The highest paid 24 Tacoma School District employees had a combined base salary of $6.5 million dollars for the school year 2023-2024, the most recent year data is available. This amount does not include other benefits and compensation.

Name	Title	2023-24
Garcia, Joshua	Superintendent	$385,757
Pace, Toni	Deputy/Assist. Supt.	$348,121
Nolan, Lisa	Deputy/Assist. Supt.	$337,771
Trueblood, Renee	Deputy/Assist. Supt.	$317,278
Medina, Rosalind	Director/Supervisor	$315,616
Williams, Christopher	Director/Supervisor	$298,938
Edmond, Eric	Deputy/Assist. Supt.	$287,013
Ketler, Jonathan	Secondary Principal	$283,571
Rich, Scott	Other District Admin.	$278,085
Hostetter, Douglas	Other District Admin.	$276,477
Aldridge, Morris	Director/Supervisor	$274,767
Deaderick, Steven	Director/Supervisor	$274,167
Ray, Julie	Other District Admin.	$263,510
Gbenro, Abdul Malik	Professional	$258,570
Marshall, Shannon	Secondary Principal	$257,519
Blanchfield-Johnso, Cynthia	Elementary Principal	$252,722
Hoseth, Karl	Secondary Principal	$251,695
Ness, Lysandra	Secondary Principal	$251,410
Stewart, Collette	Director/Supervisor	$250,544
Kulaas, Adam	Other District Admin.	$249,268
Froembling, Renee	Secondary Principal	$248,263
Blauser, Vince	Other District Admin.	$245,599
Neil, James	Other District Admin.	$245,429
TOTAL		$6,452,090

As of April 16, 2025, the highest paid city employees make a combined total of nearly $7 million. When combined with benefits and other compensation, the amount is well over $7 million.

According to information from the City of Tacoma, the city council has approved over $135,000,000 so far this year. While a bulk was spent on payroll ($67 million), other expenditures included: $3.5 million to the Rescue Mission, $1 million to Stronghold Armored for armored transport services, $2.5 million to Government Portfolio Advisors for investment advisory services, and $19.5 million to Staff Pro for parking, security, and guest services at the Tacoma Dome and Greater Tacoma Convention Center.

source: https://cityoftacoma.legistar.com/Legislation.aspx

In their March 25^th meeting, the Tacoma City Council approved $270,000.00 to be paid to city water employee, Anthony White. The case stems from a complaint filed in 2020 accusing Tacoma Public Utilities of discrimination in its hiring practices. The case, filed in 2022 was settled out of court in February.

One way that a city council can be judged is on the output of its work. A major function of a city council’s work is creating policies that both guide the city manager and provide a vision for the city. And while it is difficult to quantify “vision”, we can quantify the number of ordinances (city laws) passed that originated from a city council member. 

In 2023, there were a total of 66 ordinances passed by the Tacoma City Council. Of those, five were sponsored by city council members with the remaining ordinances coming from various city departments. The summaries of the five ordinances follow:

ORD28799 created 12/1/2021; passed 2/7/2023 – (Continued from the meeting of December 14, 2021) An ordinance amending, renaming, and renumbering Chapter 9.16 of the Municipal Code, relating to Streets and Sidewalks – Keeping Clean, by adding two new sections, to prevent obstruction and damage to sidewalks from the loading, unloading, and transport of goods; and amending the penalty provision to align with Tacoma’s Uniform Enforcement Code. [Council Member Ushka]

ORD28894 passed 7/11/2023 – An ordinance amending Chapter 1.95 of the Municipal Code, relating to the Rental Housing Code, to require landlords to comply with health and safety laws; have a City business license before increasing rent or evicting tenants; set limits on late fees for rent and on pet deposits; require 120-day notice to raise rent; add new regulations for shared housing; and standardize screening criteria for the amount of tenant income required to qualify for housing, for reviewing a tenant’s criminal history, and acceptable identification. [Mayor Woodards]

ORD28922 12/5/2023 – An ordinance amending Titles 8 and 17 of the Municipal Code, relating to Animal Control and Public Safety, by amending Section 17.02.140, entitled “Public disturbance noise and public nuisance noise made by an animal”, and Section 8.12.060, entitled “Public disturbance noises”, to revise requirements for enforcement of an unlawful action and to remove the criminal misdemeanor charge for public disturbance and public nuisance noise made by an animal. [Council Member Hines]

ORD28923 12/5/2023 – An ordinance amending Title 17 of the Municipal Code, relating to Animal Control, by adding a new Section 17.02.155, entitled “Cat Declawing”, to establish a ban on performing a procedure that results in the partial or complete declawing of a cat except when conducted by a licensed veterinarian for a therapeutic purpose, effective March 31, 2024. [Council Member Hines]

