The Tacoma Operational Strategy and Administrative Committee convened on June 13, 2025, to discuss key aspects of the city manager recruitment process and the committee's operational structure. The meeting highlighted the importance of reviewing the city manager's performance and the need for a more inclusive approach to policy legislation.

Committee members emphasized the significance of ensuring that all council members feel involved in the legislative process. There was a consensus on the necessity to reevaluate current procedures for bringing forth policy recommendations. Members expressed a desire to understand and potentially modify these processes to enhance ownership and collaboration among council members.

The discussion also touched on the role of the mayor within the committee. Members agreed that the mayor should chair the committee, given the unique responsibilities and decision-making demands placed on the mayor. This structure aims to streamline discussions and facilitate quicker decision-making, as the mayor often addresses questions that arise during meetings.

Additionally, the committee explored how formal or informal their meetings should be. While they acknowledged the need to adhere to the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA), there was a preference for a more conversational style, allowing for open dialogue without strict adherence to formal motions for internal agreements.

Overall, the meeting underscored a commitment to improving operational efficiency and fostering a collaborative environment within the Tacoma city council. The next steps will involve further discussions on the recruitment process and refining the committee's operational guidelines to better serve the council and the community.