Wednesday, July 8, 2026 Regular Meeting

1. Call to Order

Chair Rumbaugh called the meeting to order at 4:56 pm.

2. Roll Call

Upon roll call, those present and absent were as follows:

PRESENT	ABSENT
Chair Stanley Rumbaugh
	Vice Chair Minh-Anh Hodge
Commissioner Athena Dunn
Commissioner Derek Young
Commissioner Ronelle Jones

Chair Rumbaugh declared there was a quorum present at 4:57 pm and proceeded.

Commissioner Jones, who joined the meeting virtually, left early due to audio issues with his connection.

3. Approval of Minutes

Chair Rumbaugh asked for any corrections to or discussion of minutes for the Regular Session of the Board of Commissioners for Wednesday, May 27, 2026.  Commissioner Dunn moved to adopt the minutes. Commissioner Young seconded.

Upon roll call, the vote was as follows:

AYES: 3

NAYS: 0

Abstain: 0

Absent: 2

Motion approved.

4. Guest Comments

Edward Sumowski, a resident at E.B. Willson Apartments, addressed the board to request a dog walking space at the property. He said there are many elderly and people with dogs and no safe place to walk them, especially at night, so having a dog park or dog-waking area could boost safety and provide a structured area for elderly folks that have dogs and other pets.

Brandee Johnson invited the commissioners and Executive Director to the annual tenants’ gathering at People’s Park. She told the commissioners that many people are curious about who the board members are, and the gathering represents an opportunity to mingle with the attendees.

Melody Frazier addressed the board on behalf of herself and her fellow residents at Westside Estates. She told the commissioners that Westside residents were having their rent increased without legally required advance notice, and that she contacted her housing specialist to talk about the increases but has not heard back. She asked about legal limits on the number and amount of rent increases, as well as the notice period, and requested that THA provide a 90 or 120-day notice instead of 30 or 60 days to plan for the increase and need to gather future income.

Bridget Demerson, the owner of Lavonne’s Room at Housing Hilltop, addressed the board to express her concern over not being signed up for a booth at a Juneteenth event for local merchants, which she described at the board’s May 27 meeting. She said that Housing Hilltop’s third-party manager had told her on June 3 that she could have a $1,000 sponsorship, which was not what she had requested. She also said that her Facebook post about the issue had received almost 13,000 views. She told the board that she had lost publicity as a result of her absence from the Juneteenth event, and that she wanted to know what they would do about it.

5. Committee Reports

5.1 Real Estate Development Committee—Chair Stanley Rumbaugh, Vice Chair Minh-Anh Hodge

Chair Rumbaugh described the committee’s discussions, saying that THA could have to raise tenants’ copayment and repayment amounts and percentages, to avoid putting anyone out.

5.2 Finance Committee—Commissioner Derek Young, Commissioner Athena Dunn

The Finance Committee did not meet.

5.3 Education, Housing Services and Partnerships Committee—Commissioner Athena Dunn, Commissioner Ronelle Jones

The commissioners discussed the issues raised by the committee. Chair Rumbaugh noted the importance of getting sustainable conditions at Housing Hilltop.

6. Finance Report

Finance Director (FD) Dietz discussed THA’s cash position with the board. Chair Rumbaugh asked about the payments to Housing Hilltop LLLP as well as the rise in unrestricted funds compared to the prior month. FD Dietz pointed to the Koz and Bridge Meadows sales, as well as THA paying off its MTW deficit.

6.1 Ratifying Cash Disbursement for May 2026

Commissioner Dunn moved to ratify the payment of cash disbursements totaling $8,803,129 for the month of May 2026. Commissioner Young seconded.

Upon roll call, the vote was as follows:

AYES: 3

NAYS: 0

Abstain: 0

Absent: 2

Motion approved.