ORD28930 12/19/2023 – An ordinance amending Chapter 6A.30 of the Municipal Code, relating to Business and Occupation Tax, by adding a new Section 6A.30.067, entitled “Job Credit – Work Opportunity”, to provide a new $1,000 job tax credit for employers adding a new position and filling the position with an individual with a disability, as identified through the vocational referral in the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit. [Council Member Blocker]

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By the Numbers:
Total ordinances passed: 66
Total ordinances sponsored by city council members: 5 
Council Member Blocker: 1
Council Member Hines: 2
Council Member Ushka: 1
Mayor Woodards: 1

Of note, none of the ordinances put forward by council members or city staff deal directly with the top social issues of the day: affordable housing and homelessness, public safety, increased gang activity, and economic development. A full summary of all the ordinances passed in 2023 follows at the end of this article.

So, besides examining quantifiable output, are there other ways we should judge the effectiveness of a city council? This question was posed to former local elected leaders. The responses received by the publication date follow:

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Julie Anderson, Tacoma City Council, 2004-2009; Pierce County Auditor, 2009-2022

Attendance.  At council meetings as well as the standing committee meetings.

Communication.  Does the CM have a newsletter that provides regular updates on hot topics and offer ways for citizens to be engaged (upcoming hearings, please write to me, please join me for a town hall).

Representation.  If the council member is appointed to a regional council (example: PSRC) or governance board  (Sound Transit), do they report back to the council and community? Is there a feedback loop?

Engagement.  I’m not talking about ribbon cuttings and “glamour shot” events.  Rather, does the council member go to neighborhood council meetings, community summits, civic discussions?  These are crucial to listening, learning, and making oneself accessible.

Policy.  Does the CM sponsor meaningful, substantive ordinances (as opposed to symbolic Does the CM appear to have read their materials and understand the content?  This is evidenced by the questions that they ask (are the questions pertinent, designed to illuminate, or are they asking questions that are clearly answered in the bill). This is also evidenced by amendments that they offer.   

Good relations. Although local government positions are supposed to be nonpartisan, it is well-known who affiliates with R’s and D’s. Does the CM’s initiatives and ordinances have support from a mixture of political perspectives? Is there negotiation? Likewise, does the CM refrain from partisan rhetoric and grandstanding and sponsoring “wedge issue” ordinances?

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Connie Ladenburg, Tacoma City Council, 2002-2010; Washington State House of Representatives 2011-2013; Pierce County Council, 2013-2021 

They are doing a good job if they are addressing the needs of the community. Keep in mind that not everyone in a community agrees on how the needs should be met or what the priority of needs are. And that is a challenge for a council and its members. The same kind of disagreement can happen within the body of the Council. First, Council members need to just look around. Council members are also residents. They see graffiti, crime, homelessness, empty storefronts, and a degrading environment. Then get out and listen to their constituents and stakeholders. Not only will they hear their concerns but often they have solutions. Next, do research. Find out what other communities are doing. The next step is what is often missing. Go back to the residents and stakeholders and share what has been learned before a final decision has been made.

Once priorities are set and strategies are developed the Council must get the work out. This is more difficult today than when I was on the City Council when we had a robust newspaper. As you know, our means of communication have changed but I don’t think our government officials have. Our elected officials should be utilizing all means of communication – oral, written, visual, electronic. This is where failure happens.

The Council has done some good things, but the message is not getting to the community. Here is an example… I live in Southend, near the now famous Hosmer Business district. A year or two ago it was reported that this is the highest crime district in the City with car break-ins, drug dealing and use, prostitution, even some murders. Much of the activity was happening in and around the area Motels. This area had its share of homeless tents along the Hosmer corridor, even slightly encroaching into the neighborhood. Not good news. When crime stats are gathered it is by a larger geographic area than a street i.e census track, neighborhood council, or Council district. I live about a mile from this part of Hosmer and yet the reputation of my neighborhood was affected by the crime in the 8 blocks or so of Hosmer. In the last few years, many of the motels have been turned into permanent supportive housing and affordable housing. There is no evidence of home tents and crime numbers are improving. And yet there is still a perception that Hosmer is unsafe with people saying there is no way they would go to that part of the city. Why lack of communication!

It is difficult for a citizen to know if a council is doing the job they are elected to do. It is up to the Council to let them know what has been done. Only then, will a person be able to judge whether the job meets the needs of the community.

