The City of Tacoma has filed pleadings with the Washington State Court of Appeals regarding Initiative 2. The filings, which include a motion, affidavit declaration, and brief, seek a stay on the recent Superior Court order requiring the Pierce County Auditor’s Office to place Initiative 2 on the February 2026 ballot, according to the City of Tacoma’s official website.
The city is also requesting an expedited review with a decision by December 15. Tacoma’s appeal argues that the trial court made legal errors, including declaring the City Council's ballot request arbitrary and capricious and allegedly violating due process.
The City first responded to the Initiative 2 petition in July. Mayor Victoria Woodards released a statement on August 8 regarding the matter. In late August, the city requested dismissal of the lawsuit, followed by a notice of appeal in September.
The appeal challenges the trial court’s denial of the City’s motion for reconsideration. Mayor Woodards’ statement on September 26 is available on the City of Tacoma's website.
The case is now under review at the Court of Appeals, with potential implications for the city’s governance and ballot processes.
