Tacoma officials begin process to recruit new permanent city manager

The Tacoma Operational Strategy and Administrative Committee convened on July 11, 2025, to discuss a pivotal step in the city's governance: the recruitment of a permanent city manager. This meeting marked the beginning of a process aimed at ensuring a fair, transparent, and inclusive selection that aligns with the community's values and needs.

Human Resources representatives Cheryl Biederman and Keith Gulley outlined the recruitment framework, emphasizing the importance of community engagement throughout the process. The committee is seeking consensus to initiate the recruitment, with specific details, including timelines and engagement opportunities, to be finalized in future meetings.

The recruitment process is expected to unfold in several phases over the next few months. The first phase, which begins immediately, will involve preparing a detailed recruitment plan that includes timelines, interview strategies, and community engagement efforts. This preparation phase is projected to last approximately 90 days, during which the city will engage an executive recruiting firm to assist in the search.

Following the preparation phase, the city will build a candidate pipeline, which may take several months. The recruiting firm will announce the job opening, screen candidates, and conduct interviews, ultimately presenting a shortlist for the committee's consideration. The selection phase is anticipated to include multiple rounds of interviews, with the first likely conducted virtually to accommodate out-of-state candidates.

The committee discussed a target appointment date for the new city manager, suggesting a timeframe between February and March 2026. This timeline allows for the transition of new council members and provides a buffer in case the initial recruitment does not yield suitable candidates.

As Tacoma moves forward with this critical recruitment, the committee's decisions will shape the future leadership of the city, impacting how local governance aligns with community priorities. Future meetings will further refine the recruitment strategy, ensuring that the process remains inclusive and responsive to the needs of Tacoma residents.