OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting Summary - August 11, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, August 11, 2026
BodyTacoma, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, August 11, 2026
StatusNEW · FILED
Video Record
0:00 / 58:53
Transcript — Verbatim
0:03

Good evening.

0:04

I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of August 11th, 2026.

0:07

Clerk, please call the roll.

0:10

Deputy Mayor Bushnell.

0:11

President.

0:12

Councilmember Diaz.

0:14

Here.

0:15

Councilmember Heinz.

0:17

Councilmember Palmer?

0:18

Councilmember Rumba?

0:19

Here.

0:20

Councilmember Sidalgay.

0:22

Here.

0:23

Councilmember Scott?

0:24

Here.

0:24

Councilmember Walker.

0:26

Here.

0:27

Mayor Ibsen?

0:28

Here.

0:28

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

0:35

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

0:41

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

0:54

One nation under all the justice for all.

1:13

Are there any modifications to the agenda this evening?

1:17

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

1:21

I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolutions number 41980 through 41982.

1:27

Second.

1:28

Movement second.

1:28

Are there any questions, comments, or corrections?

1:31

I'd like to call on Councilmember Palmer.

1:33

Thank you, Mayor.

1:33

Uh, per Rule 4.980 and 41981 from the consent agenda to be considered separately under the resolution section of the regular agenda.

1:47

Resolutions number 41980 and 41981 will now be considered under the regular agenda after item number eight.

1:54

All those in favor of adopting the consent agenda, including resolution number 41982, please signify by saying aye.

2:01

I was supposed to say no.

2:03

Consent agenda is declared adopted.

2:05

Moving on to proclamations, recognitions, presentations, and announcements.

2:08

We have two ceremonials tonight.

2:09

For emergency management awareness month, I would like to invite Tika Adjugan, Chief Emergency Management Officer from Tacoma Fire to the podium as I read the proclamation.

2:25

Whereas the City of Tacoma is committed to protecting the lives, property, and well-being of its residents through comprehensive emergency management programs that reduce risk, strengthen preparedness, coordinate response efforts, and support long-term community recovery.

2:38

And whereas emergency management serves as the lead for coordinating emergency preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery, continuity planning, training, exercises, public education, and interagency collaboration to ensure the city is prepared for disasters of all types.

2:55

And whereas working year-round with city and community stakeholders to build a resilient community capable of preventing, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies, and whereas the emergency management team serves as the lead in the city for developing and maintaining emergency plans, coordinates emergency operations, supports disaster recovery, enhances situational awareness, administers grants, conducts training and exercises, and strengthens partnerships that improve the city's readiness for threats and hazards, both natural and human cause.

3:25

And whereas emergency management awareness month provides an opportunity to recognize these professionals while encouraging every resident, family, business, and organization to take an active role in preparedness by creating emergency plans, building emergency supply kits, staying informed, and participating in community preparedness activities.

3:43

Now, therefore, I, Andrews Ibsen, Mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim August 2026 as emergency management awareness month in the City of Tacoma and commend the city's emergency management team, its partner agencies, volunteers, and community organizations for their continued commitment to building a safer, more prepared, and more resilient Tacoma.

4:06

The City Council further encourages all residents, businesses, and visitors to recognize the importance of emergency preparedness and to take meaningful steps to ensure they are ready before disaster strikes.

4:16

Please say a few words.

4:18

Thank you.

4:19

Uh thank you, Mayor Ibsen, City Council members, and guests.

4:23

On behalf of City of Tacoma's emergency management team, thank you so much for recognizing National and Emerg National Emergency Management Awareness Month and the importance of this work.

4:32

I am joined today by Joshua Castillo and Heidi Rock, who are also a part of the emergency management team.

4:38

This month also marks my fifth year serving as Tacoma's emergency management officer.

4:43

And I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve this city.

4:46

Emergency management is more than plans, exercises, and responding during times of crisis.

4:51

It is about people.

4:52

The safety, resilience, and well-being of Tacoma's residents are deeply important to myself and my team.

4:58

It is a privilege we never take lightly.

5:01

It is also National Preparedness Month during the month of September.

5:04

Here in Tacoma, that means preparing together.

5:08

It means neighbors looking out for one another, departments and community partners working side by side, and each of us taking steps now so we can respond, recover, and move forward together when emergencies happen.

