The Tacoma City Council met Jan. 13 for a study session and regular meeting that combined policy briefings, student presentations, and extensive public comment, with immigration enforcement and community safety emerging as dominant themes. Councilmembers also heard from University of Washington Tacoma student leaders about housing and food insecurity, approved routine governance items, and adopted a resolution directing the city to expand access to immigration-related resources.
Study Session Lays Groundwork for Policy Discussion
The council convened earlier in the day for a study session intended to prepare members for agenda items and provide broader policy context ahead of the evening meeting. The session included discussion of the city’s role in communicating policy positions and legal constraints to residents, particularly in light of heightened public concern around federal immigration enforcement. Councilmembers asked how information is shared with the public and how the city balances legal limitations with its stated values. No formal action was taken during the study session, which served as an informational forum ahead of the regular meeting…