OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting July 7, 2026: Critical Areas Ordinance, Appointments, and Pride Proclamation

City Council — Tuesday, July 7, 2026
BodyTacoma, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, July 7, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:01:22

Transcript — Verbatim
0:05

I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of July 7th, 2026.

0:08

Clerk, please call the roll.

0:10

Deputy Mayor Bushnell.

0:11

President Councilmember Diaz.

0:13

Council for Hines.

0:14

Councilmember Palmer.

0:15

Here.

0:15

Council Member Rumba.

0:17

Here.

0:17

Councilmember Sidalgay.

0:18

Here.

0:19

Councilmember Scott.

0:20

Here.

0:20

Councilmember Walker.

0:21

Here.

0:21

And Mayor Ibsen.

0:23

Here.

0:23

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

0:29

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

0:35

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

0:43

Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

1:04

Are there any modifications to the agenda this evening?

1:07

I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolutions number 41954 and 41955.

1:13

Second.

1:14

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

1:20

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

1:27

Moving on to proclamations, um, our proclamation tonight is proclaiming July 2026 as LGBTQIA 2S plus Pride Month in the city of Tacoma.

1:42

For Pride Month, uh there's a wide assortment of characters here, I'd like to invite uh Michelle Masero, uh neighborhood community services manager for Tacoma Public Library Wheelock branch, Perlita Payne, librarian, Tacoma Public Library, Joanne Levy, Executive Director of the Rainbow Center, KB, Deputy Director of the Oasis Youth Center, and Michelle Douglas, Diamond Lifetime Achievement Pride Award winner of 2026, to the podium as I read the proclamation.

2:20

Whereas in Tacoma, we believe that diversity is our greatest strength and that each and every person is a cherished part of our community, forever imbued with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

2:31

And whereas celebrating our diversity is one of the great joys of life, and we are excited to stand with our queer and questioning community in celebration of their vital contributions to the world.

2:41

And whereas we are proud to have the queer city collective, an affinity group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, asexual, and two spirit city employees that is building a stronger and more welcoming community and serving as an invaluable resource and support system for all its members.

2:57

And whereas the Tacoma Rainbow Center has served as a vital resource for the LGBTQ IA2S plus community, fostering belonging, advancing equity, providing essential services, and creating safe, affirming spaces that strengthen the fabric of our Tacoma community, and whereas we also recognize that our LGBTQ IA 2S plus community has been and continues to be targeted with vile acts of hate and harm, devastating lives and leading many to question their own self-worth.

3:25

And whereas we reaffirm our rejection of all forms of violence and discrimination and our unyielding commitment to the safety and inclusion of our LGBTQ IA2S plus community, and we remain focused and committed to ensuring that messages of love and acceptance are louder than those of hate and division, especially for our powerful and inspiring queer and questioning youth.

3:47

Now, therefore, I, Andrews Ibsen, Mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim July 2026 as LGBTQIA 2S Plus Pride Month in the City of Tacoma.

4:01

And we declare to all the queer and questioning members of our community that your voice matters, your perspective matters, and you matter.

4:09

You are very much loved by your city, and your city stands with pride alongside you.

4:15

Please say a few words.

4:31

This year we are doing the Tacoma Pride Festival in Tacoma on July 11th and the Pride Awards, and we have two big sayings.

4:38

One is pride in action and you are loved.

4:42

No one represents those two more than everyone in this room.

4:46

To show the unity for all the organizations that are part of this month's pride, I want to bring up KB, Deputy Director of OASIS Youth Center, and then Michelle Douglas, our proud winner of this year's Pride Awards Diamond Award.

4:59

Hello.

5:08

Thank you for thank you to the city for recognizing Pride Month and for taking the time to celebrate the LGBTQ community in the many ways we contribute to the fabric of Tacoma.

5:18

Visibility matters.

5:19

Sometimes it looks like a proclamation, sometimes it looks like a flag flying outside a building, and sometimes it looks like it's simply being able to show up as yourself and know that you belong.

5:29

Those moments matter because young people are watching.

5:32

Our youth are paying attention to how communities respond, how leaders show up and how we treat one another.

5:37

They're also learning from the generations that came before them people who organized, advocated, built community, and created space for all of us to be here today.

