Tacoma City Council Study Session – February 25, 2025

The Tacoma City Council held a study session on February 25, 2025, covering a broad range of topics including a final update on the Violent Crime Reduction Plan, progress on the Tideflats Subarea Plan, a briefing on the Black History Survey, and introductions of several policy resolutions. The meeting included detailed presentations, council discussion, and an executive session on pending litigation.

Discussion Items

1. Crime Plan Update

Assistant Chief Crystal Young-Haskins and Dr. Michael Smith (University of Texas) presented the fifth and final report on the Violent Crime Reduction Plan, which ran from July 2022 through February 2025. Key statistics for the last six months of 2024 (July–December) compared to the same period in 2023:

• Murders down 40%
• Individual robberies down 21%; business robberies down 47%
• Aggravated assaults down slightly; drive-by shootings down 32%
• Violent crime citywide down 13%; in treated hot spots down 36%
• High-visibility patrol with officer foot contact produced a 41% reduction (vs. 26% for stationary patrol)
• Arrests citywide up 42%, but violent crime arrests down 6%
• Violence-related calls for service down 24% citywide
• Officer fidelity to hot-spot schedules was 95%

The midterm place-based strategy on the East 25th Street corridor saw no significant change in violent crime but a substantial increase in calls for service, interpreted as positive community engagement. Dr. Smith presented an interrupted time series analysis showing an immediate impact from the plan. Councilmembers Diaz and Hines questioned how results compared to other cities and whether reductions were attributable to the plan; Dr. Smith cautioned against direct comparisons but provided internal analysis. Councilmember Rumba highlighted positive community feedback from businesses in the East 25th corridor. The partnership with the University of Texas concludes, but TPD will continue strategies within ongoing operations.

2. Tideflats Subarea Plan Update

Principal Planner Steve Atkinson presented an update on the seven-year, multi-jurisdictional planning effort. The steering committee’s draft plan was handed off to the city for adoption. Key elements include a new zoning framework with six zones tailored to the area, replacing existing M1, M2, and PMI zones. The plan addresses environment, health, tribal assets, transportation, and economic development. Next steps: planning commission public hearing (March 19–April 18), final environmental impact statement (April), health impact assessment, planning commission recommendation (June), then city council public hearing and action. Mayor Woodards emphasized the collaborative process and urgency to adopt in 2025. Councilmember Walker praised the new zoning; Councilmember Rumba asked about amendment timelines. Staff encouraged early council input to avoid delays.

3. Black History Survey Briefing

Historic Preservation Officer Reuben McKnight, along with consultants Monette Hearn and Ellen Miro, presented findings from a National Park Service grant-funded survey of Black heritage sites in Tacoma. The study documented historic discrimination (restrictive covenants, redlining, displacement) and its effect on underrepresentation on the Tacoma Register. Examples included the Ray Gibson Caballeros Club (National Register nomination in progress) and the Tacoma campus of Evergreen State College (moved eight times). Future goals: add 10 local register sites, develop a Black history context statement, and include Black history in all future context updates. Councilmembers expressed strong support and interest in ensuring the work continues beyond the current grant scope.

4. Council Consideration Requests (CCRs) and Action Memoranda

• Proposition No. 1 (Street Maintenance): Councilmember Walker introduced a resolution supporting the April 2025 ballot measure to continue and expand street funding (estimated $375M over 15 years). Scheduled for vote on March 25, 2025.
• Age 65+ Representation on Boards/Commissions: Councilmember Hines introduced a resolution making inclusion of seniors a priority for city manager recruitment, without creating designated seats. Vote set for March 4, 2025.
• Commemorative Flag Raising: Councilmember Diaz introduced a resolution codifying a flag policy for four city buildings: Tacoma Municipal Building, Tacoma Dome, Fire Headquarters, Police Headquarters. Flags include Progress Pride (Pride Month), Trans flag (Trans Day of Visibility and Remembrance), Juneteenth flag, and orange flag (gun violence prevention). Expected vote on March 25, 2025.
• Rights and Dignity of All Residents: Councilmember Sadalge presented a resolution adopting a policy consistent with state law (RCW 42.17.4251) to restrict city resources from being used for federal registration/surveillance programs targeting residents based on race, religion, immigration status, etc. Councilmember Scott asked why a resolution rather than an ordinance; the city attorney explained it applies state provisions locally. No vote taken during the study session; action expected at a subsequent meeting.
• LGBTQIA2S+ Community Support: Councilmember Diaz presented a resolution affirming the city’s commitment to LGBTQIA2S+ residents, including non-discrimination, access to facilities consistent with gender identity, and protection of gender-affirming care. Substitute language added references to existing Tacoma Municipal Code. Councilmember Scott expressed concern that the language might create unrealistic expectations. Vote expected at a later date.

Key Outcomes

• The Violent Crime Reduction Plan partnership with the University of Texas concluded; TPD will integrate proven strategies into ongoing operations.
• The Tideflats Subarea Plan advances to planning commission and council adoption process with a target completion in 2025.
• The Black History Survey will continue with planned additions to the local register and context statement; council indicated willingness to provide support (e.g., resolution) to sustain this work.
• The council moved into executive session (10 minutes) to discuss pending litigation, after which the meeting was adjourned. No further business was conducted.