5:19

Thank you for this proclamation for supporting our work and for helping us build build a stronger and more prepared Tacoma.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Immigration Detention Oversight███████████11%
Procedural██████████10%
Public Comment██████████10%
Regional Cooperation█████████9%
Affordable Housing████████8%
Economic Development██████6%
Public Engagement██████6%
Emergency Management████4%
Public Safety████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting

August 11, 2026

The Tacoma City Council met on August 11, 2026, at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included adoption of the consent agenda (with two items moved to regular agenda), proclamations for Emergency Management Awareness Month and a Vision 2050 Award, public comment on agenda items, and a regular agenda covering appointments, a contract increase for public defender services, and two multi-family housing tax exemption agreements. A community forum followed for non-agenda topics, and the council received committee reports.

Proclamations and Presentations

  • Emergency Management Awareness Month: Mayor Ibsen read a proclamation declaring August 2026 as Emergency Management Awareness Month. Tika Adjugan, Chief Emergency Management Officer, accepted and highlighted the work of the emergency management team. Councilmembers expressed gratitude.
  • Puget Sound Regional Council Vision 2050 Award: Josh Brown (PSRC Executive Director) presented the Vision 2050 Award to the City of Tacoma and partners for the Tacoma Tide Flat Sub-area Plan. Ryan Mello (Pierce County Executive), Dick Marzano (Port of Tacoma Commissioner), and Mayor Ibsen spoke about the collaborative effort over years to balance industrial waterfront, job creation, and environmental stewardship.

Consent Calendar

  • Resolution No. 41980 and 41981 were pulled from the consent agenda by Councilmember Palmer to be considered separately under the regular agenda.
  • The remaining consent agenda items (Resolution No. 41982 for pavement improvements at the Solid Waste Management Recovery and Transfer Center, plus payroll and payments) were adopted unanimously.

Public Comments on Agenda Items

  • Kit Burns (speaking to Resolution 41980): Questioned the tax exemption calculations for the multi-family tax exemption, noting that the market rate and affordable rate appeared the same, and highlighted a discrepancy between tax exemption based on construction cost ($367,000) versus sale cost ($614,000). Suggested the council review the multifamily tax exemption program.
  • Tyler Daniels (speaking to Resolutions 41980, 41981, 41982): Opposed what he described as "blindly approving" tax exemptions, stating developers profit while units are not tracked. Cited concerns about properties receiving tax breaks and then sold at higher prices. Also criticized Mayor Ibsen for abstaining due to being a real estate agent.

Regular Agenda

Appointments – Equity in Contracting Advisory Committee

  • Resolution 41983: Appointed and reappointed Maria Melanik, Katina Patten, Angela Mikialis, and Catherine J. to the committee. Councilmember Diaz reported that interviews were conducted at the July 14 Economic Development Committee meeting. Adopted unanimously.

Purchase Resolution – Public Defender Services

  • Resolution 41984: Authorized an increase and extension of the contract with Pierce County Department of Assigned Counsel by $3,077,390 through December 31, 2026, for a total of $15,300,428, for legal services for individuals who cannot afford them. Adopted unanimously.

Multi-Family Housing Tax Exemption Agreements

  • Resolution 41980 (Tac Build LLC, 12 units at 1712 Tacoma Avenue South): Authorized a 12-year limited property tax exemption for owner-occupied units. Adopted. (Mayor Ibsen initially voted aye then corrected to a nay; no opposition noted.)
  • Resolution 41981 (AS10X20 LLC, 20 units at 3247 South Thompson Avenue): Authorized a 12-year limited property tax exemption. Councilmember Sidalki expressed support, noting the exemption benefits go to homeowners, not developers; units are for moderate-income households at 115% of AMI; and the development replaces one house with 20 larger units. Mayor Ibsen also supported for promoting homeownership. Adopted unanimously.

Community Forum (Non-Agenda Public Comments)

  • Lydia Zapeta (District 3, League of Women Voters): Requested the council include $170,000 annually as a permanent line item for legal services and phone calls for immigrants detained at the Northwest ICE Processing Center. Also raised concern about unmarked cars abducting people and called for transparency from Tacoma Police.
  • George Tomlin: Supported funding for legal counsel and phone calls for ICE detainees. Shared stories of detainees held for extended periods with no legal representation. Also urged clarification of TPD's role during immigration enforcement.
  • Joe Columbo (Puyallup resident): Described a pothole claim (No. 18567) for $314.64 that was denied; later discovered additional damages totaling $1,208. Asked council to direct staff to reopen and reconsider the claim.
  • Kit Burns (District 3): Criticized the cost of the South Tacoma Tree Canopy Project, noting 92 trees at $16,900 each, and argued that with $1.5 million, 1,500 trees could be planted. Called for more efficient use of Department of Ecology settlement funds.
  • Murray Vasquez (Pastor, Dominion Academy): Highlighted youth homelessness crisis, citing 2025 Point-in-Time count of 25,295 homeless individuals in Pierce County, 973 unsheltered, an 11% increase. Requested partnership to create an emergency overnight shelter for youth, as current shelters are full.
  • Sue: Complained about difficulty reaching code enforcement, lack of return calls, and lack of public access to all floors of the municipal building. Also raised ADA accessibility issues at a fire station and a locked gate in a North Tacoma community.
  • Barb Church (Northeast Tacoma): Voiced support for not zoning data centers, appreciation for the demolition repurposing program, and urged continued pressure on the Northwest Detention Center regarding abuses.
  • Janice Clark (President, Safe Homes International): Requested the city fund 30 Tacoma-based women veterans at $25,000 through the contingency fund, matching a Seattle grant. Also announced an event at Lumen Field on August 15.
  • Nita: Urged council to address the woman who previously spoke (Sue) and to "stop the sweeps."
  • Tyler Daniels (virtual): Criticized development on South Thompson Street, stating units are not affordable. Also raised concerns about water quality after a fire hydrant incident, alleging contaminated tap water and health impacts. Announced he would relocate.

