Tacoma City Council Approves Two-Year Budget

In Minneapolis, Mayor Jacob Frey's budget veto was overridden by the City Council, which criticized his proposal as out of touch with community needs, particularly for underserved populations. Councilmembers emphasized the need for amendments, with some alleging Frey’s leadership was lacking. Meanwhile, in Tacoma, the City Council approved a two-year budget that included an additional $2.5 million for the Fire Department to maintain staffing levels and avoid service reductions, despite facing a $24 million structural deficit. The funding will prevent potential cuts to temporary rover positions, which are crucial for managing staffing shortages. While the firefighters' union praised this as a victory, they acknowledged ongoing challenges in ensuring sustainable funding. Council members noted that while the budget addresses immediate needs, long-term solutions for critical equipment and facility maintenance are still necessary.