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Record of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting – September 15, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, September 15, 2026
BodyTacoma, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, September 15, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:29:32

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it
0:04

Good evening.

0:05

I'd like to call to order the City Council meeting of September 15th, 2026.

0:09

Clerk, please call the roll.

0:10

Deputy Mayor Bushnell.

0:12

Present.

0:12

Councilmember Diaz, absent.

0:13

Councilmember Heinz?

0:15

Here.

0:15

Councilmember Palmer.

0:17

Councilmember Rumba.

0:18

Here.

0:18

Councilmember Sidalga.

0:20

Here.

0:20

Councilmember Scott.

0:22

Here.

0:22

Councilmember Scott is online.

0:24

Councilmember Walker?

0:25

Here.

0:25

Mayor Ibsen.

0:26

Here.

0:27

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

0:33

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

0:39

Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for a moment of silence.

1:16

Are there any modifications to tonight's agenda?

1:21

I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolutions numbers 42014 through 42019.

1:26

Second.

1:27

Moved and seconded.

1:28

Any council questions or comments about the consent agenda?

1:32

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

1:36

Aye.

1:37

I'm supposed to say no.

1:37

Consent agenda is declared adopted.

1:39

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

1:43

Our first is proclaiming Monday, September 21st, 2026 as International Day of Peace.

1:49

For International Day of Peace, I'd like to invite Cindy Sharsmid, Board President of the World Affairs Council of Tacoma, Melanie De Denise Cunningham, Tacoma Peace Queen and Multicultural Outreach and Engagement Leader, Francis Lawrence, International Day of Peace Event Director, Tacoma Sister Cities, Professor Greg Yutes, Vice President of the Chinese Reconciliation Project Foundation, Marie Crace Valdez Castro, Commissioner for the Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, and Janet Rude, Greater Tacoma Peace Prize to the podium as I read the proclamation.

2:21

If you please step forward.

2:24

You're welcome to step forward to the podium.

2:26

Oliver?

2:27

Sure.

2:28

More the better.

2:31

More peace.

2:34

I'm good, go ahead.

2:36

Okay, I'll read the proclamation first.

2:39

Whereas International Day of Peace was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981 and is observed annually on September 21st as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace through dialogue, understanding, cooperation, and respect among all people.

2:55

And whereas peace is more than the absence of conflict, it is fostered through justice, inclusion, mutual respect, and the recognition of the inherent dignity and equal rights of every person.

3:06

And whereas the City of Tacoma is strengthened by the diversity of its residents, whose cultures, languages, traditions, and experiences contribute to a vibrant, welcoming, and resilient community.

3:17

And whereas our commitment to building bridges across cultures is reflected through the work of Tacoma Sister Cities, whose international partnerships promote friendship, educational exchanges, cultural understanding, and people-to-people diplomacy.

3:31

And whereas the Tacoma Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs works to elevate the voices and experiences of immigrant and refugee communities, advancing inclusion, civic engagement, and equitable opportunities for all who call Tacoma home.

3:44

And whereas International Day of Peace invites individuals, organizations, schools, businesses, and governments to resolve differences through dialogue, celebrate our shared humanity, and work together to create communities where every person can live in safety, dignity, and hope.

4:00

Now, therefore, I, Andrews Ibsen, Mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim September 21st, 2026 as International Day of Peace in the City of Tacoma, and encourage all residents to observe this day by promoting understanding across cultures, supporting peaceful dialogue, celebrating our diverse community, and working together to build a more just, inclusive, and peaceful future for all.

4:25

Please say a few words.

4:27

Thank you, Mayor and Council members.

4:30

I am honored for you to recognize International Day of Peace.

4:35

We've been celebrating this for five years.

4:37

We're in our fifth year.

4:38

We decided to invite families in.

4:41

Because it used to be on every day of the week, you know, and sometimes it was on the day of the city council meeting.

4:48

So we decided to have it Saturday on uh September 19th this year, so all the families in the whole community could turn out.

5:00

And I am honored to accept this on behalf of Tacoma Sister Cities and especially grateful that peace in Tacoma is not the work of any one organization.