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John W. Ladenburg Sr., Tacoma City Council, 1982-1986; Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney, 1986-2000; Pierce County Executive, 2001-2009

I judge an elected official on what they actually get done.  Many will campaign on issues they or the public feel important.  Some will actually make legislative proposals to address that issue.  Some will actually work with and persuade other elected to work with them and pass legislation.  The question for me is usually effectiveness.  Does that official make the effort to get things done or do they complain that others won’t agree with them or work with them.  The best not only lead on issues, but they actually perform on issues.  I have found that the best were the ones who ran for office to get something done and spent as much time as possible trying to get it done.  Some did get progress done by finding a way to get others onboard.  I also like those who realize that maybe you can’t get it all done right now, but part is better.  We have had too many who were so set on their agenda, they got nothing done because it was not perfect.  The old saying is correct, “Perfect is the enemy of the Good.”  So, my advice to citizens not only to ask your elected officials what issues they believe are important, but ask what they have done about it and what they intend to do.  If their answer is they tried and others defeated it, ask how they plan to change that.  If they say they don’t have the power to do anything, they probably don’t want the controversy of battle to get it done.  A good elected official is not afraid to take a stand or afraid to tell you where they stand.

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City of Tacoma ordinances passed in 2023

File #	File Created	Final Action	Title
ORD28799	12/1/2021	2/7/2023	(Continued from the meeting of December 14, 2021) An ordinance amending, renaming, and renumbering Chapter 9.16 of the Municipal Code, relating to Streets and Sidewalks – Keeping Clean, by adding two new sections, to prevent obstruction and damage to sidewalks from the loading, unloading, and transport of goods; and amending the penalty provision to align with Tacoma’s Uniform Enforcement Code. [Council Member Ushka]
ORD28863	11/15/2022	2/7/2023	An ordinance vacating two portions of East “N” Street on opposite sides in the same block, lying north of East 25th Street, to facilitate expanded and future use of the property. (M & A Investments Three, LLC; File No. 124.1427) [Jeff H. Capell, Hearing Examiner]
ORD28867	11/28/2022	4/4/2023	An ordinance vacating a portion of South Pine Street public right-of-way, for extended property area and potential expansion of the existing business use. (LBA LVF VII-COMPANY XXIII, LLC; File No. 124.1438) [Jeff H. Capell, Hearing Examiner]
ORD28868	12/19/2022	1/24/2023	An ordinance amending Chapter 1.12 of the Municipal Code, relating to the Compensation Plan, to implement rates of pay and compensation for employees represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 483, Human Resources Unit. [Dylan Carlson, Senior Labor Relations Manager; Bill Fosbre, City Attorney]
ORD28869	1/3/2023	2/21/2023	An ordinance reclassifying an approximately 0.34-acre site, located at 8441 South “C” Street, from an R-2 Single-Family Dwelling District to a C-1 General Neighborhood Commercial District, to allow for the construction of a 12-unit apartment building. (Royal Construction Group, LLC; File No. LU22-0134) [Jeff H. Capell, Hearing Examiner]
ORD28870	1/12/2023	2/14/2023	An ordinance amending Chapter 1.12 of the Municipal Code, relating to the Compensation Plan, to implement rates of pay and compensation for employees represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 483, Custodial and Building Maintenance Unit, and the Tacoma, Washington, City and Pierce County Employees Local Number 120 of the Washington State Council of County and City Employees, AFSCME, AFL-CIO. [Dylan Carlson, Senior Labor Relations Manager; Bill Fosbre, City Attorney]
ORD28871	1/30/2023	2/14/2023	An ordinance amending Chapter 1.12 of the Municipal Code, relating to the Compensation Plan, to implement rates of pay for the nonrepresented classification of Municipal Court Judge – Pro Tem. [Kari L. Louie, Assistant Director; Shelby Fritz, Director, Human Resources]
ORD28872	2/3/2023	3/7/2023	An ordinance amending Chapter 13.06 of the Municipal Code, relating to Zoning, by amending Section 13.06.070, entitled “Overlay Districts”, to enact a moratorium on certain uses within the South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District, for an initial period of up to one year. [Stephen Atkinson, Principal Planner; Peter Huffman, Director, Planning and Development Services]
ORD28873	2/16/2023	3/14/2023	An ordinance amending Chapter 1.12 of the Municipal Code, relating to the Compensation Plan, to implement rates of pay and compensation for employees represented by the Tacoma Firefighters Union, Local 31, the Professional Public Safety Management Association, and the District Lodge No. 160 on behalf of Local Lodge No. 282 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Supervisors’ Unit. [Dylan Carlson, Labor Relations Division Manager; Bill Fosbre, City Attorney]
ORD28877	2/23/2023	5/16/2023	An ordinance vacating portions of South 23rd Street and South Cushman Avenue, to cure existing building encroachments. (SoHo Properties Inc. dba SoHo Properties 2 Inc; File No. 124.1439) [Jeff H. Capell, Hearing Examiner]
ORD28876	2/23/2023	9/19/2023	An ordinance vacating a portion of South “L” Street, lying north of South 5th Street, and a portion of South 4th Street, lying west of South “L” Street, to facilitate a healthcare redevelopment project. (MultiCare Health System; File No. 124.1426) [Jeff H. Capell, Hearing Examiner]