5:45

Pride didn't start as just a party, but I think those who came before us would be pretty happy to know that we kept the party part two.

5:52

The LGBTQ plus community has always been resilient.

5:56

We know how to support one another, how to find joy even in even in difficult times, and how to keep moving forward together.

6:03

That resilience is something our young people inherit from all of us.

6:06

And it is our responsibility to help reassure them that this community isn't going anywhere.

6:10

We will continue to show up, we will continue to celebrate, and we will continue to thrive.

6:15

And fortunately for us in Tacoma, we're not done celebrating yet.

6:18

While many communities wrap up Pride festivities in June, we get what I like to call our bonus pride.

6:25

It's the sequel everyone actually asked for.

6:28

As we head into the month of celebrations, community events, and memory making, my hope is that every young person sees themselves reflected in the joy, the visibility, and the community around them and knows that they belong here.

6:38

So let's make some memories.

6:47

Good evening.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Environmental Protection██████████████████████████████████34%
Procedural████████████████████████████28%
Economic Development█████████9%
Active Transportation████████8%
Community Engagement████4%
Personnel Matters████4%
Engineering And Infrastructure████4%
Youth Programs███3%
Public Safety███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting Summary – July 7, 2026

The Tacoma City Council met on July 7, 2026, at approximately 1:15 PM (the meeting was called to order and adjourned in the evening). The council adopted the consent agenda, issued a Pride Month proclamation, confirmed a department director appointment, approved a special election resolution and a community event funding request, passed a compensation ordinance on final reading, and conducted extensive first‑reading deliberation on amendments to the Critical Areas Preservation Ordinance (CAPO). Public comment focused on the CAPO update. Council members also received reports on a $7.6 million federal design grant for the Fishing Wars Memorial Bridge and other city business.

Consent Calendar

  • Resolutions 41954 and 41955 were adopted unanimously by voice vote with no discussion or public comment.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Alice McDaniels (Port of Tacoma) spoke in favor of item 8 (Critical Areas Ordinance), urging support for three amendments sponsored by Councilmember Diaz. She described the amendments as careful, targeted refinements that improve consistency, reduce ambiguity, and maintain environmental protections while respecting the Tide Flats Sub‑Area Plan.
  • Kathy Irwin (online) addressed item 8 and expressed concern that the previously approved South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District ordinance was incomplete because a required memorandum of understanding (MOU) between departments had not been completed by 2025. She urged council to encourage completion of the MOU to ensure groundwater safety.
  • Heidi Stevens (online) spoke on item 8, expressing appreciation for updates on Oregon White Oak requirements and inclusion of best available science, but criticized the process as “desperately late” and noted still‑missing elements such as a proper MOU, effective tree requirements, and reference to Washington Administrative Codes for critical aquifer recharge. She questioned whether Planning and Development Services would apply the code and called for stricter oversight and enforcement.
  • Christine Naught (Puget Sound Energy) spoke in support of item 8, thanking Councilmember Heinz and staff for working collaboratively on language to support minor utility work.

Proclamations

  • Mayor Ibsen read a proclamation declaring July 2026 as LGBTQIA2S+ Pride Month in Tacoma. Representatives from Tacoma Public Library, Rainbow Center, Oasis Youth Center, and the 2026 Diamond Lifetime Achievement Pride Award winner (Michelle Douglas) spoke in acceptance. Councilmember Diaz noted that the council now includes three openly queer members and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting the LGBTQ+ community. The proclamation was adopted unanimously.

Appointment Confirmation

  • City Manager Hun Kim sought council confirmation of Ramiro Chavez as the new Environment and Public Works Director, effective July 13, 2026. Kim highlighted Chavez’s background as a professional engineer with prior service as Thurston County Manager and as interim director of Environmental Services. Councilmembers Rumbaugh and Sidalgay expressed support, noting Chavez’s community engagement and leadership. The council voted unanimously to confirm.

