Tacoma City Council member to resign later this month to take job with Comcast

Conor McCarthy announced Thursday he would be resigning from the Tacoma City Council.

McCarthy, an at-large member, will serve until June 22. His term was set to expire at the end of 2023.

He is taking a job as director of government and regulatory affairs at Comcast. He will begin his new role on June 27.

“I am excited for this opportunity, but leaving the Council is a tough decision for me, and not one I take lightly,” he said in a statement. “Tacoma, you have entrusted me to make decisions, advocate and work on your behalf. It has truly been an honor and privilege to serve you.”

McCarthy has served as a city council member since 2015. He previously worked as a real estate manager for the City of Tacoma and Tacoma Public Utilities.

At Comcast, McCarthy will develop and implement the strategy for government affairs and public policy issues and foster relationships on behalf of the company with elected officials, business leaders and community influencers, Comcast said in a statement Thursday.

“Conor has made a positive impact in the community as a city council member, volunteer and attorney, and he will continue to do so as member of Comcast,” said Terry Davis, Comcast Senior Director for External Affairs. “His deep legal, contracting and government affairs backgrounds are going to add value for how Comcast serves our customers, the community and drives our business.”

McCarthy said he wanted to focus his efforts on a new career opportunity and his wife and two sons.

“As I reflect on my service, I feel a sense of pride and gratitude for what we have accomplished together,” he said. “I also know there are many challenges and opportunities ahead. While I may not be on the City Council, I remain steadfast in my commitment and care for our community.”

After seven years serving as a council member, McCarthy said he is most proud of his roles in starting immediate treatment of opioid use disorder through the Tacoma Fire Department’s Safe Station program, passing regulations to protect the environment and support clean energy projects on the Tideflats, getting 24-hour firefighting services to protect Port of Tacoma businesses, creating safe routes for kids to walk to schools, developing Home in Tacoma and the council’s work on the anti-racism efforts across the police department and other city departments, he said in an interview Thursday afternoon.

The council still faces two big issues: crime and housing, which includes homelessness. He has full confidence it will be able to tackle those issues.

McCarthy said he will continue to do his job and express his gratitude to the city and his colleague as his term comes to an end.

“I love Tacoma,” he said. “I believe in Tacoma. I am a fan of Tacoma. I will continue to support the community.”

His advice to the council member who replaces him: “Be yourself and have the courage of your convictions.”

This story was originally published June 9, 2022 at 11:55 AM.