Pierce County Council on June 2, 2026 authorized placing a Spanaway Lake Management District reauthorization on a property-owner ballot and adopted zoning changes to reduce barriers for childcare providers, including rules expanding home-based capacity and permitting commercial centers in many residential zones.
Discussion Points
•Amendment establishes standards: DCYF‑approved fencing, screening/buffering, designated pickup/drop‑off area, cap of 60 on‑site children for commercial centers, and outdoor play hours limited to 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
•Ballots will be weighted by estimated dollar charge and must be postmarked by July 3, 2026; a simple majority of weighted ballots will decide reauthorization.
•Proposal would allow commercial child‑care centers as outright permitted uses in most urban residential zones and allow home‑based providers to increase capacity with state waivers.
•Staff noted the district was formed in 2021 to address water quality, has reduced aquatic vegetation and harmful algal blooms, and has blended funding sources (assessments, grants, and county surface-water funds).
Decisions
•Council adopted Amendment No. 1 and then adopted O2026‑520S as amended by a unanimous 7–0 vote.
•Council adopted R2026‑150S and directed staff to prepare ballots.
Directions
•Clerk and election center to prepare, validate and tabulate ballots for the reauthorization vote; staff to return with implementing ordinances if voters approve.
•Staff to update permitting guidance and to revisit county standards after anticipated Department of Commerce model ordinance in early 2027.
Pierce County Council met May 26, 2026 to approve proclamations (Transit Month; Gun Violence Awareness Month), reallocate under‑expended ARPA/interest earnings across three uses, adopt several resolutions including a unified regional approach (URA) to homelessness and a neighborhood traffic safety list, and adopt an updated Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan with amendments.
Discussion Points
•Amendment to protect county park properties by conservation easement/deed restrictions/zoning was added to policy chapter.
•Amendment to request negotiated revenue sharing with park districts and a staff report prior to budgeting was adopted.
•Councilmember Kuver proposed reallocating the $850K homeless prevention amount to the self‑insurance fund due to high settlement costs.
•Council members pressed on cost allocation, jurisdictional participation, and accountability mechanisms.
•Demuth outlined three reallocations totaling $2.193M; providers have exhausted earlier ARPA carryforward funds for homelessness prevention (Demuth).
•Opponents argued homelessness prevention is cost‑effective and prevents worse downstream public costs.
•Plan identifies $172M capital need with $33M unfunded.
•Public commenters asked for measurable outcomes, outside accountability, and involvement of people with lived experience.
•Staff described ELG process and proposed URA design; an initial operating budget estimated at $400K–$600K/year to support 2–3 FTEs. (Mary Connolly)
Decisions
•Adopt PROS Plan as amended (7–0).
•Adopt R2026‑152 as amended (6–1).
•Original ARPA reallocation motion adopted (5–2).
•Proposed amendment to shift $850,000 to self‑insurance fund failed (4 nays, 3 ayes).
Directions
•Begin interim alignment of data collection, coordinated entry, and inclement weather response as directed by the resolution.
•Executive and council staff to draft an interlocal agreement with fiscal oversight and transparency mechanisms and return to council.
•Finance to process accounting adjustments and transfer funds; Human Services to extend homeless prevention provider contracts through 2026.
•Parks to prepare prioritized list of at‑risk properties for protection and to begin revenue‑sharing negotiations with park districts; return to council with proposed mechanisms and budget implications.
Pierce County Council convened May 19, 2026, approving several procedural items including a correction to permanent supportive housing funding, adopting an ordinance on vacancies for advisory bodies, hearing proclamations for Memorial Day and Public Works Week, recognizing elections office awards, and holding a community forum where Community Health Care warned a residency program may close.
