OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting - May 12, 2026: Historic Preservation, Hunger Awareness, Safety Corridors, ICE Property Ordinance

City Council — Tuesday, May 12, 2026
BodyTacoma, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, May 12, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:35:14

Transcript — Verbatim
0:04

I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of May 12, 2026.

0:08

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.

0:16

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.

0:28

More news as it comes out, the city is going to put out to the community.

0:32

But we just wanted to make sure that we acknowledge the hard work of our first responders.

0:36

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.

0:45

Uh so with that, clerk, please call the roll.

0:48

Deputy Mayor Bushnell.

0:49

President Councilmember Diaz?

0:51

Councilmember Heinz, Councilmember Palmer, Councilmember Rumba.

0:56

Here, Councilmember Sidalgay?

0:57

Here.

0:58

Councilmember Scott.

0:59

Here.

0:59

Councilmember Walker.

1:00

Here.

1:01

Mayor Ibsen.

1:02

Here.

1:02

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

1:07

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.

1:13

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

1:24

And to the Republic for which it stands one nation, another God, individual justice.

1:43

Are there any modifications to the agenda this evening?

1:45

I move to remove item five Jewish Heritage Month proclamation from the agenda and reschedule it to next week.

1:51

Movement seconded.

1:51

Are there any council questions or comments?

1:54

Seeing on all those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

1:56

Aye.

1:57

Those opposed to say nay.

1:58

Motion is declared adopted.

1:59

Are there any additional modifications to the agenda this evening?

2:02

I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolutions number four one nine zero six and four one nine zero seven.

2:08

Movement seconded.

2:09

Any questions, comments, or corrections.

2:12

Seeing on those all those in favor of adopting the consent agenda, please signify by saying aye.

2:16

Aye.

2:17

Those opposed to say nay.

2:18

Consent agenda is declared adopted.

2:21

We have two ceremonials tonight.

2:23

Moving on to our first, which is proclaiming May 2026 as historic preservation month.

2:29

Um for historic preservation month, I'd like to invite uh Mr.

2:32

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.

2:49

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.

3:02

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.

3:17

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.

3:45

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.

3:55

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.

4:09

Please say a few words.

4:16

Thank you, Mr.

4:17

Mayor.

4:17

Um and this is my daughter Louise, who came to come join me this evening as well.

4:24

So yeah, I'm really proud to represent the landmarks preservation commission here.

4:29

It's gonna be my last year on the landmarks preservation as I'm rolling off it.

4:33

But we do a lot of great work, as many of you know.

4:36

We had a few highlights from 2025 that we wanted to share with you.

4:40

Did almost 30 different historic design reviews as a commission.

4:44

There are a lot for new landmark uh nominations that came forward to the Tacoma Register of Historic Places.

4:51

One of the ones that I think we're all most proud of is we approved almost 13 million dollars in tax ascensive projects.

4:57

So it really shows that uh historic preservation is an economic engine for the city.

4:58

Um we worked in 2025 with the planning commission to adopt uh new rules related to historic preservation and cultural resources policies, aligning the commission with important areas of city policy such as housing and equity through that process.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Miscellaneous█████████████████████████████████████████████71%
Public Safety████████13%
Economic Development████6%
Community Engagement██3%
Procedural██3%
Affordable Housing█2%
Youth Programs█2%
Summary of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting - May 12, 2026

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.

Consent Calendar

  • Removed item 5 (Jewish Heritage Month proclamation) and rescheduled to next week.
  • Adopted the consent agenda, including resolutions 41906 and 41907 (details not specified).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • On Resolution 41910 (Hilltop safety corridor): Jessica Johnston and Jeffrey Sargent expressed strong support, citing recent violence and safety concerns on Hilltop. They thanked Councilmember Scott and urged similar efforts citywide.
  • On multifamily tax breaks and historic preservation: Tyler Daniels opposed tax breaks for developers, arguing the city neglects infrastructure maintenance. Heidi Stevens noted that South Tacoma Way, an intact historic storefront stretch, is missing from the historic register and requested support.
  • On Ordinance 29105 (ICE property use): Lydia Zapeta and Alma Viegas voiced full support, thanking Councilmember Diaz and Mayor Ibsen for leadership. Alma Viegas also asked for follow-up engagement with the school board for similar protections.
  • On wastewater treatment: Kathy Irwin asked about timelines for tertiary treatment at the North End plant and upgrades to the South (central) plant.

