The Tacoma City Council met on May 12, 2026, at approximately 1:15 PM (start of meeting). The meeting began with an acknowledgment of a fire at the Temple Theater (no loss of life, contained to upper floors) and a land acknowledgement. The council handled ceremonial proclamations, adopted several resolutions, and passed an ordinance restricting civil immigration enforcement on city property. Community forum included extensive public testimony on immigration issues, youth programs, and zoning.
Multiple speakers addressed the council on topics including:
Councilmember Palmer acknowledged the Beyond the Bell concerns, stating conversations are underway to preserve the program. Councilmember Rumbaugh asked for a staff response on South Tacoma groundwater protections. The meeting adjourned after final council comments.
I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of May 12, 2026. Before we call the roll, just for those of you who've seen the plume of smoke in the air, that is unfortunately the what appears to be the Temple Theater. We have incomplete information, but based on the most recent information from the fire department, there has been no loss of life, to our knowledge, and the fire has been contained to the upstairs floors and no surrounding building. More news as it comes out, the city is going to put out to the community. But we just wanted to make sure that we acknowledge the hard work of our first responders. Our heart goes out to any of the affected folks, and uh we'll continue updating the community as we learn more, but just wanted to be as um as responsive as possible. Uh so with that, clerk, please call the roll. Deputy Mayor Bushnell. President Councilmember Diaz? Councilmember Heinz, 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 Rumbaugh, followed by a moment of silence. We gratefully honor and acknowledge that we rest on the traditional lands of the Piau people where they make their home and speak the Lashutsi language. Please stand for the flag salute and remain standing for a moment of silence. And to the Republic for which it stands one nation, another God, individual justice. Are there any modifications to the agenda this evening? I move to remove item five Jewish Heritage Month proclamation from the agenda and reschedule it to next week. Movement seconded. Are there any council questions or comments? Seeing on 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? I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolutions number four one nine zero six and four one nine zero seven. Movement seconded. Any questions, comments, or corrections. Seeing on those 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 have two ceremonials tonight. Moving on to our first, which is proclaiming May 2026 as historic preservation month. Um for historic preservation month, I'd like to invite uh Mr. Ruben McKnight and Kevin Bartoy, uh Chair of the Landmarks Preservation Commission, and Ruben, who is the uh planning and development services historic preservation officer, to the podium as I read the proclamation. Whereas Tacoma is a treasure trove of historic resources, including 194 city landmarks and nine historic districts listed on either the city of Tacoma, Washington State, or National Register of Historic Places. And whereas historic preservation is an essential component of maintaining civic identity and celebrating our history of attracting investment through the rehabilitation of historic buildings and of our efforts to be a sustainable city through fostering a culture of reuse, waste reduction, and local sourcing. And whereas we celebrate the role of history in our lives and the contributions made by dedicated individuals to help preserve the tangible aspects of the heritage that has shaped the city of Tacoma and us as a people, and whereas historic preservation encourages community reinvestment, saving resources and promoting socially, culturally, and economically rich communities through innovative and adaptive reuse of historic buildings, which continues to revitalize the heart of the city and its neighborhoods. And whereas this year's theme, celebrating community heritage, highlights our efforts to recognize the power of place and preserving the diverse historical narratives throughout the city. Now, therefore, I, Andrews Ibsen, mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as historic preservation month in the City of Tacoma and encourage our residents to join us in this special observance. Please say a few words. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.