Yakima City Council Meeting June 9, 2026

The City of Yakima held a regular City Council meeting on June 9, 2026, where significant public comment focused on the use and renewal of contracts for Flock Safety surveillance cameras. Several community members expressed concerns about privacy, civil rights, and the fiscal responsibility of continuing to fund these surveillance technologies, especially given the city's budget deficits and cuts to community programs. The council discussed the current contract funded by Yakima County, which covers installation and operation costs for two years, with no immediate cost to the city. The police department and county officials highlighted the cameras' role in aiding crime investigations and public safety. After deliberation, the council voted to collaborate with the county sheriff's office to allow installation and operation of live-stream cameras through the city permitting process for the next two years, with the understanding that future funding and contract renewal would be reassessed. Additionally, the council briefly discussed a potential pilot program for autonomous robo-taxis in the city, approving further exploration of regulatory and community impacts. No other procurement contracts or capital projects were addressed during this meeting.