we must stress that not much will change who is living on the street if the same discriminatory practices exist. We must require fair housing education for property management companies taking over new developments for HOA and COA board members, for city councils, and for planning commissions and others who are making important decisions about housing. Our call volume is too high, and our situations and the situations that we hear about on a daily basis are too dire for us to let up now. The federal government's latest budget proposal eliminates funding for the work that we do, but we know our work is essential as the majority of fair housing complaints received throughout Western Washington are processed by our our agency alone. And our clients are overwhelmingly older folks with disabilities. We are fighting discrimination and fighting to exist, and so my ask of you today is to continue to do your part to create a culture of compliance and inclusivity. We urge you to review how the city of Tacoma is building capacity to prevent discriminatory practice before it starts, and we're here to help. So I want to thank you for your work and to our other partners here today for creating more housing opportunity.

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