On March 31, 2026, Hyun Kim was confirmed as Tacoma's permanent City Manager, beginning his tenure on April 1, 2026.

We extend gratitude to all participants in the interview process and acknowledge the Human Resources Team's talent acquisition efforts.

Contact Information

Reach us at (253) 591-5400 or email hradminteam@[SITEURL].

For immediate assistance, call our dedicated line or connect via email.

About the City Manager Role

As Washington's third-largest city, Tacoma seeks a capable leader to partner with residents and the City Council as the next City Manager. Appointed by the Council, the City Manager oversees all city operations, serving over 220,000 citizens with a $4.7 billion biennial budget.

The role demands executive leadership, strategic planning, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement across more than 4,000 employees.

The ideal candidate fosters collaboration, bridges government and utility functions, and strengthens civic trust.

Join our committee monitoring recruitment plan developments. Meetings occur on the second and fourth Friday monthly at 10:30 a.m.

Tacoma operates under a Council-Manager system with a mayor and nine council members representing diverse constituencies.

With around 222,000 residents, Tacoma anchors regional commerce and offers comprehensive municipal services.

Our workplace emphasizes cooperation, competitive pay, and impactful civic contribution.

View our promotional video to explore Tacoma’s appeal.

Annual salary ranges from $309,566 to $376,500 based on credentials. Benefits include healthcare, retirement plans, paid leave, and professional development opportunities.

Explore detailed qualification criteria and application timelines on our site.

The city partners with Prothman for recruitment. Submit applications online or via our portal, including required documents and references.

Interviews proceed on a rolling basis after initial review in mid-December.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn why we seek a new City Manager, responsibilities, reporting structure, selection process, and integration with community feedback.

Internal candidates and experienced leaders from public sectors are encouraged to apply.

Key leadership traits include vision, teamwork, results orientation, courage, and clear communication.

Confidentiality protects applicant privacy and promotes fairness. Finalist announcements occur post-screening, with public engagement opportunities.

City Council retains final hiring authority, incorporating committee insights and community perspectives.

Timeline and Next Steps

Key milestones span from November 2026 announcements to April 2026 appointment, with recruitment phases detailed in table format above.

Stay Connected

Regular updates keep you informed throughout the process.