ORD28875	2/23/2023	10/31/2023	An ordinance vacating a portion of South Madison Street, lying south of South 40th Street, and a portion of South 50th Street, lying west of South Madison Street, to facilitate development of an industrial park and associated storm ponds, utility extensions, and parking facilities. (Bridge Point Tacoma, LLC; File Nos. 124.1432 and 124.1442) [Jeff H. Capell, Hearing Examiner]
ORD28874	3/2/2023	3/21/2023	An ordinance amending Chapter 1.12 of the Municipal Code, relating to the Compensation Plan, to implement rates of pay and compensation for employees represented by the Professional and Technical Employees, Local 17, Tacoma Police Department Non-Commissioned Management Unit. [Dylan Carlson, Labor Relations Division Manager; Bill Fosbre, City Attorney]
ORD28878	3/9/2023	4/4/2023	An ordinance amending Subtitle 6A of the Municipal Code, relating to the Tax Code, by amending Chapter 6A.130, entitled “Local Solid Waste Customer Excise Tax”, to create an exemption for charges to customers who take solid waste to private solid waste disposal facilities consistent with the existing exemption for customers who take solid waste to public solid waste disposal facilities, retroactive to April 1, 2023. [Danielle Larson, Tax and License Manager; Andy Cherullo, Director, Finance]
ORD28879	4/5/2023	4/25/2023	An ordinance amending Chapter 1.12 of the Municipal Code, relating to the Compensation Plan, to implement rates of pay and compensation for employees represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 483, Clerical Unit; and to create the non-represented classifications of Community Service Officer and Labor Negotiator, Public Safety. [Kari L. Louie, Assistant Director; Shelby Fritz, Director, Human Resources]
ORD28880	4/18/2023	8/8/2023	An ordinance vacating a portion of undeveloped South 35th Street, west of South “G” Street, to facilitate expansion of public school sports fields and parking. (Tacoma School District No. 10; File No. 124.1437) [Jeff H. Capell, Hearing Examiner]
ORD28881	4/19/2023	5/16/2023	A supplemental ordinance authorizing the execution of an amendment to the Note Purchase Agreement related to the City’s Electric System Subordinate Revenue Note, Series 2020 (Taxable); and delegating the authority to approve the final terms of the amendment. [Michelle Brown, Financial Planning Supervisor; Chris Robinson, Power Superintendent]
ORD28885	4/24/2023	5/23/2023	An ordinance amending the Capital Budget of the City for fiscal years 2023-2024 for recommended budget adjustments and Council-approved capital projects with outstanding balances. [Katie Johnston, Budget Officer; Andy Cherullo, Director, Finance]
ORD28884	4/24/2023	5/23/2023	An ordinance amending the Biennial Operating Budget of the City for fiscal years 2023-2024 for recommended budget adjustments that were not identifiable before the approval of the 2023-2024 adopted budget. [Katie Johnston, Budget Officer; Andy Cherullo, Director, Finance]
ORD28883	4/25/2023	6/6/2023	An ordinance granting a non-exclusive ten-year telecommunications franchise agreement to Sprint Communications Company, L.P., to construct, operate, and maintain a telecommunications system in City right-of-way areas. [Jeff Lueders, Division Manager; Amy Clancy, Director, Media and Communications Office]
ORD28882	4/26/2023	5/23/2023	An ordinance amending Chapter 1.12 of the Municipal Code, relating to the Compensation Plan, to implement rates of pay and compensation for employees represented by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, the non represented classifications of Municipal Court Judge and Court Commissioner, and other changes to reflect the organizational structure. [Kari L. Louie, Assistant Director; Shelby Fritz, Director, Human Resources]
ORD28889	5/19/2023	6/20/2023	An ordinance amending Chapter 1.12 of the Municipal Code, relating to the Compensation Plan, to implement compensation for employees represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 483, Tacoma Power Unit. [Dylan Carlson, Labor Relations Division Manager; Bill Fosbre, City Attorney]
ORD28886	5/23/2023	6/13/2023	An ordinance declaring the public necessity for, and providing for the acquisition by eminent domain of certain properties located between McKinley Avenue and Portland Avenue, to construct the pedestrian, signal safety, and road improvements in connection with the East 64th Street, Phase 2 Improvement Project. [Troy Stevens, Senior Real Estate Specialist; Josh Diekmann, P.E. PTOE, Interim Director, Public Works]
ORD28887	5/23/2023	6/13/2023	An ordinance amending Title 8 of the Municipal Code, relating to Public Safety, by adding a new Chapter 8.190, entitled “Drug Crimes”, and repealing in its entirety Chapter 8.29, entitled “Drug Paraphernalia”, to comply with state law. [Keith Echterling, Deputy City Attorney; Bill Fosbre, City Attorney]
ORD28890	5/26/2023	6/20/2023	An ordinance providing for the issuance and sale of one or more series of limited tax general obligation refunding bonds, in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $32,000,000, to defease and refund certain outstanding general obligation bonds of the City and to pay costs of issuing the bonds; providing the form of the bonds; and delegating the authority to approve the final terms of the bonds. [Michael San Soucie, City Treasurer; Andy Cherullo, Director, Finance]
ORD28893	5/30/2023	6/27/2023	An ordinance adopting the Six-Year Comprehensive Transportation Improvement Program amended for the years 2023 and 2024-2029. [Jennifer Kammerzell, Assistant Division Manager; Josh Diekmann, P.E. PTOE, Interim Director, Public Works]
