Tacoma City Council Study Session: Community Survey, Staffing, and Park Grants – June 30, 2026

The Tacoma City Council met on June 30, 2026, for a study session covering the 2026 Community Survey, council staffing models, sponsorship requests, and letters of support for park grants. The meeting began at an unspecified time and included roll call with all members present. The session concluded with an executive session for potential litigation.

2026 Community Survey

• Ted Richardson (Strategic Initiatives Coordinator) and Derek Harvey (ETC Institute) presented results from the statistically significant survey of 902 Tacoma residents (margin of error ±3.26%, 95% confidence level). The survey was administered in April 2026 via mail, phone, and online in the top seven languages.
• Key findings: 74% of residents aged 18–34 were satisfied with library services; 65.3% of District 4 residents identified condition of major streets as a top infrastructure concern; overall, condition of major streets was the top infrastructure concern across all five districts. Since 2024, satisfaction increased in most areas, with notable improvements in feelings of safety (10–15 point increases), police services (e.g., patrol up 8 points), and civic participation (20-point increase in belief that participation has an impact). Top community priorities included homelessness (67%), housing affordability (56%), public safety (43%), and trash/graffiti cleanup (43%). Fire and EMS services received the highest ratings (83% satisfied).
• Councilmember Rumba noted a contrast between the survey showing improved safety perceptions and a news report claiming Tacoma had the highest crime rate in the state. Councilmember Sidalga questioned the representativeness of the sample, particularly the high rates of civic participation (e.g., 20% reported attending city council meetings). Councilmember Palmer requested demographic comparisons and trust trend data. Councilmember Hines asked for statistical significance of benchmarks against national averages; Derek Harvey clarified that differences beyond the margin of error (3.26%) are significant, citing fire/EMS and library services as areas where Tacoma outperformed the national average by 15–20 points.

Council Staffing Discussion

• Ben Thurgood presented a historical overview of council staffing, noting current resources: one policy analyst for the mayor, two policy analysts shared among eight council members (4:1 ratio), and limited constituent relations support (1:9 ratio). Eight areas of need were identified through interviews: policy analysis/legislative drafting, collective coordination, constituent response, scheduling/administrative support, communications, committee/board/commission support, meeting preparation, and external duties.
• Three concepts were presented for policy analyst support: (1) increasing the ratio to 2:1; (1B) adding policy analysts with enhanced communications/duties; (2) aligning analysts by subject matter expertise for standing committees. Two management structure concepts were also discussed: continuing under the city manager or creating a chief of staff directly reporting to the council.
• Councilmember Diaz expressed concern about costs and potential strain on city departments. Councilmember Walker supported concept 1B and volunteered to lead further discussions. Councilmember Hines favored a central staff model with specialization and noted the need for scalability. Councilmember Rumba worried about oversight and employee development if staff did not report through the city manager. Deputy Mayor Bushnell preferred city manager oversight for clarity and accountability.
• No final decision was made. Councilmember Walker will coordinate with the mayor and colleagues to refine a proposal for the 2027–2028 budget cycle. Estimated annual costs ranged from $115,000–$190,000 per FTE depending on role. A proposal must be submitted by mid-July to be included in the city manager’s proposed budget.

Council Consideration Request: Saber Fest PNW Sponsorship

• Councilmember Diaz presented a request for $16,000 from council contingency funds to support the third annual Saber Fest PNW on Sunday, July 19, 2026 (noon–5 pm) in Hilltop, organized by Chef Lydia and community nonprofit Me Central. The free, family-friendly event celebrates BIPOC chefs, food vendors, artists, and performers. Funds will cover vendor scholarships, cooking classes, entertainment, marketing, staging, security, and street closures.
• Councilmembers expressed strong support. The request will be formally considered at the July 17 council meeting. Councilmember Palmer suggested inviting vendors to the Economic Development Committee for future learning.

Letters of Support for Park Grants

• Deputy Mayor Bushnell introduced a letter of support for the Wapato Park playground improvement project (District 5), which would replace aging equipment and expand the play area. Councilmember Hines presented a letter for the Titlow Park North Hidden Beach Bridge project, replacing a 1939 pedestrian/vehicular bridge to improve access. Councilmember Scott presented a letter for Peck Community Sports Park field lighting, installing energy-efficient LEDs for year-round use.
• All three letters are addressed to the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) for different grant programs. Councilmembers unanimously supported walking the letters onto the agenda to be sent together.

Other Items

• A citizens initiative measure (2026-01, "Homes for All") was noted for information only.
• City Manager’s weekly report included a proclamation declaring June 30, 2026, as honorary pet mayor Sambuka and Deputy Mayor Kai Day.
• The council received updates from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) annual conference in Spokane, which several members attended. Councilmember Hines highlighted shared challenges across the state; Councilmember Sidalga noted that Tacoma will host the 2027 AWC conference.
• The meeting moved into an executive session for potential litigation (motion passed); no further action was taken, and the session adjourned afterward.