OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting - August 25, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, August 25, 2026
BodyTacoma, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, August 25, 2026
StatusNEW · FILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:29:58

Transcript — Verbatim
0:03

I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of August 25, 2026.

0:06

Clerk, please call the roll.

0:08

Deputy Mayor Bushnell.

0:10

Present.

0:10

Councilmember Diaz.

0:12

Councilmember Hines.

0:13

Councilmember Palmer.

0:14

Here.

0:15

Councilmember Rembaugh.

0:16

Here.

0:16

Councilmember Sidalgay?

0:18

Here.

0:18

Councilmember Scott.

0:19

Here.

0:19

Councilmember Walker?

0:20

Here.

0:21

And Mayor Ibsen.

0:22

Here.

0:22

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

0:28

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

0:35

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

1:09

Are there any modifications to the agenda this evening?

1:14

Seeing none, we will move on to the consent agenda.

1:17

Is there a motion?

1:18

I move to it.

1:19

I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolutions number four one nine nine nine through four two zero zero three.

1:24

Second.

1:25

Moving and seconded.

1:26

Are there any questions, comments, or corrections?

1:32

Okay.

1:32

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

1:37

Aye.

1:37

I was supposed to say no.

1:39

Consent agenda is declared adopted.

1:41

Moving on to proclamations, we have one ceremonial tonight for Concrete Technology Corporation Day.

1:45

I would like to invite Thomas Fountain, President, and Rebecca Fountain, Board of Directors and Shareholders, Concrete Technology Corporation to the podium as I read the proclamation.

2:10

Whereas Concrete Technology Corporation is celebrating the 75th anniversary of its founding by Tacoma natives Arthur and Thomas Anderson, who pioneered the pre-stress concrete industry in America.

2:22

And whereas their innovations in advanced concrete design in precasting, pre-stressing, and post-tension, and in cost-saving construction techniques have earned them global respect and recognition.

2:33

And whereas they've manufactured products for many of Tacoma's and the Puget Sounds region's landmarks and infrastructure, including Shaney Stadium, the Tacoma Dome, piers and terminals in the Port of Tacoma, buildings and parking garages all across the city, and much of the region's highways and interstates.

2:50

And whereas concrete technology corporation prioritizes its role as a respected corporate citizen of Tacoma, supporting and partnering with many local community organizations and encouraging its employees to do the same.

3:01

And whereas they remain a local, family-owned and operated cornerstone of the regional economy, providing gainful employment opportunities for hundreds and investing in employee well-being.

3:12

And whereas Concrete Technology Corporation continues to carry on the vision of its founders to lead the industry by constantly pushing the limits of technical innovation, including recent production of the longest, most cost-effective bridge spans in North America, which span the Peallop River across Interstate 5.

3:28

Now, therefore, I, Andrews Ibsen, Mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim Sunday, August 30th, 2026, as Concrete Technology Corporation Day in the City of Tacoma.

3:40

And we extend our congratulations to everyone at Concrete Technology Corporation for 75 years of innovation, quality, and leadership in the industry in the industry, and our appreciation for the countless contributions to our local community, economy, and infrastructure.

3:54

Please say a few words.

3:57

Mayor Ibsen, Council members, and community members present.

4:14

Current generations and future generations are here with us as a family owned business looking into the third and fourth generation, and we're excited to prolong that into the future and be a valuable part of our community and uh provide uh really interesting infrastructure into the future for our community as well as uh jobs for our local community and uh to partner with our community to build our community into strong uh strong and uh meaningful uh meaningful uh areas that we can contribute to build a great community around us.

4:53

So thank you for this opportunity tonight in recognition.

4:57

Thank you.

4:57

Are there any council comments?

4:59

Councilmember Sidalgay, followed by Council Mr.

5:00

Councilmember Sidalga, followed by Councilmore Hines.

5:01

Thank you.

5:02

Um it's good to see you.

5:04

Uh I had the pleasure with uh several other council members.