7. Agency Monthly Report

7.1 May 2026 Report

Executive Director (ED) April Black reported that staff are continuing to puzzle through how to respond to budget challenges. She provided options for changes to tenant rents that were being prepared for public comment and would take effect in 2027 if adopted. Staff are also reaching out to tenants who are delinquent on their rent, with service providers going door to door. She also noted that programming has started at Housing Hilltop, with an emphasis on youth summer programming. THA had assigned 1 staff member to work at Housing Hilltop, with another to start soon. ED Black also praised the teams on both sides who negotiated THA’s new collective bargaining agreements.

8. New Business

8.1 2026-07-08 (1), Extension of Project Based Voucher Contract: Flett Meadows

A RESOLUTION of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Tacoma.

WHEREAS, THA has provided project-based voucher assistance to Lakewood Area Shelter Association Property Flett Meadows since 2016; and

WHEREAS, Flett Meadows provides housing for low-income families in the community; and

WHEREAS, an extension up to 10 years will allow THA to continue to provide housing assistance to low income families in the community; and

WHEREAS, failure to extend this contract would lead to a loss of affordable housing units; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Tacoma, Washington that:

Tacoma Housing Authority’s (THA) Executive Director is authorized to extend THA’s HAP contract with Lakewood Area Shelter Association property Flett Meadowsfor up to ten (10) years.

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Commissioner Young motioned to approve the resolution.  Commissioner Dunn seconded the motion.

Director of Rental Assistance (DRA) Amber Prentice presented the resolution to the board. Chair Rumbaugh questioned whether all units at Flett Meadows were occupied and current on rent, the duration of tenancy, and whether the property meets its requirements and is in compliance. Prentice said that THA does not collect rent at Flett Meadows, but the units are occupied, and she would check on the tenancy question.

Upon roll call, the vote was as follows:

AYES: 3

NAYS: 0

Abstain: 0

Absent: 2

Motion approved.

8.2 2026-07-08 (2), Ratify the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Housing Authority of the City of Tacoma (THA) and the South Sound Building & Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO (Trades Council)

A RESOLUTION of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Tacoma. 

WHEREAS, on June 22, 2026, the maintenance staff of THA voted to ratify the newly negotiated CBA; and 

WHEREAS, the new CBA includes improvements and updates to contract language, termination of the December 2025 Memorandum of Understanding regarding the 2026 grounds maintenance at select properties, and a new step pay scale; and 

WHEREAS, the new contract term will be June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2029; and 

WHEREAS, the Trades Council, after meeting with the membership of THA, has confirmed that all questions and concerns were addressed and that the membership voted in favor of the proposed tentative agreement; now, therefore, be it 

Resolved by the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Tacoma, Washington as follows: 

1. That the Board of Commissioners, having reviewed the new CBA, hereby ratify and approve the said agreement in its entirety. 
2. That the Board acknowledges the collective efforts of all parties involved in the negotiation process, recognizing their commitment to promoting the welfare of the employees and the goals of the agency. 
3. That the Board authorizes the Executive Director to execute and deliver the CBA on behalf of the agency, and to take all necessary actions to implement the terms and conditions set forth in this agreement. 
4. That this resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. 

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Commissioner Dunn motioned to approve the resolution. Commissioner Young seconded the motion.

Senior General Counsel (SGC) Lauren Kirigin presented the resolution to the board. She noted that the negotiations had been carried out by new teams on both sides, and the process had given them an opportunity to strengthen bonds that can pave the way for future partnerships.

Chair Rumbaugh asked about changes to the compensation system and whether any covered employees’ income, earnings, and duties were decreasing. SGC Kirigin said they would not, but the talks provided better clarity in the agreements and an understanding of employee needs, such as extra maintenance equipment. Chair Rumbaugh also asked about union representatives’ understanding of THA’s federal funding uncertainty, and SGC Kirigin said the negotiators had discussed the situation and its effects on THA.

Upon roll call, the vote was as follows:

AYES: 3

NAYS: 0

Abstain: 0

Absent: 2

Motion approved.

