February 3, 2026: City Council vote to finalize community panelists
February 9, 2026: City Council virtual interview of candidates (Executive Session)
February 10, 2026: City Council announces names of finalists
February 26, 2026: In-Person Candidate Interviews, Public Presentation/Meet & Greet
March 3, 2026: Vote to select City Manager, followed by reference checks and final negotiations
What does the City Manager do?
The City Manager provides executive leadership and direction for all City departments and operations, including administrative functions that support Tacoma Public Utilities (Finance, Purchasing, IT, Legal, and Human Resources). They are a trusted partner to the Mayor and City Council, guiding the implementation of policy priorities while ensuring equitable, efficient, and effective service delivery for the community. With oversight of more than 4,000 employees, the City Manager is responsible for strategic planning, fiscal stewardship, operational excellence, and community engagement.
Who does the City Manager report to?
The City Manager reports directly to the City Council, which sets the City’s policies and priorities. While the City Council decides what the City wants to achieve, the City Manager is responsible for how those goals are carried out through City operations.
