OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting – May 5, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, May 5, 2026
BodyTacoma, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, May 5, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:39:13

Transcript — Verbatim
0:03

I'd like to call to order the City Council meeting of May 5th, 2026.

0:08

Clerk, please call the roll.

0:09

Deputy Mayor Bushnell.

0:11

President.

0:11

Councilmember Diaz?

0:16

Councilmember Diaz?

0:19

Here.

0:20

Councilmember Hines?

0:22

Here.

0:22

Councilmember Palmer?

0:24

Councilmember Rumba?

0:25

Here.

0:25

Councilmember Sidalgay?

0:27

Here.

0:27

Councilmember Scott.

0:32

Absent Councilmember Walker?

0:33

Here.

0:34

Mayor Ibsen?

0:35

Here.

0:36

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

0:42

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

0:51

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

1:24

We have one modification to resolution number four one nine zero five, item number thirteen on the agenda tonight to consider a substitute to refine the language.

1:33

Are there any additional modifications to the agenda this evening?

1:37

I move to adopt a consent agenda, including resolutions number one four one nine zero one.

1:42

Second.

1:42

Moving second, are there any comments, questions, or corrections to the consent agenda?

1:47

Councilmember Walker.

1:49

Thank you.

1:49

I just really quickly want to say how excited I am about the South Cedar Street Active Transportation Enhancement Project, and this is the final step in getting that project going this summer to provide some north-south connections for people on uh bikes.

2:05

Thanks.

2:05

Wonderful.

2:06

Well noted.

2:07

All right, seeing no other comments, um, all those in favor of adopting the consent agenda, please signify by saying aye.

2:13

Aye.

2:13

Those opposed say nay.

2:15

Consent agenda is declared adopted.

2:17

We have three ceremonials tonight for National Red Dress Proclamation Day.

2:23

I would like to invite Mallory Trujillo, Business Services Analyst to calm a fire to the podium as I read the proclamation.

2:39

Whereas uh May 5th is National Day of Awareness for missing and murdered indigenous women, girls, and two spirit peoples in the United States and Canada, and whereas also known as Red Dress Day, this national observation was inspired by Metis artist Jamie Black, who displayed red dresses to address the disproportionate rates of missing and murdered indigenous women, girls, and two spirit people.

3:02

And whereas today many indigenous people continue to experience systemic and individual discrimination and highly disproportionate levels of life-threatening and gender-based violence, trauma, and exploitation.

3:15

And whereas indigenous women across the nation and in our region are being murdered and are missing at epidemic rates, including in Washington State, which ranks second in the nation for unsolved cases.

3:26

And we need ongoing, respectful and responsive affiliation with tribal entities, regional and federal jurisdictions, and their law enforcement arms to solve these cases.

3:35

And whereas Red Dress Day is an opportunity to honor the memory of murdered women, girls, and two spirit people, to acknowledge those who are still missing, and to stand in solidarity with indigenous nations and families here in Tacoma and across the United States and Canada who've lost loved ones.

3:51

And whereas the City of Tacoma is committed to engaging with indigenous nations and peoples in the spirit of reconciliation.

3:58

Now therefore, I, Andrews Ibsen, Mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim Tuesday, May 5th, 2026, as missing and murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People Day in the City of Tacoma, and encourage our residents to reflect on this day with the many families, friends, neighbors, and communities that deserve diligence, resolution, and reconciliation.

4:21

Please say uh say a few words.

4:24

Thank you, Mayor Ibsen and Council members.

4:27

I prepared a little brief statement to speak.

4:30

Today, my heart and thoughts are with the survivors and families of missing and murdered indigenous women, girls, and two spirit people.

4:37

Indigenous communities know too well the pain wrought by past and present injustices.

4:42

From the Trail of Tear to the era of residential schools.

4:45

The violence targeting indigenous women and girls is a stark reality we continue to face daily.

4:51

Red Dress Day is not just a day of remembrance, it is a day of action and reflection of the ongoing impact of a systemic injustices.

5:00

This day draws its inspiration from Atist artist Jamie Black's Red Dress Art Installation Project, which is an evocative symbol of the lives taken and the pervasive inequities faced by Indigenous women, girls, and two spirit people.

5:13

The haunting visual of empty red dresses serves as a powerful reminder of the thousands who should be standing with us today.

5:19

This day raises awareness of this national crisis and offers us the opportunity to reflect on the efforts made as the well as the work still left to be done to address the deep-rooted systemic issues and help us build a safer, more equitable society.

