City Council, July 21, 2026

The Tumwater, WA City Council meeting on July 21, 2026, primarily focused on the proposed adoption of a residential energy performance rating and disclosure ordinance, known as the Home Energy Score (HES) ordinance. The ordinance aims to require home energy audits before homes can be listed for sale, supporting climate mitigation goals by providing buyers with energy efficiency information. The council heard extensive public comments both in support of and opposition to the ordinance, with concerns raised about potential costs, housing affordability, and the timing of implementation. Staff detailed plans for regional collaboration, subsidy options for low-income residents, and workforce development for certified energy assessors. The council ultimately voted to send the ordinance to the equity commission for review within 60 days and requested a report back within 90 days to further assess community impacts before making a final decision. Additionally, the council unanimously approved a $100,000 grant application to the Community Economic Revitalization Board to develop a redevelopment roadmap for the brewery district, aimed at addressing infrastructure and permitting uncertainties to attract private sector jobs. A memorandum of understanding with the Teamsters Local 252 union regarding employee classifications and benefits was also introduced but not fully detailed in the transcript.