ORD28888	5/30/2023	6/27/2023	An ordinance amending the non-exclusive 20-year franchise agreement with Rainier Connect North LLC, to transfer the agreement to Alphaboost Purchaser, LLC, to construct, operate, maintain, and provide cable television services in the City. [Jeff Lueders, Division Manager; Amy Clancy, Director, Media and Communications Office]
ORD28891	5/31/2023	6/20/2023	An ordinance amending Amended Ordinance No. 26749, which granted the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority d.b.a. Sound Transit, a non-exclusive Right of Use Agreement, by adding Exhibits “E” and “F” to establish rights, duties, and responsibilities related to maintenance, repair, or replacement of a portion of a 24-inch stormwater main located under the Link Light Rail Expansion Project Overhead Contact System within Stadium Way. [Corey Newton, P.E., Division Manager, Planning and Development Services; Josh Diekmann, P.E. PTOE, Interim Director, Public Works]
ORD28892	6/1/2023	6/27/2023	An ordinance amending Chapter 1.12 of the Municipal Code, relating to the Compensation Plan, to implement rates of pay and compensation for employees represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 483, Court Clerks Unit. [Dylan Carlson, Labor Relations Division Manager; Bill Fosbre, City Attorney]
ORD28895	6/9/2023	7/18/2023	(First and Final Reading) An ordinance approving and confirming the Final Assessment Roll for Local Improvement District No. 8640, which provided for the construction of asphalt concrete alley pavement, with storm drainage at the following locations: 1) The alley between Proctor Street and Madison Street from North 38th Street north 130 feet, more or less, thence east to Proctor Street; 2) The alley between North 35th Street and North 36th Street from Warner Street to Puget Sound Avenue; 3) The alley between North 21st Street and North 22nd Street from Washington Street to Adams St
ORD28894	6/21/2023	7/11/2023	An ordinance amending Chapter 1.95 of the Municipal Code, relating to the Rental Housing Code, to require landlords to comply with health and safety laws; have a City business license before increasing rent or evicting tenants; set limits on late fees for rent and on pet deposits; require 120-day notice to raise rent; add new regulations for shared housing; and standardize screening criteria for the amount of tenant income required to qualify for housing, for reviewing a tenant’s criminal history, and acceptable identification. [Mayor Woodards]
ORD28896	6/27/2023	7/25/2023	An ordinance amending Chapter 1.12 of the Municipal Code, relating to the Compensation Plan, to implement rates of pay and compensation for employees represented by the Teamsters Local Union No. 117, General Unit. [Dylan Carlson, Labor Relations Division Manager; Bill Fosbre, City Attorney]
ORD28897	6/30/2023	8/1/2023	An ordinance amending Chapter 1.12 of the Municipal Code, relating to the Compensation Plan, to implement rates of pay and compensation for employees represented by the Professional and Technical Employees, Local 17, and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 483, Supervisors’ Unit. [Dylan Carlson, Labor Relations Division Manager; Bill Fosbre, City Attorney]
ORD28898	7/5/2023	8/1/2023	An ordinance providing for the issuance and sale of Regional Water Supply System revenue refunding bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $40,850,000, to provide funds to defease and/or refund all or a portion of the City’s Regional Water Supply System Revenue Refunding Bonds, 2013; fixing or setting parameters with respect to certain terms and covenants of the bonds, and appointing the City’s designated representatives to approve the final terms of the sale of the bonds; and approving an amendment to the Repayment Agreement. [Lyna Vo, Senior Economist; Scott Dewhirst, Water S
ORD28899	7/5/2023	8/1/2023	An ordinance providing for the issuance and sale of water system revenue refunding bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $75,000,000, to provide funds to defease and/or refund all or a portion of the City’s Water System Revenue and Refunding Bonds, 2005 and Water System Revenue and Refunding Bonds, 2013; and fixing or setting parameters with respect to certain terms and covenants of the bonds, and appointing the City’s designated representatives to approve the final terms of the sale of the bonds. [Lyna Vo, Senior Economist; Scott Dewhirst, Water Superintendent]
ORD28900	7/21/2023	8/29/2023	An ordinance granting a non-exclusive ten-year telecommunications franchise agreement to Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC, a Washington limited liability company, to construct, operate, maintain, and provide cable television services in the City. [Jeff Lueders, Division Manager; Amy Clancy, Director, Media and Communications Office]
ORD28903	7/24/2023	8/15/2023	An ordinance amending Chapter 13.06 of the Municipal Code, relating to Zoning, to support the expanded use of shipping containers for temporary and accessory uses, as part of the 2023 Annual Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Regulatory Code, as recommended by the Planning Commission. [Stephen Atkinson, Principal Planner; Peter Huffman, Director, Planning and Development Services]
ORD28905	7/24/2023	8/15/2023	An ordinance amending Chapter 13.06 of the Municipal Code, relating to Zoning, by amending various sections to clarify commercial zoning design and development standards that would apply to projects seeking to utilize the Multi-Family Tax Exemption Program in neighborhood commercial areas, as part of the 2023 Annual Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Regulatory Code, as recommended by the Planning Commission. [Stephen Atkinson, Principal Planner; Peter Huffman, Director, Planning and Development Services]
