Tacoma City Council Study Session - April 21, 2026

The Tacoma City Council held a study session on April 21, 2026, covering three major agenda items: an update on the 2026 FIFA World Cup fan zone activation, a continued discussion on reforming the community forum format, and a proposal to update Title 17 animal control code. The meeting also included proclamations and an executive session.

2026 FIFA World Cup Fan Zone

Tacoma Venues & Events Director Adam Cook, joined by Pierce County Interim Economic Development Director Gary Westcott, presented an update on the World Cup fan zone activations. Key statistics included:

• The World Cup runs June 11–July 19, 2026, with 48 teams and 104 matches.
• Seattle will host six games: four group matches (featuring Belgium, Egypt, USA, Australia, Qatar, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Egypt, Iran) plus a Round of 32 on July 1 and Round of 16 on July 6.
• Visitor lodging estimates have dropped significantly: original 750,000 visitors to downtown Seattle reduced by 22% to ~117,000; average stay from 4–5 nights down to 1.8; room nights needed from 900,000 to 210,000 (a 77% reduction).
• Average daily room rate only 7–8% higher than normal.

The Puyallup Tribe of Indians is a legacy sponsor, hosting free fan zones, a parade on June 12, opening ceremony, powwow (June 19–21, 5–10,000 attendees/day), and stick games (June 26–28, 5–7,000/day). City support includes free parking at Tacoma Dome, shuttle buses via Pierce Transit, and promotional efforts. Multiple community events (UWT graduation, Juneteenth, Porchfest) are coordinating. Councilmembers asked about marketing, lodging tracking, ticket sales, public safety coordination, and economic impact revision. Presenters emphasized flexibility given rapidly changing FIFA data.

Community Forum Conversation

Mayor Ibsen led a discussion on reforming the community forum, proposing replacing it with five annual in-district meetings focused on action, follow-up, and accessibility (food, childcare, translation, staff on-site). The proposal included a briefing on neighborhood data, open-ended discussion facilitated by the district councilmember, and an after-action report. Estimated cost: $1,000–$5,000 per event.

Councilmembers expressed varied views:

• Deputy Mayor Bushnell supported meeting people where they are, stressed need for fiscal clarity, and suggested considering virtual access.
• Councilmember Walker liked the direction but urged understanding budget impacts.
• Councilmember Hines questioned purpose clarity, cost containment, and facilitation (preferring full council presence).
• Councilmember Palmer preferred improving existing chambers forum and leveraging neighborhood councils; questioned if this solves the problem.
• Councilmember Scott wanted to clarify the problem being solved; noted many prefer current forum; concerns about losing accessibility without live streaming.
• Councilmember Diaz emphasized that translation already exists for council meetings; suggested aligning with neighborhood councils and separating this from broader rules update.
• Councilmember Sidalgei supported in-district meetings to reach less engaged residents, especially in districts 4 and 5; favored a pilot.
• Councilmember Rumbaugh suggested renaming to "community conversation" and proposed small changes like limiting group speaking slots.

Consensus emerged to consider a staggered approach (alternating in-chamber and in-district meetings) as a pilot for 2026, with flexibility on districts and facilitation by the full council, not just the district rep. No formal decision was made; the mayor will compile feedback for further discussion.

Animal Control Code Update

Councilmember Hines, co-sponsored by Councilmembers Rumbaugh and Diaz, presented a proposal to amend Title 17. Key changes:

• Limits animals confined in stationary vehicles: no more than four animals, no tethering inside, must have visible food/water/shelter, and at least 30 minutes outside for every 4 hours confined.
• Prohibits tethering animals outdoors in adverse environmental conditions, defined as temperatures below 32°F or above 90°F.
• Prohibits tethering animals to vehicles when unsupervised.

Councilmembers asked about enforcement, staffing (currently only three animal control officers), impact on unhoused residents (education-first approach), and definitions. First reading is set for April 28, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• No votes were taken during this study session.
• The World Cup fan zone update was informational; staff will continue coordination.
• The community forum proposal will be refined based on council feedback, with a staggered in-district pilot likely to be brought back for discussion.
• The animal control code update will advance to first reading on April 28, 2026.
• The council convened to executive session under RCW 42.30 to review employee performance.