8.3 2026-07-08 (3) Ratify the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Housing Authority of the City of Tacoma (THA) and the Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 8 (OPEIU)

A RESOLUTION of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Tacoma. 

WHEREAS, on June 24, 2026, the OPEIU membership of THA voted to ratify the newly negotiated CBA; and 

WHEREAS, the new CBA includes improvements and updates to contract language and a new step pay scale; and 

WHEREAS, the new contract term will be July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029; and 

WHEREAS, an MOU accompanies the CBA to enable the one-time transition of existing employees onto the new step pay scale system; and 

WHEREAS, OPEIU, after meeting with the membership of THA, has confirmed that all questions and concerns were addressed and that the membership voted in favor of the proposed tentative agreements; now, therefore, be it 

Resolved by the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Tacoma, Washington as follows: 

1. That the Board of Commissioners, having reviewed the new CBA and MOU, hereby ratify and approve the said agreements in their entirety. 
2. That the Board acknowledges the collective efforts of all parties involved in the negotiation process, recognizing their commitment to promoting the welfare of the employees and the goals of the agency. 
3. That the Board authorizes the Executive Director to execute and deliver the CBA and accompanying MOU on behalf of the agency, and to take all necessary actions to implement the terms and conditions set forth in these agreements. 
4. That this resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. 

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Commissioner Dunn motioned to approve the resolution. Commissioner Young seconded the motion.

SGC Kirigin presented the resolution to the board. She said that the bargaining teams and reached agreement on a wage structure that was similar to the prior structure, as well as updates to account for clearer designation of public and private spaces. Both new agreements recognize the quarterly Essential Conversations framework for employee development.

Chair Rumbaugh asked about the agendas for essential conversations and whether there was room for staff suggestions during these discussions. SGC Kirigin said the conversations are focused on employee growth and connectivity rather than an appraisal of the employee, and there was room for both managers and employees to suggest topics. ED Black also noted that the conversations are not the only time staff and managers are meeting and there are many other opportunities for topic-specific conversations, as well as occasions for performance-based and experiential discussions.

Upon roll call, the vote was as follows:

AYES: 3

NAYS: 0

Abstain: 0

Absent: 2

Motion approved.

8.4 2026-07-08 (4) Extension of Property-Based Subsidy Contract: Housing Hilltop

A RESOLUTION of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Tacoma

WHEREAS, THA has provided property-based subsidy assistance to Housing Hilltop LLP Property Housing Hilltop since 2024; and

WHEREAS, Housing Hilltop provides housing for low-income families in the community; and

WHEREAS, an extension up to five (5) years will allow THA to continue to provide housing assistance to low income families in the community; and

WHEREAS, failure to extend this contract would lead to a loss of affordable housing units; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Tacoma, Washington that:

Tacoma Housing Authority’s (THA) Executive Director is authorized to extend THA’s PBS contract with Housing Hilltop LLLP property Housing Hilltop for up to five (5) years.

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Commissioner Young motioned to approve the resolution. Commissioner Dunn seconded the motion.

DRA Prentice presented the resolution to the board. She told the commissioners that the extension would align the length of the property-based subsidy contract for Housing Hilltop with the term of a proposed loan refinancing, thus allowing the contract to be included in the underwriting process. The extended contract would last for a total of 20 years, until July 15, 2044.

Upon roll call, the vote was as follows:

AYES: 3

NAYS: 0

Abstain: 0

Absent: 2

Motion approved.

9. Comments from Commissioners

The commissioners and ED Black agreed to cancel the July 22 meeting, making their next scheduled meeting the August 26 session. Commissioner Young noted that the August meeting will be his last on the board, as he has asked not to be reappointed once his term expires due to family and professional responsibilities. Chair Rumbaugh praised Commissioner Young’s years of service and esprit de corps.

10. Adjournment

There being no further business to conduct, the meeting ended at 5:45 pm.