Resolutions

  • Resolution 41956 called for a special election on November 3, 2026 concurrent with the general election for the “Safe Homes for All” Initiative Measure No. 1. The city attorney explained that the council had 30 days to either adopt the initiative or place it on the ballot; the council chose to place it on the ballot. The resolution was adopted unanimously with no discussion.
  • Resolution 41957 authorized a one‑time use of $16,000 from council contingency funds to support Saver Fest PNW on July 19, 2026, on Hilltop. Councilmember Diaz described the event as a community celebration featuring chef‑led cooking classes, performers, and support for local food vendors. The resolution was adopted unanimously.

Final Reading of Ordinance

  • Ordinance 29113 (amending compensation plan for firefighters represented by Local 31 and the Professional Public Safety Management Association) was approved on final reading by a voice roll call vote (all present voting aye).

First Reading of Ordinance – Critical Areas Preservation (Item 8)

  • Ordinance 29114 – a periodic update to the Critical Areas Preservation Ordinance required by state law. The planning commission had recommended prohibiting certain high‑impact uses in the Critical Aquifer Recharge Area (CARA). After public testimony and council discussion, several amendments were proposed and voted on:
    1. Councilmember Rumbaugh moved a substitute exhibit A to align definitions of “mitigation” and “wetlands” with state law and clarify biodiversity classifications. The substitute was adopted unanimously.
    2. Councilmember Sidalgay moved an amendment to allow high‑impact uses in the Tide Flats Manufacturing Industrial Center consistent with the Seaport Zoning District and the South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District overlay, removing conflicts with the Tide Flats Sub‑Area Plan. Councilmember Palmer opposed, arguing that limiting expansion of high‑impact uses in CARA supports a just transition to cleaner industries. The amendment passed on a voice vote (councilmember Palmer opposed).
    3. Councilmember Sidalgay moved a second amendment clarifying the “reasonable use of property” provision to allow disturbance of up to 10% of the critical area/buffer or 2,500 square feet (whichever greater). Adopted unanimously.
    4. Councilmember Sidalgay moved a third amendment clarifying mitigation requirements for vegetated buffers around wetlands and streams, including debris removal, allowance for accepts, and perpetual maintenance via recorded easements. Adopted unanimously.
    5. Councilmember Heinz moved an amendment to streamline permitting for low‑impact utility work in improved city rights‑of‑way adjacent to critical areas, allowing installation of minor utility lines without a full permit if no impacts occur. Adopted unanimously.
  • After all amendments, the amended substitute ordinance was placed on first reading and will go to final reading on July 14, 2026.

City Manager Reports

  • Legislative update: Legislative work sessions in Olympia are ongoing; a June 2026 report on alternative local funding options for sidewalks will be shared with council.
  • Fishing Wars Memorial Bridge: The city received a $7.6 million federal appropriation (from Senator Murray’s office) for final design and environmental review, bringing design funding to 100%. Councilmembers Sidalgay and Rumbaugh highlighted the importance of the bridge for multimodal access and economic development. Councilmember Rumbaugh noted that pedestrian and bike access from Northeast Tacoma is currently unsafe, and heavy truck traffic is damaging local roads.

Other Business

  • Councilmember Walker announced Pacific Northwest Climate Week starting July 13, with many free events in Tacoma (details at PNWClimateWeek.org).
  • Economic Development Committee report (Chair Diaz): The committee met twice; received an update from the Economic Development Board of Tacoma‑Pierce County, discussed community workforce agreements and minimum wage policy review. Next meeting July 14 will include interviews for the Equity and Contracting Advisory Committee and further minimum wage discussion.
  • Councilmember Palmer thanked Tacoma Fire Department Engine House No. 4 for responding quickly to a fireworks‑related alley fire near her home.
  • Councilmember Diaz also thanked TFD for responding to a fire near her home and expressed disappointment about neighbors setting off fireworks during the incident.
  • Councilmember Sidalgay shared his experience from a ride‑along with TFD Station 11 on July 4th eve, thanking first responders for their work.

The meeting adjourned unanimously.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda (resolutions 41954, 41955) adopted.
  • Pride Month proclamation issued.
  • Ramiro Chavez confirmed as Environment and Public Works Director.
  • Resolution 41956 adopted – Safe Homes for All initiative placed on November 3, 2026 special election ballot.
  • Resolution 41957 adopted – $16,000 contingency for Saver Fest PNW.
  • Ordinance 29113 (firefighter compensation) passed on final reading.
  • Ordinance 29114 (Critical Areas Preservation) amended on first reading; final reading scheduled for July 14, 2026.
  • City manager to transmit legislative report on sidewalk funding options.
  • $7.6 million federal grant for Fishing Wars Memorial Bridge design accepted.

