Council Responsibilities

Pierce County & Behavioral Health 

The Council recognizes the great amount of work that has been done within the County and by other organizations to address the complex issues surrounding behavioral health. To ensure the Council heard a variety of viewpoints and perspectives, a series of public meetings were held. These meetings provided an opportunity for people to respond to the HSRI report and to share their organization's body of work.

Flood Control Zone District

Because of Pierce County’s beautiful geography, flooding poses a serious threat to our communities and critical infrastructure. In fact, a major flood could cause as much as $725 million in damages and losses, dealing a crushing blow to our county’s economy.  Funding for the FCZD comes from a countywide property levy.  In 2019, the property tax levy for the FCZD is $8.7 million countywide which is approximately seven (7.6) cents per $1,000 of assessed value. In light of all that is at stake, the Pierce County Council authorized Ordinance 2011-95s which created a Flood Control Zone District (FCZD), to address some of our flood management needs.  

Puget Sound Taxpayer Accountability Account Stakeholder Group

The County Council established a stakeholder group through R2018-102 to recommend a strategic plan for the expenditure of funds related to the Puget Sound Taxpayer Accountability Account ("Sound Transit 3" funds).   The State Legislature passed SB 5851 and HB 1109 to further define the Puget Sound Taxpayer Account. 

Transportation Benefit District

The Pierce County Transportation Benefit District (TBD) has been created pursuant to Chapter 36.73 of the Revised Code of Washington and Pierce County Ordinance No. 2014-28, as amended.The TBD is a quasi-municipal corporation and independent taxing district created for the sole purpose of acquiring, constructing, improving, providing, and funding transportation improvements within the district. In accordance with state law, the TBD is governed by the members of the Pierce County Council acting in an ex officio and independent capacity.

The Equity Review Committee is a facilitated, 15-member advisory committee formed by the Pierce County Council through Resolution No. R2021-109. 

Council members appointed two people from the seven respective districts, with at least one of the two people representing marginalized and/or underserved communities, and included a tribal representative on the committee.

On Aug. 3, 2021, Council adopted two resolutions (R2021-108s and R2021-109), creating the Equity Review Committee and requesting the Executive develop and recommend the following DEI initiatives: 

• A countywide equity index (R2021-108s).
• An analytical framework (called an “equity note”) that uses the index to evaluate legislation and actions proposed by the Executive (R2021-108s).
• A DEI policy to guide all Executive department and Council decision making (R2021-109).
• Assessment tools for promoting cultural competency in county operations (R2021-109).

Council requested the Executive deliver his recommendations to the Equity Review Committee by Aug. 15, 2022 for committee review. The Committee must also do the following:

• Monitor and review the continuing data analysis conducted by the Executive's Criminal Justice Workgroup.
• Provide its own recommendations on moving the County to a more culturally competent organization.

After completing its reviews and tasks, the Equity Review Committee must make recommendations to the Council’s Committee of the Whole on a periodic basis but no later than Oct. 3, 2022.