Discussion Points
•Administrative error: two project names were transposed in Exhibit A to R2026-127
•Auditor Farmer presented details of county awards for election administration and invited public observation of elections processes
•CHC requested county help convening stakeholders
•CHC says Virginia Mason ended affiliation in December 2025; MultiCare later declined to integrate residents
•Human Services staff described provider grievance policy and county complaint pipeline
•Proclamations for Memorial Day and Public Works Week were read into the record
•Public commenter alleged safety and care concerns at the Metropolitan Development Council
•Residency closure would reduce local primary care training capacity and affect underserved patients
Decisions
•No formal council action taken at this meeting
•Proclamations entered into the record; no formal council action required
•Resolution R2026-151 approved (7-0) to correct Exhibit A; no change in total funding
Directions
•CHC to send press release and materials to the council; staff to review options for convening stakeholders
•Staff to provide additional information about provider vetting and complaint processes; further committee discussion planned
Pierce County Council held an in-district meeting in Parkland focused on youth and young adult homelessness: officials and service providers reviewed the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP), 100-Day Challenge results, McKinney‑Vento school supports, service gaps (beds, transportation), and community resources and asked for continued funding and partnerships.
Discussion Points
•100‑Day Challenge results (goal 113 prevented 171) and sustainment phase
•Community forum requests for Safe Streets support and Parkland School acquisition
•McKinney‑Vento education supports and transportation budget pressures
•Nonprofit services and shelter/hub operations; Family Promise 24/7 childcare funding request ($1,500,000)
•Supportive services awards (St. Vincent de Paul; Brotherhood Rise Center mobile advocate)
•YHDP award and implementation details (projects, units, governance by YAB)
Directions
•Staff to continue YHDP implementation and coordinate outreach; signups encouraged for project email updates; What’s Next workshop scheduled May 14 at UWT
Pierce County Council met May 5, 2026, adopting multiple resolutions to pursue federal and state grants for flood mitigation and habitat restoration, approving updates to watercraft regulations and county code on appointed department directors, and issuing proclamations recognizing Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Awareness Day. Public commenters raised concerns about eviction-enforcement delays, county privacy rules, and county septic inspection programs.
Discussion Points
•Angela requested county privacy law expansion to protect PII and address surveillance concerns.
•Council discussed enforcement and fiscal implications of watercraft ordinance changes and the need for sheriff assistance.
•Denise Booth described court judgment/writ of restitution that has not been executed and asked for timelines and landlord relief.
•Dewey asked for clearer evidence on septic program drivers and contractor accountability.
•Speakers from APCC described programming and thanked county support.
•Staff and counsel explained reasons for codifying recruitment, selection committee roles, acting-director limits and oath procedures.
•Staff described BRIC and PAR grant scope, requested match amounts and project timelines.
•Tribal leaders and MMIWP advocates asked for sustained action beyond proclamations.
Decisions
•All four measures were adopted by roll-call votes, 7–0.
•Council adopted both proclamations.
Directions
•Human Resources and Executive's Office to implement appointment process changes and ensure acting director limits are tracked.
•Staff to prepare and submit grant applications and report back on award status.
Pierce County Council held an in‑district meeting for District 5 on 2026-04-23 with presentations and public comments focused on youth mobility and play maps, gun‑violence prevention work from the Tacoma‑Pierce County Health Department, youth mentoring programs, early‑learning outreach, and senior‑center services.
Discussion Points
•Action Mapping Project converts youth drawn stories into maps and numeric scores to identify neighborhood impact sites and mobility opportunities.
•Budget: typical operating range cited between ~$300,000 and <$500,000 per year.
•Choose Peace social campaign has large social reach and a website with ~20,000 visitors.
•Data gaps exist for weapon access and nonfatal threats; department seeks improved data collection and sharing with partners.
•Museum expanding low‑sensory hours and accessible equipment and adding Monarch Diaper Bank distributions to plate‑pickup sites.
•Play to Learn served >14,000 individuals in 2025 across 12 sites; three Play to Learn sites are in District 5.
•Program metrics: ~300 youth in system; evaluation shows ~15% reduction in fights within 60 days; Juneteenth youth market supports entrepreneurship (~80 youth businesses).
•Program model: long‑term mentorship, peer groups, crisis response line, mentorship training provided with health department.
•Program offers preschool classes and community outreach, documents outcomes (high caregiver satisfaction and kindergarten readiness).
•RFP funding awarded to 19 youth‑serving organizations totaling $120,000 (awards $2,000–$12,000) and serving ~3,000 youth in 2024–25.
•Safe‑storage lockbox distribution underway; department partnering with Kaiser and family resource centers.
•Senior center services include meals, fall‑prevention classes, fraud and benefits workshops, and partnerships with county aging resources.
