Center for Strategic Priorities
The City of Tacoma established the Center for Strategic Priorities for the purpose of elevating and enhancing areas that are priorities across the organization. The Center is a new integrated office within the City Manager’s Office that brings together the expertise and efforts of the Office of Strategy, Office of Environmental Policy and Sustainability, Office of Equity and Human Rights, and the Government Relations Office.
The Center will work to ensure these critical areas continue to be emphasized and become further integrated into all aspects of City practices and operations. The strategic alignment that is created by joining these offices reinforces the commitment of the City to these areas and increases the City’s effectiveness and coordination. By leveraging the strengths of each office, the City of Tacoma aims to:
- Develop and implement a cohesive vision for Tacoma’s future.
- Support and further equity practices and policies.
- Promote environmentally responsible practices and policies.
- Represent the City at the regional, state and federal levels.
Interim Deputy City Manager
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Meet the Interim Deputy City Manager
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Interim Deputy City ManagerSonja Hallum
Sonja Hallum is the Interim Deputy City Manager overseeing the Center for Strategic Priorities. Sonja has extensive policy experience at the state and national levels. Prior to joining the City, Sonja worked as the Public Safety Policy Advisor for Governor Jay Inslee for six years. She has also worked in the Washington State Legislature as non-partisan staff counsel and as policy staff for two state agencies. Sonja’s experience also includes working at the Pew Charitable Trusts Public Safety Performance Project in Washington, D.C. She is a licensed attorney in Washington State with over a decade of experience as a practicing attorney. Sonja enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Director of Equity, Strategy, and Human Rights
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Director of Equity, Strategy, and Human Rights
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Director of Equity, Strategy, and Human RightsJacques Colon
Jacques Colon serves as the Director of Equity, Strategy, and Human Rights, where he leads the Office of Equity and Human Rights and the Office of Strategy. In this role, Jacques is responsible for overseeing the equity work of the City, as well as supporting organizational and cross-departmental strategic planning for the City of Tacoma. Prior to serving at the City of Tacoma, Jacques served as the Health Equity Coordinator for the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, Policy Analyst for the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), and as a middle school science teacher with Teach for America.
Chief Sustainability Officer
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Chief Sustainability Officer
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Chief Sustainability OfficerKristin Lynett
Kristin Lynett was hired as the City’s first Sustainability Officer in 2009. In this position, she seeks to integrate sustainability and environmental values into City plans, programs and policies. To this end, she has worked with internal and community partners to develop new programs and initiatives that equitably reduce carbon pollution and protect our communities from worsening climate impacts. She oversees the City’s Climate Action Plan and continues to monitor progress on the Citys sustainability goals. Prior to this work, she worked for the WA Department of Fish and Wildlife as their Sustainability Coordinator. She has lived in Tacoma since 1998 and loves only having a 3-mile bike commute to work.