Tumwater Residents Invited to Join New Equity Commission

The city is seeking applicants to serve on the newly established advisory board.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The City of Tumwater, Washington is now accepting applications from residents interested in serving on the city's newly formed Equity Commission. The commission was established in October 2025 to identify community barriers to participation in local government services and policymaking, as well as find and promote activities that foster a more welcoming community.

Why it matters

The creation of the Equity Commission marks an important step in Tumwater's ongoing efforts to take a more intentional and accountable approach to issues of equity and belonging within the community. The commission will provide a pathway for the city to better understand challenges facing underrepresented groups and develop new insights to improve services for all residents.

The details

The Equity Commission will be composed of seven members, including six from within Tumwater city limits and one from the city's urban growth area. The commission's goal will be to identify barriers to participation in local government and develop recommendations to make Tumwater's services and facilities more welcoming for all. City staff and council members have regularly received requests to examine challenges affecting underrepresented groups, and the new advisory board will help the city better address these issues.

  • The Tumwater Equity Commission was established in October 2025 through the approval of Ordinance 2025-017.
  • The deadline to apply for a position on the commission is 5 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Leatta Dahlhoff

The mayor of Tumwater, Washington.

Kelly Adams

The assistant city administrator for Tumwater, Washington.

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What they’re saying

“The City of Tumwater is taking a clear, intentional approach to equity and belonging — one rooted in action and accountability. The Equity Commission marks an important step in our ongoing work to better serve everyone in our community.”

— Leatta Dahlhoff, Mayor (Thurston Chronicle)

“Staff and council members regularly receive requests to examine challenges affecting underrepresented groups in response to national, regional and local events. The establishment of an advisory board to the city council provides a pathway to better understand the challenges facing Tumwater, to develop new insights into the community and to better serve everyone.”

— Kelly Adams, Assistant City Administrator (Thurston Chronicle)

What’s next

The deadline to apply for a position on the Tumwater Equity Commission is 5 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026. Applications can be submitted on the City of Tumwater's website.

The takeaway

Tumwater's creation of an Equity Commission demonstrates the city's commitment to addressing issues of equity and belonging in the community. The commission will provide a structured way for the city to better understand the challenges facing underrepresented groups and develop new solutions to make Tumwater's services and facilities more accessible and welcoming for all residents.