5:10

The World Affairs Council, the Peace of the Tacoma, Greater Tacoma Peace Laureate Program, the Chinese Reconciliation Project Foundation, and our laureate and winner, Melanie Cunningham, I know has worked for four decades to achieve peace through her work.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
International Relations██████████████████18%
Community Engagement████████████████16%
Hispanic And Latina Heritage████████████████16%
Immigration Detention Oversight██████████████14%
Procedural█████████9%
Public Safety█████████9%
Emergency Management█████5%
Public Comment████4%
Personnel Matters███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting – September 15, 2026

The Tacoma City Council met on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers, 747 Market Street, Tacoma, WA. The meeting included the adoption of the consent agenda, multiple proclamations, public comments, approval of resolutions on emergency management and police labor agreements, and the first reading of a police compensation ordinance. Councilmember Diaz was absent.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent agenda was adopted unanimously, including items 4–15 (minutes from various City Council and committee meetings) and resolutions 42014–42019: a resolution setting a hearing date for a right-of-way vacation (RES42014), a grant agreement for Rialto Theater HVAC replacement (RES42015), correction of a tax exemption agreement (RES42016), an interlocal agreement for the Pierce County Tourism Promotion Area (RES42017), a contract for solid waste trucks (RES42018), and a contract extension for safety training (RES42019). Also approved were the filed items (minutes of the Operational Strategy and Administrative Committee and Public Utility Board meetings) and payroll/payment approvals totaling $52,289,404.52.

Proclamations & Recognitions

  • The Council issued three proclamations:
    • International Day of Peace (September 21, 2026): Speakers included Cindy Sharsmid (World Affairs Council), Melanie Denise Cunningham (2018 Peace Laureate), Francis Lawrence, Professor Greg Yutes (Chinese Reconciliation Project Foundation), Marie Crace Valdez Castro (Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs), and Janet Rude (Greater Tacoma Peace Prize). They emphasized peace as a daily practice, the importance of sister cities (especially Brovary, Ukraine), and community investment in peace.
    • Welcoming Week (September 10–19, 2026): Speakers included Erva (community member), a representative from the Congolese Integration Network, Maurice Le Keya (SIRA commissioner), Lady Isapeda (Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs), Manuela Schneider (Tacoma Community House), and Priscilla Sideri (Mi Centro). They highlighted the need for genuine welcoming beyond rhetoric, noted fear among immigrant communities, and called for Tacoma to become a certified welcoming city.
    • Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15, 2026): Speakers included Linda Cerna (Puente affinity group), Anaid Yerena (Latinx Unidos of the South Sound), Amanda Figueroa (UW Tacoma), Jaden X and Yadira Morales (Mi Centro). They celebrated cultural contributions, noted the theme "Unidos Somos Más," and recognized the ongoing work of advocacy and entrepreneurship.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Tyler Daniels (in person) spoke against Resolution 42020 (Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan), expressing concern that the plan does not address Tacoma’s capacity to sustain 14 days without food/water, water pollution, seismic vulnerability of Point Ruston, and risks from Sound Transit's T-line derailment. He urged reconsideration.
  • Alicia Lauver (in person, Secretary-Treasurer of Pierce County Central Labor Council) spoke in support of Resolution 42023 (Equity in Contracting), praising the Community Investment Commitment and its alignment with workforce development and registered apprenticeships. He urged a yes vote.

Discussion Items

  • Resolution 42020 – Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP): Tieka Adeogun, Chief Emergency Management Officer, presented the 2025 update. The plan is required by state law (RCW 38.52.070) and maintains Tacoma’s independent emergency management status. Key updates include aligning language with national standards and simplifying terms. The plan has received 99% state approval; the resolution provides final adoption. Councilmember Rumba thanked staff. The resolution was adopted unanimously.
  • Resolutions 42021, 42022, and Ordinance 29118 – Police Labor Agreements: Presented by Michelle Woodrow. RES42021 increases the premium pay for Tacoma Police Union officers assigned to the Criminal Justice Training Commission from 3% to 7%. RES42022 allows Tacoma Police Management Association members to cash out up to 80 hours of personal time off into VEBA accounts (with annual election options). Ordinance 29118 implements these provisions into the compensation plan. All resolutions were adopted unanimously; the ordinance was advanced to final reading for the next meeting.
  • Resolution 42023 – Equity in Contracting and Community Investment Commitment: Mayor Ibsen, co-sponsored by Councilmembers Diaz and Walker, presented the resolution recognizing Tacoma’s existing programs for minority/women-owned businesses and local hire, and joining the Community Investment Commitment as a Partner Agency. Deputy Mayor Bushnell emphasized reinvestment of public dollars. The resolution was adopted unanimously.
  • City Manager Report – Police Department Update: Chief Jackson reported that all 20 lateral incentive positions authorized in September 2025 have been filled. Since then, TPD received 1,073 entry-level and 126 lateral applications. High-visibility DUI saturation patrols since April 2026 have resulted in 118 DUI arrests (a 51.2% increase), along with increased drug arrests. Chief Jackson also highlighted the Kids’ Health and Safety Fair, which drew 6,500 attendees and distributed 1,800 backpacks, over 1,000 coats, shoes, and haircuts. The Tacoma Public Safety Partnership community engagement initiative has received 22 applications.
  • Council Reports: Deputy Mayor Bushnell reported that the Economic Development Committee met on August 11 and August 25, recommending five candidates for the Tacoma Creates Advisory Board (appointed in August) and reviewing the Arts and Cultural Vitality Strategic Plan. The next EDC meeting on September 22 will feature a tourism update. Councilmember Rumba provided remarks on the Jewish High Holy Days (Yom Kippur beginning September 20), thanking TPD for providing security at temple events.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda adopted – all items approved unanimously.
  • Resolution 42020 adopted – approving the updated Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.
  • Resolution 42021 adopted – increasing Law Enforcement premium pay to 7% for CJTC assignments.
  • Resolution 42022 adopted – amending VEBA contribution rules for Tacoma Police Management Association.
  • Resolution 42023 adopted – committing to the Community Investment Commitment as a Partner Agency.
  • Ordinance 29118 – first reading; set over for final reading on September 22, 2026.
  • Motion to excuse Councilmember Diaz – approved unanimously.
  • Meeting adjourned at approximately [time not specified in transcript].