5:33

Today, as we mark Red Dress Day, we stand united, giving voice to those who no longer have one.

5:38

We honor the lives lost and recognize the strength and courage of families, survivors, and communities who continue to advocate for the dignity and justice of their loved ones.

5:48

It is essential that we not only remember, but we act.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety███████████████████19%
Racial Equity██████████████████18%
Procedural████████████████16%
Community Engagement██████████████14%
Pending Litigation██████6%
Immigration Detention Oversight██████6%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████5%
Animal Welfare█████5%
Economic Development████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting – May 5, 2026

The Tacoma City Council met on May 5, 2026, at the Tacoma Municipal Building. The meeting included three proclamations, public comments, and action on several resolutions and ordinances. Key decisions included approval of the annual action plan for housing grants, a contract amendment for jail services with the Nisqually Tribe, funding for a film task force, a resolution condemning federal immigration enforcement actions, and first reading of an ordinance restricting city property use for immigration enforcement.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent agenda, including Resolution 41901 (no details provided), was adopted unanimously. Councilmember Walker expressed support for the South Cedar Street Active Transportation Enhancement Project.

Proclamations

  • National Red Dress Day (May 5, 2026): The council proclaimed May 5, 2026, as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People Day. Mallory Trujillo, Business Services Analyst, spoke about the ongoing impact of systemic injustices and the importance of remembrance and action.
  • City of Destiny Awards Day (May 6, 2026): The council proclaimed May 6, 2026, as City of Destiny Awards Day. Ashley Young, Special Events Coordinator, and committee members Jacob Tice and Tai Vow highlighted the awards ceremony at the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall, honoring community changemakers.
  • Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May 2026): The council proclaimed May 2026 as AAPI Heritage Month. Speakers including Lewis Griffith, Jennifer Camerzell, former Judge Art Wong, and youth representatives celebrated AAPI contributions and shared personal stories about representation and resilience.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • John Scott spoke in support of Resolution 41904 (Film Task Force), emphasizing the economic and creative potential of filmmaking in Tacoma, and also urged reconsideration of the hiring freeze for city services.
  • Merrick's Castro thanked the council for recognizing AAPI Heritage Month, highlighted the political roots of the term "Asian American," and celebrated local representation including Fire Chief Staling's Alaima, Deputy Mayor Bushnell, and City Manager Kim.
  • Delilah Green, a Foss High School student, spoke on Resolution 41902, requesting more support services for students after a mass stabbing incident at her school that made national news.
  • Art Wong shared a personal story about birthright citizenship in the context of federal immigration actions, expressing concern that his citizenship could be questioned due to his father's diplomatic status.
  • April spoke in support of Ordinance 29104 (animal control amendments), thanking the council for clarifying definitions to protect animals.
  • Lydia Zapeta urged the council to vote for Ordinance 29105 and Resolution 41905, asking for a permanent budget line item for nonprofit legal services for detained immigrants and clearer guidance for Tacoma Police Department on interactions with federal immigration agents.
  • Alma Viegas echoed Lydia Zapeta's requests and emphasized the need for permanent funding and transparency regarding TPD's role during immigration enforcement.

