County Council receives committee assignments

The Pierce County Council took its final step to get legislative operations back up and running for 2025 by establishing the council’s standing committees and assigning members at its Tuesday, Jan. 14, council meeting.

Review the council’s standing committees and committee assignments here.

One significant change from 2024 is the sunsetting of the Select Committee on Homelessness. The Select Committee was established to focus solely on homelessness. The committee had a nearly two-year run time and focused heavily on implementing the county’s Comprehensive Plan to End Homelessness. Its major legislative achievement was procuring a consultant to assist the county in establishing a unified regional approach to address homelessness, identified in the CPEH.

“As we continue working toward solutions to homelessness, it's essential to create dedicated time for leaders across the County to collaborate, learn, and take action together,” said Council Chair Jani Hitchen (District 6). “There is strong interest among city and town leaders, as well as councilmembers, to continue this important work, and I fully intend to bring it back – though it may take a slightly different form.”

Chairs were assigned as follows: Rules and Operations Committee, Jani Hitchen (meets Mondays in council chambers); Community Development and Environment Committee, Robyn Denson (meets on first and third Mondays in council chambers); Economic and Infrastructure Development Committee, Dave Morell (meets on second and fourth Tuesdays in council chambers); Health and Human Services Committee, Jani Hitchen (meets on first and third Tuesdays in council chambers); Public Safety Committee, Paul Herrera (meets second and fourth Mondays in council chambers).  

The Rules and Operations Committee is comprised of the council’s leadership and sets the agenda of the council and is the only committee that convenes weekly, convening on Mondays at 10 a.m. 

Nearly all legislation the council considers is reviewed, refined, and deliberated through one of the council’s standing committees. If you’re interested in shaping a policy or law the council is considering, attend the committee meeting the legislation is referred to. This is a great starting point to share your thoughts and perspectives that help determine the amendments introduced and the recommendations made to the council.