5:07

I'm sure they're they'll chime in on doing a little tour.

5:10

Uh and learned some really impressive um uh facts about concrete uh technology corporation.

5:16

I would be you know remiss if I didn't allow a chance for you guys to toot your own horn and some of the stuff um you've done.

5:23

Um members.

5:26

I mean, you had the longest single concrete span, correct.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Transportation████████████████████████████28%
Public Comment██████████████14%
Public Engagement███████████11%
Procedural████████8%
Homelessness████████8%
Economic Development██████6%
Arts And Culture██████6%
Food Access██████6%
Infrastructure Planning█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting - August 25, 2026

The Tacoma City Council met on August 25, 2026, at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included a proclamation, public comment, and adoption of multiple resolutions and ordinances. Key actions included support for a Pierce Transit ballot measure, a resolution to develop a unified regional approach to homelessness, and approval of a city flag design competition.

Consent Calendar

  • Resolutions 41999–42003 were adopted unanimously, including:
    • Acceptance of a $1,455,000 grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce for affordable housing property acquisition.
    • Acceptance of a $4,644,082 grant from the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission for hiring 12 police officers, three support staff, and one psychologist.
    • A 12-year limited property tax exemption agreement for 20 multi-family housing units at 5517 North 33rd Street.
    • A contract award to WSP USA Inc. for $948,272 for the Lincoln Avenue Pipe Bridge Rehabilitation project.
    • A contract increase of $300,000 for the City's Commercial Driver's Licensing Training program.

Proclamations & Recognitions

  • Concrete Technology Corporation Day was proclaimed for August 30, 2026, honoring the company's 75th anniversary. Councilmembers and the company president spoke about the company's innovations and community contributions.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Belle Battersby (South End resident) spoke in support of Resolution 42013 (city flag competition), advocating for the adoption of Chandler O'Leary's flag design, which she said was created in 2012 and reflects Tacoma's history and natural features.
  • LYT (virtual speaker) spoke on Resolution 42001 (tax exemption), requesting the council restructure the agenda to allow public comment before consent agenda items and alleging a potential conflict of interest for Mayor Ibsen regarding the development at 5517 North 33rd Street, citing elevated soil contaminants.
  • Tom Llewellyn (virtual) supported the flag competition, praising Chandler O'Leary's design and its intentional symbolism.
  • Lauren Dunnington (North Tacoma resident) supported the flag competition and requested that O'Leary's flag be considered.
  • Alyssa Elliott (Tacoma resident since 1997) supported the flag competition and O'Leary's design, emphasizing its inclusivity and O'Leary's legacy.

Discussion Items

  • Pierce Transit Proposition 1 (Resolution 42009): Mike Griffiths, CEO of Pierce Transit, and Tina Lee, Acting Chief Planning Officer, presented a plan to increase sales tax by 0.3% (three pennies per $10) to fund a 47% increase in transit service, including new routes, increased frequency, weekend improvements, and fare-free service for seniors and youth. Councilmembers expressed support, noting the need for accessible transit, economic benefits, and environmental goals. The resolution was adopted unanimously.
  • Unified Regional Approach to Homelessness (Resolution 42011): Councilmember Rumbaugh, lead sponsor, presented the resolution committing Tacoma to join other jurisdictions (Pierce County, Fife, Gig Harbor, Lakewood) in a coordinated regional effort. Councilmembers Sidalgay and Hines spoke in support, highlighting the importance of shared data, definitions, and resources. The resolution was adopted unanimously.
  • City Flag Competition (Resolution 42013): Councilmember Hines proposed a $6,000 council contingency fund to sponsor a public flag design competition, with prizes of $2,000 for the winner and $1,000 for two finalists. Councilmembers discussed eligibility (council members cannot win prizes) and the process for selecting finalists. The resolution was adopted unanimously.

