Government Relations Office
The Government Relations Office works to advance the interests of the City of Tacoma through advocacy and intergovernmental engagement with local, state, federal, and tribal governments.
2025 Legislative Policy Positions and Priorities
Meet the Government Affairs Team
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Sonja Hallum is the Interim Deputy City Manager overseeing the government relations work for the City of Tacoma. 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.
Sonja Hallum, Interim Deputy City Manager
Email: shallum@tacoma.gov -
Alex MacBain is the City of Tacoma’s state government relations liaison. With extensive experience in state government, including serving as Chief of Staff for the House Democratic Caucus, Director of Executive Policy at the Department of Corrections, and legislative staff to the House Appropriations Committee, Alex brings a deep understanding of state-level issues to the City. A valuable advocate for Tacoma’s interests, Alex is committed to representing our community effectively. In his free time, Alex enjoys indulging in Tacoma’s vibrant food scene and playing ping pong with his daughter.
Alex MacBain, Senior Government Affairs Officer
Email: amacbain@tacoma.gov -
Andrea Roper is the City of Tacoma’s regional and federal government relations liaison. With over a decade of experience working for Washington state’s congressional delegation, Andrea is dedicated to bridging the gap between Washington, D.C., and our local community. A proud Washington native and graduate of Tacoma Community College and University of Washington Tacoma, Andrea is passionate about finding innovative solutions to improve the lives of our residents. In her free time, Andrea enjoys exploring the outdoors and fostering rescue dogs.
Andrea Roper, Senior Government Affairs Officer
Email: ARoper@tacoma.gov