OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting – June 2, 2026: Proclamations, Hearings, and Policy Actions

City Council — Tuesday, June 2, 2026
BodyTacoma, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, June 2, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:21:02
Transcript — Verbatim
0:06

I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of June 2nd, 2026.

0:10

Clerk, please call the roll.

0:11

Deputy Mayor Bushnell.

0:13

Councilmember Diaz.

0:15

Councilmember Heinz.

0:17

Here.

0:17

Councilmember Palmer.

0:19

Absent Councilmember Rumba.

0:21

Here.

0:21

Councilmember Sidalga?

0:23

Councilmember Scott?

0:24

Here.

0:25

Councilmember Walker?

0:27

Here.

0:27

Mayor Ibsen?

0:28

Here.

0:29

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

0:35

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

0:43

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

1:14

Are there any modifications to the agenda this evening?

1:18

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

1:21

I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolutions number 41918 and 41919.

1:27

Second.

1:27

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

1:32

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

1:37

Aye.

1:37

Those opposed to say nay.

1:38

Consent agenda is declared adopted.

1:41

We have three ceremonials tonight.

1:43

Uh for Fan Zone Month.

1:44

I would like to invite uh Chairman Bill Sterod from the Peallop tribe of Indians, Pierce County, and a visit Tacoma, Pierce County to the podium as I read the proclamation.

2:16

Whereas the City of Tacoma joins communities across the region in welcoming soccer fans from around the world as the 2026 FIFA World Cup brings global excitement, connection, and celebration to Washington State.

2:28

And whereas the Puallop Tribe of Indians, as the official host city supporter of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Seattle, welcomes visitors to their homeland and marks a historic occasion as the first Native American tribe to hold this role on the world's largest sporting stage.

2:44

And whereas the Puala tribe of Indians will share their living and enduring culture through the official Puallop tribal fan zone and related events, including viewing parties, a parade and opening ceremony, powwow, stick games, coastal protocol, and other community celebrations.

3:01

And whereas the partnership between the Puallop tribe of Indians, the City of Tacoma, and Pierce County reflects a shared commitment to hospitality, cultural celebration, regional pride, and creating a welcome experience for residents and visitors alike.

3:15

And whereas the city is proud to support this regional celebration by helping connect fans to the festivities and showcasing the South Sound as a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming destination.

3:26

Now, therefore, I Andrews Ibsen, Mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council do hereby proclaim June 26th as fan zone month in the city of Tacoma and encourage all residents to join in welcoming soccer fans, celebrating the Piawba Tribe of Indians' historic role, and supporting the events and partnerships that bring our community together.

3:46

Please say a few words.

3:50

That sounds really nice.

3:52

Who are you talking about?

3:56

Very cool.

3:57

This is a historic moment.

3:58

Not just for us, but not just for you guys, but for the entire Western Washington.

4:02

You know, some great things are gonna happen, right?

4:05

There are great things happening right now.

4:07

I guess it's you could call it unity.

4:09

You know, we all need to uh give each other a hug now and then.

4:13

We all need to have a good time together now and then, and this is what this is all about.

4:19

And we're gonna show this off to the entire world.

4:22

Thank you.

4:24

Thank you, Chairman.

4:25

Are there any uh members of the council like to comment?

4:28

Any of the speakers who like to comment?

4:32

Thank you, Mr.

4:33

Mayor, Adam Cook, Director for Tacoma Venues and Events, City of Tacoma.

4:38

Um, just want to echo those sentiments.

4:40

Uh, as we have built this partnership between the Puallop tribe of Indians, City of Tacoma, Pierce County, and Visit Tacoma, Pierce County, um, it has been about unity.

4:49

It has been about how we bring the world to our region.

4:52

Uh, and with that, we invite everybody to turn out for the plethora of events that will be taking place from June 12th, yes, just 10 days away until our kickoff through July 6th.

5:04

Several events taking place throughout the region.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Miscellaneous██████████████████18%
Environmental Protection██████████████████18%
Affordable Housing██████████10%
Homelessness██████████10%
Engineering And Infrastructure████████8%
Public Engagement██████6%
Procedural█████5%
Public Safety█████5%
Active Transportation█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting – June 2, 2026: Proclamations, Hearings, and Policy Actions

The Tacoma City Council met on June 2, 2026, to adopt the consent agenda, hear three proclamations, receive public comment on multiple agenda items, deliberate on resolutions and ordinances, and conduct two public hearings—one on critical areas preservation amendments and another on the six-year transportation improvement program. The meeting included updates on collective bargaining agreements, stormwater code updates, and a comprehensive plan amendment. Key votes included approval of a multifamily tax exemption (with one dissenting and one abstention) and first readings of rules changes and code amendments.

Consent Calendar

  • Resolutions 41918 and 41919 were adopted unanimously without discussion.

