The Tacoma City Council formally approved an employment contract at its meeting on March 31, officially appointing Hyun Kim as City Manager for Washington’s third-largest city. This approval follows the Council’s previous vote to enter into contract negotiations with then Interim City Manager Kim.
“We are thrilled to confirm City Manager Kim,” said Mayor Anders Ibsen. “I have full confidence in his ability to transform city government and deliver the bold results that Tacoma residents are demanding.”
Under the approved agreement, City Manager Kim assumes the role as the Chief Executive Officer of the City of Tacoma. The finalized contract establishes an annual salary of $358,363.20.
Prior to this appointment, City Manager Kim served as Tacoma’s Interim City Manager, where he led enterprise-wide initiatives and worked closely with the City Council on complex policy and operational matters. He brings extensive executive leadership experience in local government to the permanent role, having previously served as Deputy City Manager in Tacoma; City Manager in Fife, Wash.; City Administrator in Gillette, Wyo.; and in senior finance leadership roles in Boulder City, Nev.
“I am incredibly grateful to the City Council for their trust and partnership,” said City Manager Kim. “Public service is a profound responsibility, and I remain deeply committed to the people of Tacoma. I am eager to continue working alongside our dedicated City staff and community members to advance our shared priorities, drive economic vitality, and enhance quality of life for all who call Tacoma home.”
Throughout his career, City Manager Kim has guided organizations through periods of change, fiscal pressure, and growth. His leadership style is grounded in integrity, collaboration, and disciplined execution, with a strong background in infrastructure delivery, economic development, regional partnerships, and governance reform. He remains deeply committed to public service and focused on supporting Tacoma’s long-term economic vitality, operational excellence, and overall quality of life.
Appointed by and reporting directly to the Tacoma City Council, the City Manager is the sole employee of the City Council. The City Manager serves as a trusted partner, guiding the implementation of policy priorities while facilitating equitable, efficient, and effective service delivery for the community.
City Manager Kim’s ongoing responsibilities include:
- Managing the day-to-day operations of a dynamic, full-service city serving more than 220,000 residents.
- Overseeing a biennial budget of $4.7 billion, including a $635 million General Fund.
- Providing executive leadership and direction for all City departments, operations, and more than 4,000 employees.