News Flash

Posted on: April 28, 2023

Productive Legislative Session Paves Path for Council to Address Major Priorities

My project-1 - 2023-03-07T161632.059

The 2023 regular session for the State Legislature ended Sunday, April 23, 2023. The Legislature acted on many bills and budgetary items during the session that will benefit Pierce County residents and all of Washington. Many of these actions support prio...

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County Council
Posted on: April 14, 2023

Pierce County Council Launches its Annual In-District Meeting Series This Month

A photo of Mount Rainier with the words 2023 Annual In-District Meetings

Every year, each of the seven Pierce County Councilmembers hosts an evening in-district Council meeting, as required by the County charter. This year, the Council is committing its in-district meeting series to promoting civic engagement in local governme...

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County Council
Posted on: March 21, 2023

Pierce County Council Votes in Favor of Maureen Howard Affordable Housing Act

Graphic for Maureen Howard Affordable Housing Act

Today the Pierce County Council voted in favor of the Maureen Howard Affordable Housing Act, or 2022-81s, which will implement a countywide one-tenth of one percent sales tax increase for affordable housing and related services, as allowed by Washington S...

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County Council
Posted on: March 3, 2023

Pierce County Council Chair and Tacoma Mayor Address Next Steps in Response to ST3 Delay

Sound Transit 3 Delayed Graphic

TACOMA, Wash. -- On Tuesday, Feb. 28, Sound Transit announced the light rail connection from Federal Way and the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in King County to Fife and Tacoma - commonly referred to as ST3 - has been delayed again, this time to 20...

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County Council
Posted on: March 1, 2023

Pierce County Council Expanding Livestream Options for Council Meetings

The 3 p.m. Tuesday County Council meetings are now live streaming on Facebook.

The Pierce County Council is pleased to announce that beginning Tuesday, March 7, the weekly 3 p.m. Council meetings will live-stream to the County Council Facebook page, in addition to the Pierce County TV (PCTV) YouTube channel and Comcast Channel 22. M...

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County Council
Posted on: February 3, 2023

Councilmember Dave Morell Represents Pierce County at Last Boeing 747 Delivery

My project-1 (63)

It was a big week in the world of Aviation! Pierce County Councilmember Dave Morell (District 1) - represented Pierce County this week for the final Boeing 747 Delivery. On Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023, Boeing officially delivered its final ever production airc...

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County Council
Posted on: January 23, 2023

Pierce County and Comcast partner to bring high speed internet to Key Peninsula

Broadband-1

Pierce County, WA – Pierce County and Comcast have finalized an agreement that will expand the availability of high-speed internet services on the Key Peninsula. Comcast will construct the infrastructure and make available a fast and reliable fib...

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Pierce County’s broadband expansion initiative County Council
Posted on: January 20, 2023

Tacoma Housing Authority Breaks Ground on Housing Hilltop Affordable Housing Project

Elected leaders and community leaders break ground on the Housing Hilltop affordable housing project

Council Chair Ryan Mello (District 4) joined Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (D-WA 10th District) and Congressman Derek Kilmer (D-WA 6th District) at the Housing Hilltop Groundbreaking Ceremony, Friday, Jan. 20. 

Housing Hilltop is an affordable ...

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Additional Info... County Council
Posted on: January 12, 2023

2023 Swearing-in Ceremony

RobynDensonSwearingIn-1

Council Chambers were crowded today as new and returning councilmembers took the oath of office. Councilmember Robyn Denson (District 7) took the oath of office for her first term as a councilmember on the Pierce County Council! The oath was administered ...

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County Council
Posted on: January 12, 2023

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebrations

Martin Luther King Jr.

On Tuesday, Jan. 10, the Pierce County Council adopted Resolution R2023-3 in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his contributions to the ideals of equality and justice throughout the world. 

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. embodied...

