In a recent meeting of the Tacoma Operational Strategy and Administrative Committee, significant discussions centered around the recruitment process for key city positions, including the Human Resources (HR) Director and City Manager. The meeting, held on September 26, 2025, featured consultant Cliff Moore from Rotman, who outlined the strategies for sourcing candidates and emphasized the importance of a diverse applicant pool.

Moore reported that the search for the HR Director is progressing well, with over 60 applications received. He is conducting preliminary interviews and collaborating closely with city officials to ensure the recruitment process aligns with Tacoma's needs. The committee discussed the importance of finalizing the position description for the City Manager role, which will involve stakeholder interviews to create a comprehensive community profile.

A notable point raised during the meeting was the transition of leadership, as the current council will hand over the process to a new mayor and potentially new council members after the upcoming elections. This transition necessitates careful planning to ensure continuity in the recruitment process. Moore assured the committee that the timeline for final interviews would be structured to accommodate this change, with the goal of having finalists identified before the new council is seated in January.

The committee also highlighted the importance of community engagement in the recruitment process. Moore proposed hosting a public meet-and-greet event where community members can interact with candidates, providing feedback that will inform the council's decision-making. This approach aims to foster transparency and inclusivity in selecting candidates for these vital roles.

As the meeting concluded, the committee expressed optimism about the recruitment process and the potential for a strong leadership team to guide Tacoma forward. The next steps involve finalizing the timeline and ensuring all council members are included in the stakeholder interviews, setting the stage for a collaborative and effective hiring process.