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.
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.