Tacoma City Council and Public Utility Board Joint Study Session - November 19, 2024

The Tacoma City Council and Public Utility Board met in joint study session on November 19, 2024, at 12:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The session covered the rescheduling of post issuance compliance training, the 2025 state legislative agenda, two council consideration requests (Hilltop Holiday Event and Senior Center Transition Support), budget amendment protocols for the upcoming special meeting, and amendments to the Home in Tacoma Phase 2 legislation. No formal votes were taken on these items; the council adjourned to a closed session on labor strategy.

Post Issuance Compliance Training

• The training originally scheduled for this meeting was postponed to early January or February 2025, as announced by Mayor Woodards.

State Legislative Update

• Interim Deputy City Manager Sonja Hallum introduced the presentation. Alex McBain (General Government) and Logan Barr (TPU) presented the 2025 state legislative agenda, with Brianna Murray joining online.
• General government priorities include fiscal sustainability, a $9 million request to keep 300 emergency shelter beds open, funding for the Fishing Wars Memorial Bridge, a new South Tacoma fire station ($2 million), and the Puyallup Avenue sewer replacement ($1 million). New language supports short rail modernization tax credit and EV charging infrastructure.
• TPU priorities include supporting decarbonization policies that recognize hydropower as carbon-free, advocating for increased state funding for zero-emission transportation and transmission, and supporting the Public Works Trust Fund. Logan Barr also discussed efforts on locomotive modernization and a shortline railroad tax credit.
• Councilmember Walker asked about how to propose new items during session; staff responded that weekly updates and direct contact are effective. Brianna Murray noted legislators prefer grant programs for Climate Commitment Act funds.
• Councilmember Rumbah asked about specific capital projects; Alex McBain provided details on the Puyallup Avenue sewer replacement and North Shore Golf Course stormwater pond.
• Board Member Gallagher asked about state sharing of transportation funding; staff noted ongoing discussions and a transportation budget shortfall.

Council Consideration Request - Hilltop Holiday Event

• Councilmember Scott requested $5,000 from council contingency funds to sponsor the Hilltop Holiday event in December, co-sponsored by Councilmembers Sadalge and Daniels. She emphasized support for local businesses, the Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center, and community cohesion. Decorative wreaths will be installed on MLK Jr. Way. Councilmember Walker asked if it was a one-day event; Scott clarified there is one main event with seasonal decorations throughout.

Council Consideration Request - Senior Center Transition Support

• Councilmember Sadalge requested contingency funds to extend Lighthouse Center services for an additional 30 days during the transition from Lighthouse and Beacon activity centers to Metro Parks Tacoma facilities. The extension would include staff on-site from 10 AM to 2 PM in January to help seniors choose new locations and make phone calls to unregistered seniors. Co-sponsors include Councilmembers Rumba, Bushnell, and Mayor Woodards.
• Deputy Mayor Hines asked for clarification; it was confirmed that only the Lighthouse Center is extended, while Point Defiance Senior Center remains open under a separate agreement. Councilmembers expressed support for the thoughtful transition and the goal of expanding senior services.

Budget Amendment Process Discussion

• Mayor Woodards distributed a decision tree outlining four motion types for the November 20 special meeting: (1) funding proposals with no identified source, (2) partially identified source, (3) fully identified source, and (4) proposals requiring specific action but no new funding. She encouraged council members to submit all amendments as motions tomorrow to allow public review. Examples: $18,000 for Oasis of Hope from council budget (motion 3), McKinley Hill project (motion 4).

Home in Tacoma Amendments

• Councilmember Rumba announced she would not pursue her large tree amendment as written; instead, she proposed a new amendment prohibiting removal of existing trees 24 inches DBH or larger in urban residential districts unless necessary for reasonable development, to be considered during the non-development discussion in 2025.
• Councilmember Sadalge presented two amendments: a map amendment to fully upzone a parcel near 48th and Portland Avenue (Bethlehem Baptist Church site) consistent with surrounding zoning, and amendments to the home ownership incentive program. The latter includes a five-year owner-occupancy title restriction for existing homeowners building up to two ADUs, a requirement that market-rate developments have at least two units to receive the rear yard height incentive, and a technical change to the 115% AMI restriction.
• Councilmember Daniels presented a competing amendment that would apply the same incentives only to households building units affordable at or below 115% AMI, or selling to such households. She expressed concern about giving all three incentives to high-income homeowners without affordability requirements.
• Extensive discussion followed about ownership vs. rental units, income limits, enforcement via title restrictions, and monitoring. Deputy Mayor Hines supported the owner-occupant ADU incentives, linking them to anti-displacement and aging in place. Mayor Woodards encouraged Sadalge and Daniels to collaborate to combine the strongest elements.
• No vote was taken; further discussion is expected at the council meeting that evening or later.

Key Outcomes

• Post Issuance Compliance Training rescheduled to early 2025.
• The 2025 state legislative agenda was reviewed; no formal action taken, but it will be presented at the council meeting later that day.
• The Hilltop Holiday Event funding request and Senior Center Transition Support request will be considered at the December 3 council meeting.
• All budget amendments must be presented as motions at the November 20 special meeting.
• Home in Tacoma amendments were discussed; council members were encouraged to refine and collaborate before final consideration.
• The meeting adjourned to a closed session on labor strategy.