Tacoma's New City Manager Outlines Priorities

Hyun Kim aims to balance budget and execute council policies

Apr. 7, 2026 at 5:35pm

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A photorealistic painting of a government building in warm, golden light, with deep shadows casting across the facade, conveying a sense of civic duty and responsibility.Tacoma's new city manager takes on the weighty responsibilities of balancing the budget and implementing the city council's agenda.Tacoma Today

Hyun Kim, the recently appointed city manager of Tacoma, Washington, has outlined his key priorities for the role, which include balancing the city's budget and faithfully implementing the policies approved by the city council.

Why it matters

As one of Tacoma's highest-paid employees, Kim's leadership and decision-making will have a significant impact on the city's financial health and the execution of the city council's agenda. His success or failure in these areas could shape Tacoma's future direction.

The details

In his first public comments since taking the job, Kim said he plans to focus on two main objectives: balancing Tacoma's budget and ensuring the city government effectively carries out the policies approved by the elected city council. He acknowledged the challenges of the role, including the city's ongoing budget deficits, but expressed confidence in his ability to work collaboratively with the council to address the city's financial and operational needs.

  • Hyun Kim was recently appointed as Tacoma's new city manager.

The players

Hyun Kim

The recently appointed city manager of Tacoma, Washington, who is one of the highest-paid employees in the city.

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What they’re saying

“I plan to focus on balancing the budget and implementing the policies that the council approves.”

— Hyun Kim, Tacoma City Manager

The takeaway

As Tacoma's new city manager, Hyun Kim faces the critical tasks of stabilizing the city's finances and faithfully executing the agenda set by the elected city council. His ability to achieve these goals will be closely watched as he takes on one of the highest-paid positions in the city's government.