Ceremonial Proclamations

  • Historic Preservation Month (May 2026): Mayor Ibsen read a proclamation citing 194 city landmarks and 9 historic districts. Ruben McKnight (Landmarks Preservation Commission) highlighted 2025 achievements: ~30 design reviews, new nominations, $13 million in tax incentive projects, and a new Community Heritage Register. Councilmembers Heinz and Rumbaugh praised the role of historic preservation in giving Tacoma "soul" and supporting unique neighborhoods.
  • Hunger Awareness Month (May 2026): Liana Olds (Emergency Food Network) reported a 169% increase in food assistance since 2019, with 308,000 visits per month in 2025. Visits are currently up 10–14% month-over-month, and the network projects 4 million client visits this year. She noted a 213% increase from pre-COVID levels and urged community support to reach 20 million pounds of food distributed. Councilmember Rumbaugh highlighted the Sun Bucks program and summer lunch distributions.

Discussion Items

  • Resolution 41908 – North End Treatment Plant Upgrade: Awarded a contract to McClure & Sons Inc. for $24,145,313 plus a 20% contingency ($28,974,375.60 total), funded from the wastewater fund. Approved without comment.
  • Resolution 41909 – Multifamily Tax Exemption (Shoebox Homes): Authorized a 12-year limited property tax exemption for eight units (six market-rate, two affordable) at 4327 South Puget Sound Avenue in the Tacoma Mall Regional Growth Center. Estimated project cost $1.8 million, with net positive tax impact of $67,000 over 12 years. Councilmember Palmer voted no, stating the project does not meet the goals of the MFTE program. Adopted on a voice vote (one nay).
  • Resolution 41910 – High Investment Corridor Safety: Affirmed the potential of high investment corridors as economic drivers and directed the city manager to prioritize cross-departmental problem-driven solutions using existing resources. Councilmember Scott introduced the resolution, emphasizing the MLK corridor in Hilltop as an example where safety concerns (graffiti, litter, dim lighting) limit community use. Councilmembers Heinz and Bushnell noted Sixth Avenue and other corridors. Adopted unanimously.
  • Ordinance 29105 – Use of Public Property for Civil Immigration Enforcement: Final reading. Amends Chapter 8.19 to prohibit using municipal property for civil immigration enforcement and provides civil remedies. Councilmember Diaz outlined implementation: signage to be posted at the Tacoma Municipal Building, Center for Urban Waters, and Tacoma Dome (up to 30 more sites with budget approval). 13 signs, 4 requiring new posts; expected within a week. The ordinance does not cover county, state, school, or park property. Councilmember Sidalgay emphasized the 10th Amendment basis and called on other jurisdictions to adopt similar measures. Passed unanimously on a roll-call vote (9 ayes).

Committee Reports

  • Government Performance & Finance Committee (Chair Hines): Reported on two meetings (April 21 and May 5). Topics included the Tacoma Employees Retirement System, “for and against” committees for Proposition 1 (Connected Tacoma Safe Streets and Sidewalks), the 2024 city accountability audit, and a presentation from the Civil Service Board. Next meeting May 19 at 10 AM.

Key Outcomes

  • Adopted consent agenda (resolutions 41906, 41907).
  • Adopted Resolution 41908 (North End treatment plant upgrade contract).
  • Adopted Resolution 41909 (multifamily tax exemption for Shoebox Homes) with one dissenting vote.
  • Adopted Resolution 41910 (high investment corridor safety) unanimously.
  • Passed Ordinance 29105 (restricting ICE use of city property) unanimously.
  • Proclamations declared May 2026 as Historic Preservation Month and Hunger Awareness Month.

Community Forum (Unfinished Business)

Multiple speakers addressed the council on topics including:

  • Beyond the Bell/Club B programs: Karina Kellogg, Pamela Beck, and others urged the council to preserve Parks Tacoma after-school programs, citing over 3,200 children enrolled and the risk of lost grants (e.g., $1 million from MacKenzie Scott). Economic analysis estimated $1.7 million in lost income for every dollar saved, with disproportionate impact on working families.
  • ICE and Northwest Detention Center: Dez, Christian, Riley, John, Caitlin, Eugenia, Erica Daly, and others called for stronger action beyond the passed ordinance. Demands included: divestment from Geo Group, clear TPD policies on ICE interactions, a permanent budget line item for legal services and phone calls for detainees, and closure of the detention center. Speakers noted the new ICE contract lowers standards for investigating sexual abuse, and criticized the council for considering elimination of community forum.
  • South Tacoma zoning and groundwater: Heidi Stevens, Kathy Irwin, and others requested updates to the South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District Code to cross-reference Washington Administrative Code, and a comprehensive zoning review to prevent incompatible uses (e.g., new detention centers, daycares in industrial areas).
  • Small business concerns: Pritpal Singdinsa reported ongoing issues with homeless encampments near his business on Puyallup Avenue, citing property damage and lack of police response.
  • Community forum retention: Multiple speakers opposed any proposal to eliminate community forum, calling it a vital outlet for public input.

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.

Meeting Transcript

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.

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