•Smith highlighted the role of centers in reducing isolation and enabling aging in place.
•Staff will host library 'Impact Hubs' and distribute an impact report to help residents explore data and generate neighborhood reports.
Decisions
•Meeting adjourned after presentations.
Directions
•Council encouraged partnership with schools and vocational training programs; no formal direction recorded.
•Department to follow up with council on specific data sharing with police and sheriff's offices.
•Expand mapping outreach to include Fife and adult voices in intergenerational mapping.
•Museum to continue coordinating with libraries and county partners to expand program footprint.
•No formal county directive recorded; continued partnership with county aging services implied.
•Staff to provide the impact report and QR/digital access to council and public.
Pierce County Council met April 21, 2026, approved a consent agenda, adopted resolutions referring an updated Unified Sewer Plan for review, authorized modest compensation for community evaluation committee members and a children-and-youth work group, set an evening district meeting, and issued proclamations for Earth Day and Domestic Violence Awareness Day.
Discussion Points
•Chief Counsel Long explained charter requirements and that the evening meeting will be additional to the regular meeting.
•Council members debated fiscal stewardship versus representation and equity benefits.
•Council members discussed logistics and event focus on youth homelessness.
•Erica Rhett Hunt described the USP as the county's 20‑year plan for sewer infrastructure and noted completion of the environmental impact statement and stakeholder engagement.
•Staff explained eligibility, attestation, invoicing and verification processes.
•Staff said the 90‑day review period would give the committee and Planning Commission time to suggest amendments and return recommendations to council.
Decisions
•Both resolutions adopted by narrow margins (4–3).
•Council adopted R2026‑117 by roll call (7–0).
•R2026‑140 adopted by roll call (7–0).
Directions
•Council staff to coordinate logistics and public notice for May 7 meeting.
•Human Services to process payments under existing fiscal controls and report usage to council at year end.
•Schedule start of 90‑day review on May 1; request committee and Planning Commission reports after review.
Pierce County Council met in April 2026. The council adopted a resolution (R2026-127) to accept recommendations from a NOFA for permanent supportive housing services and approve related expenditures, approved a consent agenda, issued proclamations for Black Wellness Week (April 13–17, 2026) and Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April 2026), continued one ordinance to May, and heard community forum comments including concerns about the county clerk office.
Discussion Points
•Council members asked about evaluation, utilization, geographic distribution, and funding sustainability.
•Elevate Black Wellness announced a community health fair and called for targeted universalism in program design.
•Speaker alleged destruction of court record and lack of accountability in the clerk's office.
•Speakers described rationale for proclamations, historical context, and partnership networks for outreach and services.
•Speaker urged the council to support Proposal P1, a charter change to elect the clerk, and said the Charter Review Commission is advancing the issue.
•Staff described monitoring tools: provider scorecards on Open Pierce, HMIS tracking, annual monitoring, and system navigation programs to reduce time to move‑in (average 37 days).
•Staff described NOFA process and recommended awards, including award counts and service capacity (619 households; 486 existing units and 133 new service recipients).
Decisions
•Adopted R2026‑127 to accept NOFA recommendations and authorize expenditures from the housing and related services fund.
Directions
•Organizations to host events and share details with county and community partners.
•Staff to continue reporting utilization and performance metrics via public dashboards where possible.
•Staff to publish award details in exhibit A and follow standard contracting processes.
Pierce County Council convened April 7, 2026, approved consent and two resolutions (a one-year legal-notice contract and adoption of 2026 federal priorities), proclaimed ’Betty Boblitz Day’ and Volunteer Recognition Week, heard public comments on the clerk of superior court governance and Chamber Bay Golf Course finances, then adjourned.
Discussion Points
•A survivor praised a policy correction on memorial‑wall inclusion.
•Chief of staff summarized federal funding priorities and alignment with county capital plans.
•Council praised Boblitz’s leadership and programs.
•Counsel explained procurement and qualification for a legal newspaper.
•Executive and council members highlighted the Business Accelerator and community navigator initiatives.
•Public urged audits and structural review regarding Chamber(s) Bay Golf Course and the appointed clerk of superior court.
Decisions
•Both resolutions adopted by roll call, 6‑0.