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County Council
Posted on: January 10, 2023

Pierce County Council chooses council leadership for 2023

Pierce County Council District 4 member Ryan Mello

At its second regular meeting of the year, the Pierce County Council once again elected a bipartisan group to serve as Council leadership for 2023.

Councilmember Ryan Mello (District 4) was elected Council Chair for 2023, Councilmember Marty Campbell (Dist...

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County Council
Posted on: December 30, 2022

Swearing-in Ceremony for New, Returning Councilmembers at First Council Meeting of 2023

Pierce County Council Meeting

The Pierce County Council will hold a swearing-in ceremony during the Council meeting scheduled for 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, in the Pierce County Council chambers on the 10th floor of the County-City Building (930 Tacoma Avenue South, Room 1046 in Ta...

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County Council
Posted on: December 14, 2022

Pierce County Council Adds 52 Miles of Shoreline Protection in South Puget Sound

TACOMA – On Tuesday, December 13, the Pierce County Council increased the area of marine shorelines protected from new pier and dock development on Pierce County marine shorelines by 52 miles with amendments to Pierce County’s shorelin...

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County Council
Posted on: October 12, 2022

County leadership sends joint letter in opposition to a potential new airport in Pierce County

Airport Site Evaluation

The Pierce County Council and Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier sent a joint letter to aviation officials formally objecting to a potential new airport in Pierce County. They cited several reasons, including environmental harm.&...

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County Council
Posted on: August 9, 2022

Pierce County Council appoints Paul M. Herrera to District 2 County Council seat

Pierce County official seal

News ReleaseOffice of the Pierce County Council

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAugust 9, 2022

Pierce County Council appoints Paul M. Herrera to District 2 County Council seat

Today the Pierce County Council appointed Paul M. Herrera to fill the vacant 2nd Pierce Count...

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County Council
Posted on: June 17, 2022

Councilmember Hans Zeiger announces departure from Council

Pierce County official seal

News ReleaseOffice of the Pierce County Council

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 17, 2022

Pierce County Councilmember Hans Zeiger will leave council to lead civic education nonprofit

Today, Pierce County Council Councilmember Hans Zeiger announced he will...

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County Council
Posted on: January 17, 2017

Pierce County Council chooses leadership, committees for 2017

The seven-member Pierce County Council has elected its leadership and made assignments on Council committees and other boards and commissions.

In last week’s Council meeting, Pierce County Councilmember Doug Richardson was re-elected Council ch...Read on...

County Council
Posted on: December 1, 2016

County Council Meeting to be held in Tacoma

The Pierce County Council will hold an In-District Council meeting in District 5 at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 6, at the Salishan Family Investment Center, 1724 E. 44 St., Room 101 in Tacoma. This in-district meeting will be chaired by Councilmember Rick Talbert. ...Read on...

County Council
Posted on: November 29, 2016

Council passes 2017 budget with emphasis on public safety, court programs and evaluations

After months of negotiation and discussion, the Pierce County Council voted unanimously to adopt the County’s 2017 operating and capital budgets. The new budget will take effect Jan. 1, 2017. A large focus of the 2017 budget is public safety, c...Read on... County Council
Posted on: November 8, 2016

Pierce County Council to hear resolution related to growth and infrastructure investment within the

The Pierce County Council’s Community Development Committee will hear a resolution that articulates the County’s focus and efforts to manage growth in the central urban growth area.  During the committee meeting on Monday, No...Read on... County Council
Posted on: October 13, 2016

Public invited to weigh in on proposed County firework restrictions

The Pierce County Council is encouraging the public to provide feedback on a proposed ordinance that restricts fireworks in the County.

County Ordinance 2016-39s would amend Pierce County Code limiting the days and hours when fireworks may be sold and ...Read on...

County Council
Posted on: September 27, 2016

County Council Meeting to be held in Fife

The Pierce County Council will hold an In-District Council meeting in District 2 at 5p.m. on Oct. 4, at Fife City Hall, 5411 23rd Street East in Fife. This in-district meeting will be chaired by Councilmember Joyce McDonald.