Meeting Transcript

I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of July 7th, 2026. Clerk, please call the roll. Deputy Mayor Bushnell. President Councilmember Diaz. Council for Hines. Councilmember Palmer. Here. Council Member Rumba. Here. Councilmember Sidalgay. Here. Councilmember Scott. Here. Councilmember Walker. Here. And Mayor Ibsen. Here. Please join me in listening to the land acknowledgement and flag salute led by Deputy Mayor Bushnell, followed by a moment of silence. We gratefully honor and acknowledge that we rest on the traditional lands of the Puala people where they make their home and speak the Lachutsi language. Please stand for the flag salute and remain standing for a moment of silence. Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. Are there any modifications to the agenda this evening? I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolutions number 41954 and 41955. Second. Move and second, are there any comments, questions, or corrections to the consent agenda? Seeing none, all those in favor of adopting the consent agenda, please signify by saying aye. Moving on to proclamations, um, our proclamation tonight is proclaiming July 2026 as LGBTQIA 2S plus Pride Month in the city of Tacoma. For Pride Month, uh there's a wide assortment of characters here, I'd like to invite uh Michelle Masero, uh neighborhood community services manager for Tacoma Public Library Wheelock branch, Perlita Payne, librarian, Tacoma Public Library, Joanne Levy, Executive Director of the Rainbow Center, KB, Deputy Director of the Oasis Youth Center, and Michelle Douglas, Diamond Lifetime Achievement Pride Award winner of 2026, to the podium as I read the proclamation. Whereas in Tacoma, we believe that diversity is our greatest strength and that each and every person is a cherished part of our community, forever imbued with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And whereas celebrating our diversity is one of the great joys of life, and we are excited to stand with our queer and questioning community in celebration of their vital contributions to the world. And whereas we are proud to have the queer city collective, an affinity group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, asexual, and two spirit city employees that is building a stronger and more welcoming community and serving as an invaluable resource and support system for all its members. And whereas the Tacoma Rainbow Center has served as a vital resource for the LGBTQ IA2S plus community, fostering belonging, advancing equity, providing essential services, and creating safe, affirming spaces that strengthen the fabric of our Tacoma community, and whereas we also recognize that our LGBTQ IA 2S plus community has been and continues to be targeted with vile acts of hate and harm, devastating lives and leading many to question their own self-worth. And whereas we reaffirm our rejection of all forms of violence and discrimination and our unyielding commitment to the safety and inclusion of our LGBTQ IA2S plus community, and we remain focused and committed to ensuring that messages of love and acceptance are louder than those of hate and division, especially for our powerful and inspiring queer and questioning youth. Now, therefore, I, Andrews Ibsen, Mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim July 2026 as LGBTQIA 2S Plus Pride Month in the City of Tacoma. And we declare to all the queer and questioning members of our community that your voice matters, your perspective matters, and you matter. You are very much loved by your city, and your city stands with pride alongside you. Please say a few words. This year we are doing the Tacoma Pride Festival in Tacoma on July 11th and the Pride Awards, and we have two big sayings. One is pride in action and you are loved. No one represents those two more than everyone in this room. To show the unity for all the organizations that are part of this month's pride, I want to bring up KB, Deputy Director of OASIS Youth Center, and then Michelle Douglas, our proud winner of this year's Pride Awards Diamond Award. Hello. Thank you for thank you to the city for recognizing Pride Month and for taking the time to celebrate the LGBTQ community in the many ways we contribute to the fabric of Tacoma. Visibility matters. Sometimes it looks like a proclamation, sometimes it looks like a flag flying outside a building, and sometimes it looks like it's simply being able to show up as yourself and know that you belong. Those moments matter because young people are watching. Our youth are paying attention to how communities respond, how leaders show up and how we treat one another. They're also learning from the generations that came before them people who organized, advocated, built community, and created space for all of us to be here today. Pride didn't start as just a party, but I think those who came before us would be pretty happy to know that we kept the party part two. The LGBTQ plus community has always been resilient.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com