•No immediate council action recorded during the meeting on the audit or clerk governance concerns.
•Proclamation adopted recognizing Betty Boblitz Day on April 7, 2026.
Directions
•Executive and government relations staff to support adopted federal priorities and report regularly.
Pierce County Council held an in-district meeting on April 2, 2026, in Key Peninsula (District 7) with department presentations on public safety, transportation, parks, human services and county services followed by a public forum where residents raised concerns about fireworks enforcement, septic policy and local development.
Discussion Points
•Assessor discussed parcel appraisals and exemptions; auditor highlighted election services and owner alert; human services and health discussed local programs and resources; library and schools described outreach and programs funded by recent levies.
•County to begin construction on some projects next summer and perform ~100 lane miles of chip seal in District 7 this year.
•Emergency management described evacuation levels and recommended PC Alert signups.
•Executive described phasing and intended uses for Justice Fund dollars (initial investments then staffing).
•Executive noted the fund takes effect July 1 and that 80%+ will go to staffing in later years.
•Fox Island Bridge alternatives will move into environmental analysis; county seeks funding options for replacement.
•Residents highlighted fireworks misuse, septic program delays and development/evacuation risks.
•Sheriff's lieutenant described staffing levels and urged residents to report incidents.
•WSDOT moving a fully funded roundabout project into design for 2027 construction.
Decisions
•No council action reported; informational presentations only.
•No council votes on projects at this meeting; projects are at design/implementation planning stages.
•No formal council action taken at this meeting; issues flagged for committee and staff follow-up.
•No new council action reported at this meeting; the Justice Fund was previously passed in March 2026.
Directions
•Council to note concerns; public safety subcommittee meeting referenced as a follow-up venue.
•Officials encouraged residents to use county websites for project maps and timelines.
•Residents encouraged to sign up for county email lists and PC Alert; presenters left contact details and handouts.
•Staff to provide more detailed handouts and online materials for constituents.
Pierce County Council met March 17, 2026, and unanimously adopted a resolution condemning political violence and an ordinance vacating a portion of 186th Avenue East (Eldridge Fraser County Road). The meeting included staff briefings, testimony from Pierce County Auditor Farmer about a 2023 threat to election workers, and public comments on charter review and public-safety concerns.
Discussion Points
•Council member Morrell urged a yes vote, praising coordination.
•Public commenter Roxy Giddings expressed concern about creek/river access; staff clarified water access was not included.
•Staff framed the resolution as having three purposes: condemn political violence, honor victims and call on residents to reject violence.
•Staff stated the right-of-way is not needed for future county road system and identified type E right-of-way classification.
Decisions
•Adopt ordinance O2026-502 (7-0).
•Adopt resolution R2026-119 (7-0)
Directions
•Planning and Public Works to record ordinance and additional easement on title.
Pierce County Council met in new chambers at 1501 Market Street; council adopted four items including historic preservation grant disbursements (amended), initiated annexation negotiations with Gig Harbor, amended committee/meeting locations, and approved a code change reflecting the new meeting location; staff also presented the new facilities.
Discussion Points
•Council debated whether the Pacific Northwest Prayer Rug project fit preservation criteria and whether code criteria should be tightened.
•Council emphasized partnership with Gig Harbor and noted that city timing will determine specific annexations.
•Emlick presented building hours, tenants scheduled to move in, chamber AV and layout options, and parking plans including 25 visitor stalls at 1502 Market and employee lots plus a planned contract with the convention center.
•Public commenter provided details about a separate preservation project (Slab Hall) and asbestos concerns.
•Staff explained legal framework (RCW 35A.14.460), comprehensive-plan mapping of potential annexation areas and multi-step nature of annexation.
•Taylor explained the need to amend prior resolution language and the code to reflect the new chambers at 1501 Market Street and confirmed committees may still meet offsite if noticed as special meetings.
Decisions
•Adopt R2026-105 as amended (final amount $75,450; 14 projects funded).
•Adopt R2026-118 and O2026-504; proceed with building move-in and operational tasks.
Pierce County Council met in its new chambers on 2026-03-10 to adopt code and resolution changes reflecting the relocation, approve amended historic‑preservation grant awards (removing one $4,550 award), and to authorize staff to begin annexation negotiations with Gig Harbor; the meeting included a facilities presentation and several proclamations.
