Tacoma council weighs $12M recycling contract, housing tax breaks, and November special election
Tacoma City Council members faced back-to-back agendas over the past two weeks covering multimillion-dollar contracts, housing incentives, and labor agreements. Because minutes have not yet been published for the June 23 and June 30 meetings, outcomes for those items are not confirmed in the record. The next regular council meeting on July 7 includes scheduled votes on pedestrian safety contracts and a November special election on a housing initiative.
Recent Council Meetings
The June 23 City Council agenda included a $1.75 million interlocal agreement with the Washington State Department of Ecology for the South Tacoma Tree Canopy Enhancement Program. Also scheduled were a $758,253 contract to Axum General Construction for sidewalk and intersection work at S 38th and S Cedar Street, and a $1.1 million contract to Clean Energy for compressed natural gas fueling station maintenance.
The council was set to consider 12-year property tax exemptions for two multi-family housing projects: 12 units at 708 E 35th Street and 14 units at 2331 Yakima Avenue, totaling 26 units. A first reading of an ordinance adjusting pay rates for non-represented city employees was also on the agenda.
The June 30 council agenda featured a $12,000,000 contract award to Waste Management of Washington Inc. for recycling services and an $820,500 contract award to Apex Mechanical LLC for Tacoma Dome power installation. The council was also scheduled to review a collective bargaining agreement with the Tacoma Firefighters Union, Local 31, and pay rate amendments for non-represented classifications and public safety management. An ordinance to vacate portions of East M Street and East N Street for business use was listed.
Study Sessions and Committee Briefings
The June 30 City Council Study Session included briefings on Citizens' Initiative Measure 2026-01, titled Safe Homes for All, a council sponsorship request for 2026 SavorFest PNW, and letters of support for playground and bridge improvements at Wapato, Titlow, and Peck parks.
The Economic Development Committee met June 23 and June 30, with agendas listing updates on the Economic Development Board, Community Workforce Agreements outreach, and a Tacoma Minimum Wage Community and Stakeholder Engagement Report. A $20 minimum wage proposal was listed for upcoming discussion.
The Infrastructure, Planning, and Sustainability Committee received a briefing June 24 on the South Tacoma tree canopy enhancement project. The Operational Strategy and Administrative Committee reviewed a briefing June 26 on the role of the Deputy Mayor.
Coming Up
July 7 — City Council: Scheduled votes include a $1.34 million contract to Axum General Construction for pedestrian safety improvements near Baker Middle School and a $767,000 contract to R L Alia Company to replace 1,100 feet of sewer pipe between East G and F Streets. The council is scheduled to confirm a November 3 special election to place the Safe Homes for All Initiative Measure No. 1 on the ballot. A final reading of Ordinance 29113 updating firefighter and public safety pay rates is listed, along with a first reading of Ordinance 29114 updating the Critical Areas Preservation Ordinance.
July 7 — Government Performance and Finance Committee: Briefing on a community engagement report regarding barriers to accelerating housing production (Ref: 26-0543).
July 7 — City Council Study Session: Discussion of Critical Areas Preservation Ordinance amendments, the Roadmap to Recovery initiative, and a Beyond the Block sponsorship request.
July 8 — Infrastructure, Planning, and Sustainability Committee: Briefings on renewable natural gas facility plans and right-of-way design manual revisions.
July 9 — Community Vitality and Safety Committee: Briefing on Pierce County's unified regional homelessness strategy.
Earlier weeks
- week of 2026-06-29 — Tacoma Council Weighs $12M Recycling Pact, Fire Union Deal; November Ballot Measure Set
Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.