Reports and Announcements

  • Government Performance and Finance Committee: Councilmember Hines reported on meetings held July 7, 21, and August 4. Topics included community engagement on housing production, audit report, review of for/against committees for ballot measure, Tacoma Water integrated resource plan, and FERC relicensing of hydroelectric dams. Next meeting August 18 with rate and budget overviews.
  • Deputy Mayor Bushnell: Corrected acronym to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
  • Councilmember Rumba: Reminded community of Caribbean Queens Festival on August 16 at Theatre on the Square.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda adopted (excluding pulled items).
  • Proclamations and award presented.
  • Resolution 41983 (Equity in Contracting Advisory Committee appointments) adopted.
  • Resolution 41984 (Pierce County Assigned Counsel contract increase) adopted.
  • Resolution 41980 (12-unit tax exemption at 1712 Tacoma Ave S) adopted.
  • Resolution 41981 (20-unit tax exemption at 3247 S Thompson Ave) adopted.
  • Community forum speakers registered concerns and requests; no council action taken.
  • Council received committee reports and announcements.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of August 11th, 2026. Clerk, please call the roll. Deputy Mayor Bushnell. President. Councilmember Diaz. Here. 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 Scott 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 Lashutseed language. Please stand for the flag salute and remain standing for a moment of silence. One nation under all the justice for all. 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 41980 through 41982. Second. Movement second. Are there any questions, comments, or corrections? I'd like to call on Councilmember Palmer. Thank you, Mayor. Uh, per Rule 4.980 and 41981 from the consent agenda to be considered separately under the resolution section of the regular agenda. Resolutions number 41980 and 41981 will now be considered under the regular agenda after item number eight. All those in favor of adopting the consent agenda, including resolution number 41982, please signify by saying aye. I was supposed to say no. Consent agenda is declared adopted. Moving on to proclamations, recognitions, presentations, and announcements. We have two ceremonials tonight. For emergency management awareness month, I would like to invite Tika Adjugan, Chief Emergency Management Officer from Tacoma Fire to the podium as I read the proclamation. Whereas the City of Tacoma is committed to protecting the lives, property, and well-being of its residents through comprehensive emergency management programs that reduce risk, strengthen preparedness, coordinate response efforts, and support long-term community recovery. And whereas emergency management serves as the lead for coordinating emergency preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery, continuity planning, training, exercises, public education, and interagency collaboration to ensure the city is prepared for disasters of all types. And whereas working year-round with city and community stakeholders to build a resilient community capable of preventing, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies, and whereas the emergency management team serves as the lead in the city for developing and maintaining emergency plans, coordinates emergency operations, supports disaster recovery, enhances situational awareness, administers grants, conducts training and exercises, and strengthens partnerships that improve the city's readiness for threats and hazards, both natural and human cause. And whereas emergency management awareness month provides an opportunity to recognize these professionals while encouraging every resident, family, business, and organization to take an active role in preparedness by creating emergency plans, building emergency supply kits, staying informed, and participating in community preparedness activities. Now, therefore, I, Andrews Ibsen, Mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim August 2026 as emergency management awareness month in the City of Tacoma and commend the city's emergency management team, its partner agencies, volunteers, and community organizations for their continued commitment to building a safer, more prepared, and more resilient Tacoma. The City Council further encourages all residents, businesses, and visitors to recognize the importance of emergency preparedness and to take meaningful steps to ensure they are ready before disaster strikes. Please say a few words. Thank you. Uh thank you, Mayor Ibsen, City Council members, and guests. On behalf of City of Tacoma's emergency management team, thank you so much for recognizing National and Emerg National Emergency Management Awareness Month and the importance of this work. I am joined today by Joshua Castillo and Heidi Rock, who are also a part of the emergency management team.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com