Pierce County Executive Mello and the Pierce County Council on June 3, 2025, jointly proclaimed June 2025 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month and raised pride flags at four county facilities, including the County Administration Building at 1501 Market Street.

The proclamation and flag-raising were presented in Pierce County Council Chambers and attended by county employees and representatives from local LGBTQ+ organizations, who described the actions as a visibility and inclusion measure for county employees and community members. "The pride flag is a symbol of deep inclusion," said Pierce County Executive Mello. "Raising the pride flag and this proclamation send signals to our employees that everyone is welcome here, that you are safe here, and you are encouraged to bring your full self to work here and live and thrive here as a community member."

The proclamation cites local organizations and events, notes Oasis Youth Center's 40th anniversary, and encourages residents to participate in Pride and related events across Pierce County and Tacoma. Charles Ko, identified in the meeting as co-chair of the Pierce County LGBTQ+ employee resource group, said the county's flag display and proclamation made him "very elated" and urged colleagues to treat one another with "love, kindness, compassion" that is "not political." Matthew Wilson, executive director of Oasis Youth Center, noted that Oasis serves youth ages 11 to 24 from across Pierce County and thanked the council for the recognition.

County staff said the pride flag will fly at the County Administration Building, the County Annex and the Environmental Services Building through June and again surrounding Tacoma’s Pride Festival in July; the flags will be moved briefly for Juneteenth observances as described at the meeting. Council members representing multiple districts voiced support for the proclamation, describing local Pride events in Gig Harbor, Fife and Tacoma and saying the visible recognition helps people feel seen and connected.

No formal legislative vote was required for the ceremonial proclamation. Participants stressed the proclamation and flag-raising were intended to signal inclusion for county employees and residents and to encourage participation in local Pride events.

Pierce County staff and community speakers encouraged residents to consult the Pierce County website for a consolidated calendar of Pride events happening across the county.