Discussion Points
•28 applications requested $478,054; $80,000 available for this cycle
•Amendment 1 fixed Exhibit A council district ordering errors
•Amendment 2 removed one $4,550 award citing eligibility concerns
•Annexation occurs only after city ordinance and a 45‑day window; referenda are possible
•Approximately 1,800–1,875 acres in 11 neighborhoods identified for potential annexation
•Interlocal agreements will define boundaries and terms and require adoption by both jurisdictions
•New location and chamber features described (AV, flexible seating, vestibule, lobby hours)
•Security/badge procedures and parking arrangements still being finalized
•Staff said building remains an active construction site; additional moves will continue
Decisions
•Adopt R2026‑105 as amended; funding distribution adjusted to $75,450 across 14 projects
•Adopt R2026‑108 to begin negotiations; no boundary or annexation action taken at this time
•Adopt R2026‑118 (committee location) and O2026‑504 (code amendment) - both approved 7‑0
Directions
•Authorize Planning and Public Works to negotiate interlocal agreements with Gig Harbor
•Clerk to publish amended code text
•Councilmembers to consider codifying eligibility standards and potentially identify alternative funding pathways for removed application
•Facilities to finalize temporary badge policy and parking contract
•Planning staff to refine grant criteria and code language
•Staff to keep council informed of negotiation progress
Pierce County Council met March 3, 2026, unanimously confirming Maranatha Hay as communications director and adopting ordinance O2026-501 to impose a 0.1% sales tax to fund criminal justice services (Justice Fund) by a 5-2 vote after extended staff briefing, agency testimony, and lengthy public comment.
Discussion Points
•Executive described competitive recruitment (111 applicants; 48 met minimum).
•Nominee pledged a 30-day listening tour and to prioritize language access.
•Opponents: regressive impact, state oversight via HB 2015/CJTC, spending/prioritization concerns.
•Sheriff: operational equipment, hiring incentives, jail capital needs.
Pierce County Council met March 3, 2026, voted to confirm a new communications director and adopted Ordinance O2026-501 creating a one‑tenth‑of‑one‑percent Justice Fund sales tax for criminal justice purposes after staff presentations, testimony from public safety leaders and a lengthy public comment period.
Discussion Points
•Executive described competitive recruitment and qualifications.
•Nominee outlined priorities including language access and a listening tour.
•Public safety leaders endorsed the tax as necessary to sustain staffing and operations; opponents focused on regressivity and state ties.
•Staff presented fiscal projections showing a widening structural deficit and proposed targeted investments.
Decisions
•Council confirmed the appointment with unanimous roll call.
•Ordinance O2026‑501 adopted 5–2; implementation to follow CJTC certification.
Directions
•Finance to publish dashboard via Open Pierce County; county to coordinate with Criminal Justice Training Commission for certification.
•Nominee to conduct a 30‑day listening tour and report back for strategic tweaks.
Pierce County Council held its February 24, 2026 meeting, approving the consent agenda and several appointments, receiving a notice that the executive intends to use contingency funds to cover a juvenile-court program after a federal grant negotiation impasse, proclaiming March 9 as Billy Frank Jr. Day, and reconsidering and amending a tourism commission appointment resolution (R2026-109).
Discussion Points
•Council asked about scale of federal funding (staff estimated ~$100M/year across programs) and legal risk if injunctions change.
•County received a revised subrecipient agreement with new special conditions tied to federal executive orders that the county asserts are barred by a preliminary injunction.
•Errors in R2026-109 were technical (hotel name, term length) and needed correction under rules of order.
•Family and county tribal affairs staff addressed the council in support of the proclamation.
•Proclamation text cited the Boldt decision and Billy Frank Jr.'s leadership.
•Staff suggested a future review of staggered-term practices to avoid recurring errors.
•The subaward supported an early-childhood/juvenile-court program (~$90,000/year).
•The subrecipient (Center for Children and Youth Justice) declined the county’s stricken agreement after negotiation; county chose contingency funds rather than litigation.
Decisions
•Amendment adopted; corrected resolution R2026-109 adopted by roll call 6–0.
•Proclamation adopted (ceremonial).
•Use of contingency funds (executive decision; notice to council).
