City Clerk’s Office
The City Clerk oversees the City Council’s agenda and business meetings, retains the official record of all formal meetings of the City Council, acts as the custodian of the City seal and official City records, and codifies all ordinances into the Municipal Code. The City Clerk also serves as the City’s municipal election official and assists in the initiative and referendum process.
The City Clerk’s Office is part of the City Attorney’s Office. The information below includes links to services and resources available from the City Clerk’s Office.
City Clerk’s Office staff post notices for public meetings and arrange for legislation to schedule public hearings before the Hearing Examiner and City Council.
The City Clerk’s Office receives appeals to the City Council, distributes copies to appropriate departments, sends a variety of notices to appellants and/or applicants, publishes notices of appeal hearings, and maintains files on appeals. To check on the status of an appeal, contact us by phone or email.
The City Clerk’s Office codifies the Tacoma Municipal Code (TMC) and the Tacoma City Charter.
Visit the Claims for Damages page for options to submit a claim online, mail, or in person; and to find general information about the process. The City Clerk’s Office receives claims for damages only; claims are acknowledged and investigated by City claims staff in General Government and Tacoma Public Utilities.
City Clerk’s Office staff handle applications for membership on the City’s various committees, boards, and commissions (CBCs).
The Pierce County Auditor’s Elections Office oversees municipal elections for the City of Tacoma, including ballots and voters’ pamphlets. For more information, contact the Pierce County Elections Office directly.
The City Clerk can help with general questions about municipal and internal elections, and the City’s referendum and initiative process.
Pierce County Elections
www.piercecountywa.gov/elections
Phone: (253) 798-8683
Address: 2401 South 35th Street, Suite 200, Tacoma, WA 98409
The City Clerk’s Office posts interlocal agreements to the City website and/or files them with the Pierce County Auditor as a recorded document (per Revised Code of Washington 39.34).
Requests for disclosure of public records are handled by the separate, citywide Public Records Office (PRO).
The PRO processes requests for public records on behalf of all departments at the City of Tacoma. Visit the Public Records Center site using the link below.
Purchase a City Flag
The City Clerk’s Office has City of Tacoma flags available for purchase by members of the public. To purchase an official City of Tacoma flag, contact the Clerk’s Office by email or phone.
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Single-sided indoor flag. Blue with gold fringe, City seal in the center.
Fee: $50.00
Dimensions: Height: 3′ x Width: 5′ -
Double-sided nylon indoor flag. Blue with gold fringe, City seal in the center.
Fee: $125.00
Dimensions: Height: 3′ x Width: 5′ -
Double-sided nylon outdoor flag. Blue, City seal in the center.
Fee: $125.00
Dimensions: Height: 3′ x Width: 5′
City Clerk
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Meet the City Clerk
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City ClerkNicole Emery
As City Clerk, Nicole Emery oversees the City Council’s agenda and business meetings, the official record of all formal meetings of the City Council, and the incorporation of all passed ordinances into the Tacoma Municipal Code. She also serves as the City of Tacoma’s municipal election official and assists in the initiative and referendum process.
City Clerk Nicole Emery began her career with the City of Tacoma in 2013 in the City Clerk’s Office where she served for nearly six years. Her commitment to serving Tacoma also includes a major role in the City Manager’s Office working directly with Mayor Victoria Woodards. She has honed her skills in planning and administration throughout her years of service at the City, showcasing a deep understanding of municipal operations. Nicole’s comprehensive experience, coupled with her dedication to public service, positioned her as an exemplary candidate for the role of City Clerk. She was appointed to this role August 21, 2023.
Education
- Washington State University & Northwest Clerks Institute Professional Development
Professional Memberships and Affiliations
- International Institute of Municipal Clerks
- Washington Municipal Clerks Association
- Pierce County Clerks and Finance Officers Association
Contact
City Clerk
nemery@tacoma.gov