ORD28901	7/24/2023	8/15/2023	An ordinance amending the Future Land Use Map for the Mor Furniture site, located at 1824 South 49th Street, to change from a Low-Scale Residential land use designation to a General Commercial land use designation, and amending the Parks and Recreation Facilities Map to remove the subject site, as part of the 2023 Annual Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Regulatory Code. [Stephen Atkinson, Principal Planner; Peter Huffman, Director, Planning and Development Services]
ORD28906	7/24/2023	8/15/2023	An ordinance amending various chapters in Title 1, relating to Administration and Personnel, and Title 13, relating to the Land Use Regulatory Code of the Municipal Code, to adopt minor code amendments, as part of the 2023 Annual Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Regulatory Code, as recommended by the Planning Commission. [Stephen Atkinson, Principal Planner; Peter Huffman, Director, Planning and Development Services]
ORD28902	7/24/2023	8/15/2023	An ordinance amending Chapter 13.06 of the Municipal Code, relating to Zoning, to expand the allowed use of electric fences in association with outdoor storage in various zoning districts, with associated development standards, as part of the 2023 Annual Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Regulatory Code. [Stephen Atkinson, Principal Planner; Peter Huffman, Director, Planning and Development Services]
ORD28904	7/24/2023	8/15/2023	An ordinance amending Chapters 13.01 and 13.06 of the Municipal Code, relating to Definitions and Zoning, to clarify delivery-only retail business use and standards, as part of the 2023 Annual Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Regulatory Code, as recommended by the Planning Commission. [Stephen Atkinson, Principal Planner; Peter Huffman, Director, Planning and Development Services]
ORD28908	7/26/2023	8/22/2023	An ordinance amending Chapter 8.30A of the Municipal Code, relating to Chronic Public Nuisance, by amending Section 8.30A.020, entitled “Definitions”, to add multiple state law crimes and to include violations of the City’s Rental Housing Code to the definition of a nuisance activity, and by amending Section 8.30A.040, entitled “Correction agreement”, to add an execution deadline. [Keith Echterling, Deputy City Attorney; Avery Moore, Police Chief]
ORD28907	8/2/2023	8/22/2023	A substitute ordinance amending Chapter 1.12 of the Municipal Code, relating to the Compensation Plan, to implement rates of pay and compensation for nonrepresented classifications, to reflect the organizational structure. [Kari L. Louie, Assistant Director; Shelby Fritz, Director, Human Resources]
ORD28909	9/14/2023	10/17/2023	An ordinance amending Chapter 1.12 of the Municipal Code, relating to the Compensation Plan, to implement rates of pay and compensation for employees represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 483, Tacoma Power Unit, and Professional and Technical Employees, Local 17. [Kari L. Louie, Assistant Director; Shelby Fritz, Director, Human Resources]
ORD28910	10/9/2023	10/31/2023	An ordinance amending Title 6 of the Municipal Code, relating to the Tax and License Code, by amending Chapter 6B.10, entitled “General License Provisions”, and Chapter 6B.20, entitled “Annual Business License”, to decrease the late filing penalty on business license fees, strengthen license requirements and enforcement tools, and clarify administrative provisions of the licensing code; and by amending various chapters to update language and address areas of inconsistency. [Danielle Larson, Tax and License Manager; Andy Cherullo, Director, Finance]
ORD28911	10/16/2023	11/21/2023	An ordinance amending Chapter 12.06 of the Municipal Code, relating to Electric Energy – Regulations and Rates, to add a new Section 12.06.266, entitled “Very large load service of 10 aMW or more – Schedule VLL”, and by amending various sections to align with the new Schedule VLL, effective January 1, 2024. [Jing Liu, Rates and Data Analyst; Chris Robinson, Power Superintendent]
ORD28917	10/24/2023	11/28/2023	An ordinance modifying the 2023-2024 Biennial Operating Budget to appropriate funds for contractual obligations, transfers, and other budget adjustments; authorize interfund transfers and contributions; and accept, deposit, and appropriate miscellaneous donations, contributions, and/or fees. [Reid Bennion, Budget Officer; Andy Cherullo, Director, Finance]
ORD28914	10/24/2023	11/28/2023	An ordinance fixing the amount of the Ad Valorem tax levies necessary to identify the amount of the estimated revenues from property tax levies to match estimated expenditures for debt service and other funding requirements. [Reid Bennion, Budget Officer; Andy Cherullo, Director, Finance]
ORD28913	10/24/2023	11/28/2023	An ordinance authorizing an increase in the Ad Valorem general property tax revenue collection in terms of both dollars and percentage for the general property tax levy in 2024. [Reid Bennion, Budget Officer; Andy Cherullo, Director, Finance]
ORD28915	10/24/2023	11/28/2023	An ordinance authorizing an increase for the Emergency Medical Services property tax levy in terms of both dollars and percentage. [Reid Bennion, Budget Officer; Andy Cherullo, Director, Finance]
ORD28916	10/24/2023	11/28/2023	An ordinance fixing the amount of the Emergency Medical Services levy necessary to identify the amount of the estimated revenues from the property tax levy to match estimated expenditures for debt service and other funding requirements. [Reid Bennion, Budget Officer; Andy Cherullo, Director, Finance]
ORD28918	10/24/2023	11/28/2023	An ordinance modifying the 2023-2024 Capital Budget to recognize changes in transfers, additional revenues, and budget adjustments. [Reid Bennion, Budget Officer; Andy Cherullo, Director, Finance]