Each member of the Pierce C...Read on...

County Council
Posted on: September 7, 2016

County to hear final recommendations for Agricultural Resource Land Study

The Pierce County Council Community Development and Performance Audit Committees in a joint meeting will receive a presentation on outcomes and recommendations from the Agricultural Resource Land (ARL) Study that was commissioned by the council.

Barney...Read on...

County Council
Posted on: January 13, 2016

Pierce County Council chooses new leadership for 2016

Pierce County Councilmember Doug Richardson has been elected as council chair for 2016. The seven-member body voted for leadership positions at the council’s Jan. 12 weekly meeting. Voting for committee leadership will occur at the Jan. 19 council meeting...Read on...

County Council
Posted on: January 12, 2016

Councilmember Young selected for new transportation leadership academy

Transportation For America has selected Pierce County Councilmember Derek Young to participate in the 2016 Transportation Leadership Academy.

The yearlong training academy focuses on teaching local leaders about performance measurements to better asse...Read on...

County Council
Posted on: December 15, 2015

County Council amends ordinance to allow sale of marijuana

Businesses must be licensed and meet county and state requirements

The County Council this afternoon repealed its de facto ban on marijuana production and sales in unincorporated areas. The bill changes the conditional use permit process by eliminating...Read on...

County Council
Posted on: December 2, 2015

Pierce County passes resolution supporting Stepping Up initiative

Program designed to reduce the number of people in jail with mental illness

The Pierce County Council yesterday passed a resolution announcing support for the national “Stepping Up” initiative. The program will be employed to reduce the number of peopl...Read on...

County Council
Posted on: November 17, 2015

Derek Young’s statement on passing of Gretchen Wilbert

Former Gig Harbor Mayor Gretchen Wilbert passed away last weekend. She served from 1990 through 2006. In response, Pierce County Council Member Derek Young issued this statement:

“On Sunday, we lost a true visionary and leader with the passing of Mayor...Read on...

County Council
Posted on: November 10, 2015

Councilmember McDonald concerned budget action will make marijuana problems worse

During the Pierce County Council’s budget debate at their Nov. 10 meeting, the body adopted an amendment that would create a special fund to enforce state and county marijuana laws. Councilmember Joyce McDonald – a vehement opponent of legalizing marijuan...Read on...

County Council
Posted on: November 10, 2015

Talbert applauds passage of measure to fund property crimes unit

During budget debate at the Nov. 10 meeting of the Pierce County Council, the body adopted an amendment that funds the creation of a Sheriff’s unit dedicated solely to property crimes. It’s a measure which Councilmember Rick Talbert has been fighting on b...Read on...

County Council
Posted on: November 10, 2015

Richardson proposal would crack down on illegal marijuana operations in Pierce County

After July 1, 2016, unlicensed marijuana sales operations in unincorporated Pierce County will be in violation of the law. Now that a budget amendment authored by Councilmember Doug Richardson has been adopted, those caught breaking the law after the cuto...Read on...

County Council
Posted on: October 29, 2015

Pierce County hires Tiffany Speir as new Government Relations Director

County Executive Pat McCarthy has announced the hiring of Tiffany Speir as Director of Government Relations for Pierce County. Speir, formerly with the South Sound Military and Communities Partnership (SSMCP), has worked in Pierce County for the last seve...Read on...

County Council
Posted on: October 19, 2015

More in-district Council meetings scheduled in Pierce County

The Pierce County Council has updated its list of upcoming meetings held in locations around the county in an effort to make government more accessible.

The Council, which normally meets Tuesdays in the County-City Building in downtown Tacoma, will hol...Read on...

County Council
Posted on: September 22, 2015

Executive McCarthy unveils sustainable, customer-focused 2016 budget

Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy detailed her budget proposal before the County Council Tuesday, highlighting an expanded economy, improved customer services and an investment in what she termed the “moral center” of government.

Her 2016 budget pro...Read on...