Key Outcomes

  • Settlement Approved: A motion authorized a $500,000 settlement for workers' compensation and survivor benefits claims (Claim No. SY72558). The mayor noted a typographical error in the amount (extra zero) and confirmed it was $500,000.
  • Appointments: Sierra McCarty was appointed to the Climate and Sustainability Commission; Luke Cassidy, Maria Buchanan, Herschel Wilson, Ainsley Zura, and Matthew Stevens were appointed/reappointed to the Transportation Commission; Daniel Diedrich, Len Adams, Holly Izumi, Canita Gaines, and Mandy Zelistra were appointed/reappointed to the Tacoma Creates Advisory Board.
  • Ordinances Passed:
    • Ordinance 29116 (compensation plan for union employees) passed unanimously.
    • Ordinance 29117 (eminent domain for stormwater main easement) passed unanimously.
  • Council Contingency Funds: Approved $2,500 for Nourish Pierce County's annual luncheon (Resolution 42012) and $6,000 for the city flag competition (Resolution 42013).
  • Next Meetings: The September 1 and September 8 meetings were canceled; the September 29 meeting was rescheduled to Wednesday, September 30, at the Star Center in South Tacoma, with a community forum.

Meeting Transcript

I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of August 25, 2026. Clerk, please call the roll. Deputy Mayor Bushnell. Present. Councilmember Diaz. Councilmember Hines. Councilmember Palmer. Here. Councilmember Rembaugh. 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 Lashutsi language. Please stand for the flag salute and remain standing for a moment's silence. Are there any modifications to the agenda this evening? Seeing none, we will move on to the consent agenda. Is there a motion? I move to it. I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolutions number four one nine nine nine through four two zero zero three. Second. Moving and seconded. Are there any questions, comments, or corrections? Okay. Uh seeing none, um, all those in favor of adopting the consent agenda, please signify by saying aye. Aye. I was supposed to say no. Consent agenda is declared adopted. Moving on to proclamations, we have one ceremonial tonight for Concrete Technology Corporation Day. I would like to invite Thomas Fountain, President, and Rebecca Fountain, Board of Directors and Shareholders, Concrete Technology Corporation to the podium as I read the proclamation. Whereas Concrete Technology Corporation is celebrating the 75th anniversary of its founding by Tacoma natives Arthur and Thomas Anderson, who pioneered the pre-stress concrete industry in America. And whereas their innovations in advanced concrete design in precasting, pre-stressing, and post-tension, and in cost-saving construction techniques have earned them global respect and recognition. And whereas they've manufactured products for many of Tacoma's and the Puget Sounds region's landmarks and infrastructure, including Shaney Stadium, the Tacoma Dome, piers and terminals in the Port of Tacoma, buildings and parking garages all across the city, and much of the region's highways and interstates. And whereas concrete technology corporation prioritizes its role as a respected corporate citizen of Tacoma, supporting and partnering with many local community organizations and encouraging its employees to do the same. And whereas they remain a local, family-owned and operated cornerstone of the regional economy, providing gainful employment opportunities for hundreds and investing in employee well-being. And whereas Concrete Technology Corporation continues to carry on the vision of its founders to lead the industry by constantly pushing the limits of technical innovation, including recent production of the longest, most cost-effective bridge spans in North America, which span the Peallop River across Interstate 5. Now, therefore, I, Andrews Ibsen, Mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim Sunday, August 30th, 2026, as Concrete Technology Corporation Day in the City of Tacoma. And we extend our congratulations to everyone at Concrete Technology Corporation for 75 years of innovation, quality, and leadership in the industry in the industry, and our appreciation for the countless contributions to our local community, economy, and infrastructure. Please say a few words. Mayor Ibsen, Council members, and community members present. Current generations and future generations are here with us as a family owned business looking into the third and fourth generation, and we're excited to prolong that into the future and be a valuable part of our community and uh provide uh really interesting infrastructure into the future for our community as well as uh jobs for our local community and uh to partner with our community to build our community into strong uh strong and uh meaningful uh meaningful uh areas that we can contribute to build a great community around us. So thank you for this opportunity tonight in recognition. Thank you. Are there any council comments?

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