Proclamations

  • Fan Zone Month (June 2026): Mayor Ibsen proclaimed June 2026 as Fan Zone Month, recognizing the Puyallup Tribe of Indians as an official host city supporter of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Seattle. Chairman Bill Sterod (Puyallup Tribe) and Adam Cook (Tacoma Venues and Events) spoke, emphasizing unity and regional celebration. Events run June 12–July 6.
  • Gun Violence Awareness Month (June 2026): Shalisa Hayes, founder of the Billy Ray Foundation and board president of the Alliance for Gun Responsibility, accepted the proclamation. The mayor noted that over 100 people die daily from gun violence nationally. Councilmembers Palmer and Rumbaugh shared personal ties to the issue and praised Hayes’ work.
  • Ride Transit Month (June 2026): Laura Svendsen (Tacoma on the Go), Holden Ringer (Transportation Choices Coalition), and Mike Griffiths (Pierce Transit) spoke. Griffiths highlighted transit as access to jobs and FIFA event transportation. Svendsen urged council to ride transit and invest in service. Ringer noted the need for reliable evening service.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Tyler Daniels (former city employee) addressed Resolution 41920 (automated enforcement) and proposed a $34.5 trillion wellness business rooted in Tacoma. He requested full council attention.
  • Kit Burns commented on Resolution 41920 (unclear terms) and the multifamily tax exemption, expressing concern about the 60% rate and its effect on other agencies.
  • Heidi Stevens spoke on stormwater manual updates, comprehensive plan amendments (daycare in industrial zones, prohibition of detention centers, data centers in South Tacoma), and Resolution 41924 (community forum), advocating for monthly forums and remote accessibility.
  • Lydia Zapeta opposed Resolution 41924’s change to community forum frequency and location, requesting a fixed schedule or four weeks’ notice.
  • Kathy Irwin urged delay of the comprehensive plan final reading until an integrated code is available, and opposed daycare and special needs housing in industrial zones.
  • Several speakers during the critical areas hearing (detailed below) addressed biodiversity, aquifer protection, and consistency with the Tideflats subarea plan.

Discussion Items

  • Resolution 41916 – Multifamily Tax Exemption (Proctor 4 LLC): Paul Bacher (Community and Economic Development) presented a 12-year limited property tax exemption for 98 market-rate and affordable units (20 affordable at 70% AMI) at 3917 N 26th St. Estimated net fiscal impact: $784,000 positive. Councilmember Hines celebrated the project as a victory after the 2022 policy change requiring affordability. Councilmember Rumbaugh emphasized need for senior housing. Councilmember Sidalga questioned the tax exemption scope and AMI level. Councilmember Palmer voted nay due to fiscal questions. Mayor Ibsen abstained due to a prior commercial relationship. The resolution passed.
  • Resolutions 41921 & 41922 – Collective Bargaining Agreements: Dylan Carlson (Labor Relations) presented three-year agreements with IBEW Local 483 Water Unit (137 FTE) and Local 120 (196 FTE). Wage increases range from 2.75% to 3% plus market adjustments, plus other benefit changes. Both approved unanimously.
  • Resolution 41923 – Water Main Replacement Loan: Mark Powell (Tacoma Water) presented a $1,074,552 low-interest loan (1.75%) from the Washington Department of Health for two water main replacement projects, with 50% likely forgiveness. Councilmember Bushnell asked about road coordination. Unanimously adopted.
  • Resolution 41924 – Community Forum Rule Change (First Reading): Mayor Ibsen introduced amendments to Rule 9 of Council rules, allowing in-district meetings and adding disruption management. Councilmembers discussed cost, location determination, and scope of topics. City Attorney Steve Victor clarified that the change does not mandate spending. Councilmember Hines raised concerns about limiting topics; Councilmember Palmer noted language might restrict comments to city-related matters. Set over for second reading on June 9, 2026.
  • Ordinance 29106 – Compensation Plan (First Reading): Presented with resolutions 41921/41922. Set over for final reading.
  • Ordinance 29107 – Stormwater Manual Update (First Reading): Shauna Hansen (Environmental Services) presented a required five-year update aligning with Ecology’s 2024 manual, including new treatment requirements, green infrastructure tools, tree protections, and PCB pollution control. The update follows a year-and-a-half process and includes public comment. Set over for final reading.
  • Ordinance 29108 – Comprehensive Plan Amendment (First Reading): Steve Aitchison (Planning) presented four applications: McKinley pre-annexation zoning, special needs housing/shelters, minor code amendments, and state legislative changes (daycares, binding site plans). He highlighted a new state law (HB 2266) requiring that shelter and special needs housing be treated like other residential uses, potentially conflicting with planning commission recommendations. Councilmember Hines requested an amendment to address notice requirements; Deputy Mayor Bushnell expressed concern about loss of dispersion requirements. Set over for final reading on June 16, 2026.
  • Public Hearing – Critical Areas Preservation Amendments: Robin Bolster-Grant and Lisa Spadoni presented updates to Chapter 13.11, required under the Growth Management Act. Key changes include new wetland buffer options (Ecology Option 1), stream buffer increases, adoption of the Central Pierce Aquifer as a Critical Aquifer Recharge Area (CARA), and adjustments to biodiversity area definitions. The planning commission recommended a hierarchy of protection, but conflicts with the Tideflats subarea plan were noted. Public testimony included:
    • Ryan Spence (Manufacturing Industrial Council/Chamber) supported Port of Tacoma amendments and called for a more collaborative process.
    • Tyler Daniels requested full attention and claimed drinking water is unsafe due to ASARCO smelter contamination.
    • Alice McDaniel (Port of Tacoma) urged alignment of CARA with Tideflats plan to avoid regulatory uncertainty.
    • Andrea Hogue (South End Neighborhood Council) requested a pause to consider amendments for stronger protections.
    • Aaron Hallenberg (Master Builders) requested changes to surety bonding requirements to reduce housing costs.
    • Alison Cook and Stephanie Stockwell (Communities for Healthy Bay) urged revision of biodiversity area language to prevent exclusion based on invasive species, noting 68 public comments submitted.
    • Virtual speakers: Heidi Stevens pushed for cross-referencing CARA with South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District; Kathy Irwin criticized use of “best available science” and enforcement; Jana Hildred described loss of eagle nests at Blueberry Park. Hearing closed. First reading scheduled June 16; final reading June 23.
  • Public Hearing – Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program: Jennifer Camerzell (Transportation Division) presented the draft program for 2026–2032, including seven new projects (approx. $38M) and one completed project removed. Public comment included Tyler Daniels calling the plan insufficient, and Heidi Stevens requesting maps and questioning tree removal and costs for tree planting. Hearing closed.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda adopted (Resolutions 41918, 41919).
  • Resolution 41916 (MFTE) passed with 7 ayes, 1 nay (Palmer), 1 abstention (Ibsen).
  • Resolutions 41920, 41921, 41922, 41923 adopted unanimously.
  • Resolution 41924 (community forum rule change) set over for second reading on June 9, 2026.
  • Ordinances 29106, 29107 set over for final reading on June 9, 2026.
  • Ordinance 29108 (comprehensive plan) set over for final reading on June 16, 2026.
  • Critical Areas Preservation amendments first reading set for June 16, 2026; final reading June 23, 2026. Council will consider incorporating changes related to HB 2266 and amendments from stakeholders.
  • Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program public hearing held; no vote taken.
  • City Manager reported Pothole Palooza results: 2.5 miles resurfaced, 4,100 tons of asphalt placed. Tacoma Dome expects 88,600 graduates and 72,000 guests for 22 ceremonies, generating over $2 million economic impact.
  • IPS Committee will meet June 10 to discuss planning commission candidates, parking citation policies, and potential acquisition of former Galt Middle School site.
  • Honorary Mayor election ongoing, raising funds for spay/neuter programs.