County Council
Posted on: September 9, 2015

Council schedules more meetings to be held around Pierce County

The Pierce County Council will hold upcoming meetings in Eatonville, Buckley and Tacoma as part of its effort to make government more accessible to more people.

The Council, which normally meets Tuesdays in the County-City Building in downtown Tacoma, ...Read on...

County Council
Posted on: August 28, 2015

Councilmember Young’s statement on Executive’s second comprehensive plan override

On Friday, Aug. 28, Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy notified members of the County Council that she was vetoing the Council’s passage of a county comprehensive plan for the second time, citing concern over an amendment that would allow larger scale r...Read on...

County Council
Posted on: August 25, 2015

Young disappointed after Council’s behavioral health study vote

Pierce County Councilmembers Derek Young and Connie Ladenburg had proposed a resolution directing the Performance Audit Committee to conduct a thorough, countywide evaluation of behavioral health services. However, Council Resolution R2015-91 was not adop...Read on...

County Council
Posted on: August 7, 2015

Councilmember Young tapped to serve in a national position

The National Association of Counties (NACo) has named Pierce County Councilmember Derek Young as the newest member of its Health Steering Committee. The organization, which represents county governments nationwide, made the announcement following its 2015...Read on...

County Council
Posted on: July 27, 2015

County outlines strategy for enforcing marijuana violations

By July 1, 2016, all unlicensed marijuana sales operations in unincorporated Pierce County – medical and recreational – must close. That message has been delivered to county landlords, business owners and operators whose establishments involve the burgeon...Read on...

County Council
Posted on: July 23, 2015

Councilmembers Young, Ladenburg call for countywide mental health audit

In response to the growing behavioral health crisis facing Pierce County, Councilmembers Connie Ladenburg and Derek Young have introduced a resolution calling for an audit of the County’s mental health resources.

“We know that we have a mental health c...Read on...

County Council
Posted on: July 23, 2015

6th District Council meeting will honor retiring JBLM commander

The Pierce County Council will hold a special meeting in DuPont at 5 p.m. on Monday, July 27, to recognize the retirement of U.S. Army Col. H. Charles Hodges as well as conduct regular council business. Col. Hodges has served as commander of Joint Base Le...Read on...

County Council
Posted on: July 17, 2015

Councilmember Talbert’s statement on comp plan reconsideration

After Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy vetoed the comprehensive plan passed by the County Council on June 30, 2015, Councilmember Rick Talbert (5th District) issued the following statement regarding two amendments cited as the primary reason for the v...Read on...

County Council
Posted on: July 16, 2015

Council Chair’s statement on Executive veto of Pierce County comprehensive plan

After learning that Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy vetoed the county’s comprehensive plan, passed unanimously by the County Council on June 30, Council Chair Dan Roach issued the following statement:

“I am surprised that the executive chose to re...Read on...

County Council
Posted on: July 14, 2015

Councilmember Doug Richardson’s Statement on JBLM Personnel Drawdown and Transportation Funding

U.S. Army officials announced last week that Joint Base Lewis-McCord will reduce troop strength by 1,250, a number that is much lower than previously proposed.

“The reduced personnel drawdown is great news for Pierce County and District 6,” said Counci...Read on...

County Council
Posted on: July 10, 2015

Dan Roach statement on General Services Building referendum

In response to the Pierce County Auditor’s announcement that an effort by county resident Jerry Gibbs calling for a vote on the county’s proposed General Services building has collected enough signatures to qualify for the November 2015 ballot, Pierce Cou...Read on...

County Council
Posted on: February 17, 2015

County Council approves new General Services Building plan

After years of planning, members of the <_http3a_ _www.piercecountywa.org2f_council22_="">Pierce County Council voted 4-3 on Feb. 17 to proceed with a major consolidation of county services into a new General Services Building.

Councilmembers Rick Talbert (District 5), Connie Ladenburg (District 4), ...Read on...

County Council