I recognize the tremendous passion surrounding the issues of fair wages and predictable scheduling. Please be assured that I hear your concerns. These are critical conversations, and the City is committed to finding a path forward that works for everyone in our community.
The City’s decision to appeal the recent court ruling is a necessary step to resolve significant legal questions raised in the trial court’s ruling and seek clarification regarding the process under the City Charter and state law for placing an initiative on the ballot.
The City’s responsibility to govern deliberately and with due diligence is guided by the City Charter, a foundational document approved by Tacoma’s voters. The Charter ensures that the City Council has the opportunity to conduct a thorough review of any initiative after signatures are validated before it determines if it should enact the proposed initiative, refer the initiative to the ballot or propose an alternative measure. This review is a core responsibility of your elected City Council, as it allows us to analyze the full citywide impacts of a complex proposal – on workers, small businesses, non-profits, healthcare providers, and vital City services that include public safety first responders – before making a decision.
In this case, a conflict in legal timelines required the City Council to balance its due diligence obligations and responsibilities against the deadline to place the petitioners’ measure on the November ballot. We determined that proceeding without this thorough review as envisioned by the City Charter would be a disservice to our community, as well as a failure to conduct due diligence and carry out our duties and responsibilities as elected officials.
This appeal is not the end of the conversation. It is the beginning of a collaborative, City-led effort to address these issues.
The City’s goal is to forge a durable, data-driven path forward that supports Tacoma’s workers while ensuring our small businesses, non-profits, healthcare providers, and public safety first responders can thrive. We will be launching a dedicated public process, bringing everyone to the table to find a solution that is right for all of Tacoma.
The City believes a healthy, stable economy and a secure, fairly compensated workforce are two sides of the same coin. By taking the time to listen, study, and build consensus, we can create a sustainable solution that supports a Tacoma where everyone has the opportunity to prosper.