Meeting Transcript

I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of June 2nd, 2026. Clerk, please call the roll. Deputy Mayor Bushnell. Councilmember Diaz. Councilmember Heinz. Here. Councilmember Palmer. Absent Councilmember Rumba. Here. Councilmember Sidalga? 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 a moment of silence. We gratefully honor and acknowledge that we rest on the traditional lands of the Puallop people where they make their home and speak the Lashut seed language. Please stand for the flag salute and remain standing for a moment of silence. Are there any 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 41918 and 41919. Second. Moving second, are there any questions, comments, or corrections? All right, seeing none, 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 three ceremonials tonight. Uh for Fan Zone Month. I would like to invite uh Chairman Bill Sterod from the Peallop tribe of Indians, Pierce County, and a visit Tacoma, Pierce County to the podium as I read the proclamation. Whereas the City of Tacoma joins communities across the region in welcoming soccer fans from around the world as the 2026 FIFA World Cup brings global excitement, connection, and celebration to Washington State. And whereas the Puallop Tribe of Indians, as the official host city supporter of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Seattle, welcomes visitors to their homeland and marks a historic occasion as the first Native American tribe to hold this role on the world's largest sporting stage. And whereas the Puala tribe of Indians will share their living and enduring culture through the official Puallop tribal fan zone and related events, including viewing parties, a parade and opening ceremony, powwow, stick games, coastal protocol, and other community celebrations. And whereas the partnership between the Puallop tribe of Indians, the City of Tacoma, and Pierce County reflects a shared commitment to hospitality, cultural celebration, regional pride, and creating a welcome experience for residents and visitors alike. And whereas the city is proud to support this regional celebration by helping connect fans to the festivities and showcasing the South Sound as a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming destination. Now, therefore, I Andrews Ibsen, Mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council do hereby proclaim June 26th as fan zone month in the city of Tacoma and encourage all residents to join in welcoming soccer fans, celebrating the Piawba Tribe of Indians' historic role, and supporting the events and partnerships that bring our community together. Please say a few words. That sounds really nice. Who are you talking about? Very cool. This is a historic moment. Not just for us, but not just for you guys, but for the entire Western Washington. You know, some great things are gonna happen, right? There are great things happening right now. I guess it's you could call it unity. You know, we all need to uh give each other a hug now and then. We all need to have a good time together now and then, and this is what this is all about. And we're gonna show this off to the entire world. Thank you.

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