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. I'd like to call to order the City Council meeting of September 15th, 2026. Clerk, please call the roll. Deputy Mayor Bushnell. Present. Councilmember Diaz, absent. Councilmember Heinz? Here. Councilmember Palmer. Councilmember Rumba. Here. Councilmember Sidalga. Here. Councilmember Scott. Here. Councilmember Scott is online. Councilmember Walker? Here. Mayor Ibsen. Here. Please join me in listening to the land acknowledgement and flag salute led by Councilmember Hines, followed by a moment of silence. We gratefully honor and acknowledge that we rest in the traditional lands of the Piala people where they make their home and speak the Lashutsi language. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for a moment of silence. Are there any modifications to tonight's agenda? I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolutions numbers 42014 through 42019. Second. Moved and seconded. Any council questions or comments about the consent agenda? Seeing none, all those in favor of adopting the consent agenda, please signify by saying aye. Aye. I'm supposed to say no. Consent agenda is declared adopted. Moving on to proclamations, recognitions, presentations, and announcements. Our first is proclaiming Monday, September 21st, 2026 as International Day of Peace. For International Day of Peace, I'd like to invite Cindy Sharsmid, Board President of the World Affairs Council of Tacoma, Melanie De Denise Cunningham, Tacoma Peace Queen and Multicultural Outreach and Engagement Leader, Francis Lawrence, International Day of Peace Event Director, Tacoma Sister Cities, Professor Greg Yutes, Vice President of the Chinese Reconciliation Project Foundation, Marie Crace Valdez Castro, Commissioner for the Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, and Janet Rude, Greater Tacoma Peace Prize to the podium as I read the proclamation. If you please step forward. You're welcome to step forward to the podium. Oliver? Sure. More the better. More peace. I'm good, go ahead. Okay, I'll read the proclamation first. Whereas International Day of Peace was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981 and is observed annually on September 21st as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace through dialogue, understanding, cooperation, and respect among all people. And whereas peace is more than the absence of conflict, it is fostered through justice, inclusion, mutual respect, and the recognition of the inherent dignity and equal rights of every person. And whereas the City of Tacoma is strengthened by the diversity of its residents, whose cultures, languages, traditions, and experiences contribute to a vibrant, welcoming, and resilient community. And whereas our commitment to building bridges across cultures is reflected through the work of Tacoma Sister Cities, whose international partnerships promote friendship, educational exchanges, cultural understanding, and people-to-people diplomacy. And whereas the Tacoma Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs works to elevate the voices and experiences of immigrant and refugee communities, advancing inclusion, civic engagement, and equitable opportunities for all who call Tacoma home. And whereas International Day of Peace invites individuals, organizations, schools, businesses, and governments to resolve differences through dialogue, celebrate our shared humanity, and work together to create communities where every person can live in safety, dignity, and hope. Now, therefore, I, Andrews Ibsen, Mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim September 21st, 2026 as International Day of Peace in the City of Tacoma, and encourage all residents to observe this day by promoting understanding across cultures, supporting peaceful dialogue, celebrating our diverse community, and working together to build a more just, inclusive, and peaceful future for all.

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