ORD28912	11/2/2023	11/28/2023	An ordinance amending Chapter 12.10 of the Municipal Code, relating to Water – Regulations and Rates, by amending Section 12.10.301, entitled “Fire hydrant services fee”, and Section 12.10.400, entitled “Rates – Inside and outside City limits”, effective January 1, 2024. [Jodi Collins, Financial Stewardship Manager; Scott Dewhirst, Water Superintendent]
ORD28921	11/8/2023	12/19/2023	An ordinance amending the current non-exclusive Right of Use Agreement and Franchise with Pierce Transit, extending the renewal term an additional five-years and amending the current expiration from January 1, 2024 to January 1, 2029, for transit-related infrastructure within City rights-of-way. [Joseph Romero, Senior Real Estate Specialist; Ramiro A. Chavez, P.E. PgMP, Director, Public Works]
ORD28919	11/8/2023	12/5/2023	An ordinance amending Chapter 3.11 of the Municipal Code, relating to Emergency Medical Transportation, by amending Section 3.11.060, entitled “Patient transportation service rates”, to restore the Emergency Medical Services levy and allow the levy to pay for medical transport charges incurred by qualified City residents, as passed by voters in Proposition 1 in the August 1, 2023, Primary Election. [Teresa Green, Senior Business Services Manager; Toryono Green, Fire Chief]
ORD28920	11/9/2023	12/5/2023	A supplemental ordinance providing for the issuance and sale of one or more series of Electric System Revenue and Refunding Bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $225,000,000, to provide funds to finance and refinance capital improvements to the electric system, redeem certain obligations of the electric system, and pay costs of issuance for the bonds; and delegating the authority to approve the final terms of the bonds. [Michelle Brown, Financial Planning Supervisor; Chris Robinson, Power Superintendent]
ORD28925	11/16/2023	12/12/2023	A substitute ordinance amending Chapter 1.12 of the Municipal Code, relating to the Compensation Plan, to implement rates of pay and compensation for certain represented and nonrepresented employees; and changes in classifications to reflect the organizational structure. [Kari L. Louie, Assistant Director; Shelby Fritz, Director, Human Resources]
ORD28924	11/16/2023	12/12/2023	An ordinance authorizing the annexation of the Manitou Potential Annexation Area, located near Lakewood Drive West and 66th Street West, to the City of Tacoma, effective April 1, 2024, as set forth in the Interlocal Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding with Pierce County executed on December 15, 2021. [Wesley Rhodes, Senior Planner; Peter Huffman, Director, Planning and Development Services]
ORD28926	11/17/2023	12/12/2023	An ordinance amending Title 9 of the Municipal Code, relating to Public Ways, by repealing Chapters 9.18, 9.19, and 9.20 in their entirety and replacing Chapter 9.20 with a new chapter entitled “Urban Forestry”, to establish permit requirements and related regulations for pruning, removal, and planting of street trees, establish policies and procedures for discretionary review of requests to prune trees on public property, establish a heritage tree program, and provide for enforcement and penalties for violations; amending Title 1 of the Municipal Code, relating to Administration
ORD28922	11/21/2023	12/5/2023	An ordinance amending Titles 8 and 17 of the Municipal Code, relating to Animal Control and Public Safety, by amending Section 17.02.140, entitled “Public disturbance noise and public nuisance noise made by an animal”, and Section 8.12.060, entitled “Public disturbance noises”, to revise requirements for enforcement of an unlawful action and to remove the criminal misdemeanor charge for public disturbance and public nuisance noise made by an animal. [Council Member Hines]
ORD28923	11/21/2023	12/5/2023	An ordinance amending Title 17 of the Municipal Code, relating to Animal Control, by adding a new Section 17.02.155, entitled “Cat Declawing”, to establish a ban on performing a procedure that results in the partial or complete declawing of a cat except when conducted by a licensed veterinarian for a therapeutic purpose, effective March 31, 2024. [Council Member Hines]
ORD28928	11/28/2023	12/19/2023	An ordinance amending Subtitle 6B of the Municipal Code, relating to the License Code, by amending Section 6B.10.030, entitled “License definitions”, and Section 6B.10.190, entitled “Investigations and background checks”, to meet Federal Bureau of Investigation requirements to allow the City to conduct nationwide background checks for certain license applicants. [Danielle Larson, Tax and License Division Manager; Andy Cherullo, Director, Finance]
ORD28929	11/28/2023	12/19/2023	An ordinance amending Subtitle 6A of the Municipal Code, relating to the Tax Code, by amending Section 6A.30.065, entitled “Job credits”, to narrow the definition of a green job and increase the value of the green job tax credit from $250 to $1,000 per year; and amending various sections throughout Chapter 6A.30, to update language, address areas of inconsistency, and comply with state law. [Danielle Larson, Tax and License Division Manager; Andy Cherullo, Director, Finance]
ORD28927	11/28/2023	12/19/2023	An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 28910, relating to the Tax and License Code, to include an additional exhibit amending Municipal Code Chapter 6B.10 and 6B.20, effective November 13, 2023. [Danielle Larson, Tax and License Division Manager; Andy Cherullo, Director, Finance]
ORD28930	12/6/2023	12/19/2023	An ordinance amending Chapter 6A.30 of the Municipal Code, relating to Business and Occupation Tax, by adding a new Section 6A.30.067, entitled “Job Credit – Work Opportunity”, to provide a new $1,000 job tax credit for employers adding a new position and filling the position with an individual with a disability, as identified through the vocational referral in the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit. [Council Member Blocker]

