City Council plans executive recruitment strategy for police chief search

The Tacoma Operational Strategy and Administrative Committee convened on July 11, 2025, to discuss critical steps in the recruitment process for executive-level positions, including the police chief. The meeting highlighted the importance of community involvement and collaboration among various stakeholders in shaping the recruitment strategy.

A key focus of the discussion was the recommendation to engage an executive recruiting firm to assist in the hiring process. Committee members emphasized the need for a diverse panel that includes not only city council members and executive staff but also union representatives and community partners. This approach aims to ensure that the recruitment process is transparent and reflective of the community's needs.

The committee plans to review the recruitment plan used for the previous police chief search to inform their current strategy. This review will help identify which groups participated in the last recruitment and how their input shaped the process. The goal is to create a comprehensive plan that outlines the roles of the committee, city council, and community in the recruitment process.

Additionally, the committee discussed methods for gathering input from council staff and the community, including interview panels, community events, and surveys. While no immediate decisions were required, the committee agreed to move forward with selecting an executive recruiting firm and establishing a timeline for candidate selection.

As Tacoma prepares for these significant hires, the committee's commitment to community engagement and collaboration signals a proactive approach to leadership recruitment, ensuring that the voices of residents are heard in shaping the future of the city’s administration. The next steps will involve finalizing the recruitment plan and identifying potential panelists from the community to participate in the selection process.