Tacoma Narrows Down City Manager Finalists

Two candidates, Hyun Kim and Yolanda Lewis, are vying to lead Tacoma's 4,000-employee, $4.7 billion government.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Tacoma's city council has named two finalists, Hyun Kim and Yolanda Lewis, to be the city's next city manager. Kim has been serving as interim city manager since last June, while Lewis previously served as chief administrative officer for Fulton County, Georgia's law and justice system. The council will hold a public forum on February 26th for residents to meet the candidates and provide input before making a final decision, expected in March or April.

Why it matters

The city manager role in Tacoma's council-manager form of government is the city's top executive position, overseeing thousands of employees and a multi-billion dollar budget. The decision will have a significant impact on the city's future direction and priorities.

The details

Hyun Kim has been serving as Tacoma's interim city manager since June 2025, after the previous city manager, Elizabeth Pauli, retired. Kim previously served as city manager in Fife, Washington and city administrator in Gillette, Wyoming. Yolanda Lewis has a background in criminal justice reform, having served as chief administrative officer for Fulton County, Georgia's law and justice system and in senior roles at the Pew Charitable Trusts and the State of Georgia.

  • The city council named the two finalists on February 10, 2026.
  • A public forum with the candidates is scheduled for February 26, 2026 at 4pm.
  • A final decision is expected from the council in March or April 2026.

The players

Hyun Kim

Hyun Kim has been serving as Tacoma's interim city manager since June 2025, after the previous city manager, Elizabeth Pauli, retired. Prior to Tacoma, Kim served as city manager in Fife, Washington and city administrator in Gillette, Wyoming.

Yolanda Lewis

Yolanda Lewis previously served as chief administrative officer for Fulton County, Georgia's law and justice system. She has also held senior roles at the Pew Charitable Trusts and the State of Georgia, working on public safety performance, justice reform, and government operations.

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What they’re saying

“He understands 'what needs to happen' and has 'a vision for what the city can be.'”

— Victoria Woodards, Former Mayor (Tacoma Weekly)

What’s next

The public forum on February 26th will give residents an opportunity to provide input to the city council before they make a final decision on the next city manager, expected in March or April.

The takeaway

Tacoma's next city manager will play a crucial role in shaping the city's future, as they oversee thousands of employees and a multi-billion dollar budget. The council's decision between the two finalists, Hyun Kim and Yolanda Lewis, will reflect the priorities and vision they have for Tacoma's path forward.