Pierce County council authorizes start of annexation talks with Gig Harbor

The Pierce County Council voted unanimously on March 10 to adopt Resolution R2026‑108, which directs the Department of Planning and Public Works to begin negotiations with the city of Gig Harbor under RCW 35A.14.460 to prepare interlocal agreements for potential annexation of adjacent unincorporated urban areas.

Planning staffer Mike Krueger briefed the council that the proposed resolution is the first step in a process that could result in the annexation of up to approximately 1,800–1,875 acres across 11 neighborhoods identified as potential annexation areas in the county comprehensive plan; the plan and a map (Plan Map 2.2) were cited as the basis for identifying those territories.

Krueger explained the steps ahead: county staff would negotiate potential boundary agreements and specific terms with the city of Gig Harbor, each interlocal agreement would require legislative adoption by both the city and county, the city would adopt ordinances to effectuate annexations, and residents could challenge annexations via referendum if they oppose them. He noted the process is consistent with the Growth Management Act and Pierce County Countywide Planning Policies.

Councilmember Denson and others thanked planning staff and Gig Harbor leadership for prior collaborative work and characterized the council’s action as authorizing staff to be a partner in a multi‑step process that could span years.

The council recorded a roll‑call vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays and adopted R2026‑108. Councilmembers emphasized that adoption authorizes negotiations only and that any specific annexation would require further legislative approvals and could be subject to referendum.