In light of the recent talk of the Tacoma City Council getting pay raises, the Tacoma Sun thought it would be interesting to see exactly what the council has accomplished so far this year. The results will shock you!

At the time of this writing, 17 resolutions have been passed this year. All of the resolutions originated out of the Community and Economic Development department with most of the resolutions involving granting Multi-Family Housing Property Tax Exemptions.

Not one resolution originated from a council member.

The City Council has done a little better on creating ordinances. So far this year, two ordinances out of 42 were sponsored by city council members… although one of those ordinances was created in 2021.

What were the two ordinances?

ORD28799 (created 12-1-2021, passed 2-7-2023): “(Continued from the meeting of December 14, 2021) An ordinance amending, renaming, and renumbering Chapter 9.16 of the Municipal Code, relating to Streets and Sidewalks – Keeping Clean, by adding two new sections, to prevent obstruction and damage to sidewalks from the loading, unloading, and transport of goods; and amending the penalty provision to align with Tacoma’s Uniform Enforcement Code.” Sponsored by Council Member Ushka.

ORD28894 (passed 7-11-2023): “An ordinance amending Chapter 1.95 of the Municipal Code, relating to the Rental Housing Code, to require landlords to comply with health and safety laws; have a City business license before increasing rent or evicting tenants; set limits on late fees for rent and on pet deposits; require 120-day notice to raise rent; add new regulations for shared housing; and standardize screening criteria for the amount of tenant income required to qualify for housing, for reviewing a tenant’s criminal history, and acceptable identification.” Sponsored by Mayor Woodards.

Should we expect more results out of the council after this year’s 12% raise? What about after next year’s 20% raise?

Tacoma still has serious crime and safety issues – and possibly gang issues. Our neighborhoods are still under constant threat of encroachment from incompatible land use codes that haven’t been revised in decades. A proposed 2.4 million square foot warehouse off South Tacoma Way is one example. It is also still perfectly legal for any number of rendering plants and pulp mills to open up within the city limits. Tacoma still lags behind other large Northwest cities in terms of tree canopy. Tree canopies are critical in reducing pollution in the air and ground while also helping to reduce urban heat islands.

Clearly, there is much work still to do.

Data source: https://cityoftacoma.legistar.com/Legislation.aspx