Tacoma implements hiring, promotion freeze as budget deficit looms
The city of Tacoma is temporarily freezing hiring and promotions as it continues to contend with a multimillion dollar budget deficit.
The freeze applies to “general government” positions, or any position excluding those at Tacoma Public Utilities, city spokesperson Maria Lee told The News Tribune. City officials estimate the freeze will generate millions of dollars in savings, similar to the $4.8 million the city saved when it implemented a similar measure in 2024, according to a release from the city.
The hiring freeze, which will remain in place for the rest of the year, does not apply to positions that are critical for public safety and other essential services like police officers and firefighters, Lee added. A critical hire review committee will evaluate vacancies on a case-by-case basis to determine which hiring decisions can be exempted from the freeze, the release states.
“This temporary freeze on hiring and promotions provides the city with the opportunity to carefully evaluate its organizational needs and align its staffing with community priorities, long-term strategic goals, and current financial realities,” newly appointed city manager Hyun Kim said in the release.
City officials have warned of a $15 million shortfall in the 2027-2028 biennial budget, The News Tribune reported last year. The freeze is a continuation of an existing hiring freeze, part of the city’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the shortfall.
This story was originally published April 7, 2026 at 1:30 PM.