Discussion Items

  • Resolution 41902 (Annual Action Plan): Felicia Medlin presented the 2026 grant summary totaling approximately $4.4 million from CDBG, ESG, and HOME programs to support housing, community development, and public services for households at or below 80% AMI. The plan included a 30-day comment period ending May 1. Approved unanimously.
  • Resolution 41903 (Nisqually Tribe Jail Services): City Attorney Chris Bochus explained the contract amendment to extend jail housing and services retroactive to April 1, 2026, through April 1, 2028, with a compensation increase from $500,000 to $5,331,162. The city uses Nisqually for overflow inmates due to Pierce County's limited bed capacity (75 beds). Councilmember Palmer voted no citing lack of information on alternatives. Adopted 8-1.
  • Resolution 41904 (Film Task Force): Councilmember Scott proposed a $10,000 council contingency fund to sponsor the Grand Cinemas Film Task Force. He noted Tacoma issued only 11 film permits in 2025 compared to Seattle's 360, and the task force would develop recommendations to attract more film projects. Approved unanimously.
  • Resolution 41905 (Immigration Enforcement Action): Councilmember Sidalgay introduced a resolution condemning recent federal ICE enforcement actions and supporting state oversight of the Northwest ICE Processing Center. Councilmember Diaz offered a substitute that added references to the governor's legal action against GEO Group, data sharing oversight, and state legislation. After discussion, the substitute was adopted, and the final resolution passed unanimously.
  • Ordinance 29104 (Animal Control Amendment): Councilmember Hines presented changes to Title 17 to improve humane standards for animals, including limits on tethering during extreme weather (below 32°F or above 90°F), requirements for breaks every 30 minutes when confined to vehicles, and a ban on unsupervised tethering to vehicles. Adopted unanimously.
  • Ordinance 29105 (Use of Public Property for Immigration Enforcement): Councilmember Diaz introduced the first reading of an ordinance prohibiting city-owned property from being used for civil immigration enforcement without city consent. The ordinance includes civil remedies. Set for final reading on May 12, 2026.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Calendar adopted unanimously.
  • Resolution 41902 adopted unanimously.
  • Resolution 41903 adopted 8-1 (Councilmember Palmer opposed).
  • Resolution 41904 adopted unanimously.
  • Resolution 41905 (substitute) adopted unanimously after substitution.
  • Ordinance 29104 passed unanimously on final reading.
  • Ordinance 29105 placed on first reading for final action on May 12, 2026.
  • Councilmember Walker reported from the Infrastructure, Planning and Sustainability Committee that the six-year transportation improvement program was forwarded to full council.
  • Councilmember Hines announced the start of Pothole Palooza and led a humorous song to encourage community pothole reporting.

Meeting Transcript

I'd like to call to order the City Council meeting of May 5th, 2026. Clerk, please call the roll. Deputy Mayor Bushnell. President. Councilmember Diaz? Councilmember Diaz? Here. Councilmember Hines? Here. Councilmember Palmer? Councilmember Rumba? Here. Councilmember Sidalgay? Here. Councilmember Scott. Absent 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 Puyala people where they make their home and speak the Lushutseed language. If you so choose, please stand for the flag salute and remain standing for a moment of silence. We have one modification to resolution number four one nine zero five, item number thirteen on the agenda tonight to consider a substitute to refine the language. Are there any additional modifications to the agenda this evening? I move to adopt a consent agenda, including resolutions number one four one nine zero one. Second. Moving second, are there any comments, questions, or corrections to the consent agenda? Councilmember Walker. Thank you. I just really quickly want to say how excited I am about the South Cedar Street Active Transportation Enhancement Project, and this is the final step in getting that project going this summer to provide some north-south connections for people on uh bikes. Thanks. Wonderful. Well noted. All right, seeing no other comments, um, all those in favor of adopting the consent agenda, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Those opposed say nay. Consent agenda is declared adopted. We have three ceremonials tonight for National Red Dress Proclamation Day. I would like to invite Mallory Trujillo, Business Services Analyst to calm a fire to the podium as I read the proclamation. Whereas uh May 5th is National Day of Awareness for missing and murdered indigenous women, girls, and two spirit peoples in the United States and Canada, and whereas also known as Red Dress Day, this national observation was inspired by Metis artist Jamie Black, who displayed red dresses to address the disproportionate rates of missing and murdered indigenous women, girls, and two spirit people. And whereas today many indigenous people continue to experience systemic and individual discrimination and highly disproportionate levels of life-threatening and gender-based violence, trauma, and exploitation. And whereas indigenous women across the nation and in our region are being murdered and are missing at epidemic rates, including in Washington State, which ranks second in the nation for unsolved cases. And we need ongoing, respectful and responsive affiliation with tribal entities, regional and federal jurisdictions, and their law enforcement arms to solve these cases. And whereas Red Dress Day is an opportunity to honor the memory of murdered women, girls, and two spirit people, to acknowledge those who are still missing, and to stand in solidarity with indigenous nations and families here in Tacoma and across the United States and Canada who've lost loved ones. And whereas the City of Tacoma is committed to engaging with indigenous nations and peoples in the spirit of reconciliation. Now therefore, I, Andrews Ibsen, Mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim Tuesday, May 5th, 2026, as missing and murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People Day in the City of Tacoma, and encourage our residents to reflect on this day with the many families, friends, neighbors, and communities that deserve diligence, resolution, and reconciliation. Please say uh say a few words. Thank you, Mayor Ibsen and Council members. I prepared a little brief statement to speak. Today, my heart and thoughts are with the survivors and families of missing and murdered indigenous women, girls, and two spirit people.

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