Directions
•Council adopted amendment; clerk to update records.
•Executive to use contingency funds for the described juvenile court program and notify council (notice only).
•Staff may research and propose a method to simplify staggered terms for boards and commissions.
•Staff to report back if court rulings change the county's ability to assert the preliminary injunction.
Pierce County Council met Feb. 24, 2026, approving consent items and appointments, adopting a technical correction to a tourism commission resolution, proclaiming March 9 as Billy Frank Jr. Day, and receiving an executive message about using $180,000 from contingency funds after a federal grant dispute tied to ongoing litigation.
Discussion Points
•Applicants gave short remarks about qualifications and interest.
•Council members asked about the county's total federal funding and precedent-setting concerns.
•Council members publicly thanked volunteers and emphasized the importance of advisory boards.
•Julie Murray urged ongoing review of staggered-term practices for commissions.
•Miss Long outlined two technical corrections in the adopted resolution.
•Murray described the county's preliminary injunction and negotiations with a pass-through grantee.
•Murray said the county receives approximately $100 million a year in federal awards and will evaluate awards case-by-case.
•Paulson described past advocacy around a stranger-stalking bill and the role of media and public pressure.
•Proclamation highlighted Billy Frank Jr.'s leadership in securing tribal treaty rights and co-management of fisheries.
•Scardo requested referrals and assistance for identity-theft victims after failing to regain more than 100 online accounts through common channels.
•Speakers emphasized both historical struggle and ongoing stewardship responsibilities.
Decisions
•Amendment adopted and resolution re-adopted by roll call.
•Consent agenda approved by roll call, appointments confirmed.
•No council action taken; notification only.
•No formal council action recorded; comments entered into the record.
•Proclamation adopted and read into the record.
Directions
•Clerk to note public comments for follow-up; individual staff follow-up may be required for referrals.
•Staff to monitor litigation and return with implications if the Ninth Circuit rules against the preliminary injunction.
•Staff to process appointments and update commission rosters.
•Staff to update commission records and consider policy for staggered terms when vacancies occur.
Pierce County Council approved its consent agenda including appointments to the Commission on Refugee and Immigrant Affairs and a tourism promotion representative, continued proposal O2026-500 to the April 14, 2026 meeting, and heard public comment on transit access in Northeast Tacoma.
Discussion Points
•Criticism of Pierce Transit’s Runner on-demand program as unreliable and underfunded.
•Introductions by each appointee describing background and reasons for serving.
•Public comment by Alice noting commission extension and Lunar New Year event.
•Removal of Pierce Transit bus line 63 and lack of reliable direct service to downtown Tacoma and Tacoma Community College.
Decisions
•Consent agenda approved (7-0).
•No formal council action recorded; item remained public comment.
Pierce County Council convened Feb. 17, 2026, approved a consent agenda that included three appointment resolutions, continued ordinance O2026-500 to April 14, 2026, and heard a community forum comment calling for better transit service in Northeast Tacoma.
Discussion Points
•Council introduced appointees and thanked volunteers; reasons for continuation of O2026-500 centered on prosecutor review.
•Removal of bus line 63 and resulting long travel times to key destinations such as Tacoma Community College; criticism of Pierce Transit 'Runner' on-demand service as unreliable and underfunded.
Decisions
•Consent agenda approved; appointments adopted; O2026-500 continued to April 14, 2026.
•No policy action or commitment recorded during the meeting.
Directions
•Continue O2026-500 to April 14, 2026 for prosecutor review and staff follow-up.
Pierce County Council convened Feb. 10, 2026, approved routine consent and scheduling resolutions, issued a proclamation designating Feb. 19 as a Day of Remembrance for Japanese American incarceration and heard survivor testimony and public comments; members of the public also raised objections and support for a proposed one‑tenth‑of‑one‑percent public safety sales tax slated for further committee review.
Discussion Points
•Many written comments oppose a sales tax; supporters stress small per‑purchase cost and public safety benefits.
•Speakers recalled personal and regional history of wartime incarceration and urged remembrance and vigilance regarding contemporary detention practices.
•Staff explained charter/code requirement for evening district meetings; council noted scheduling details.
Decisions
•No final action taken at this meeting; item continued.
