By Marianne Lincoln

[Editor Note: There was an error in the initial emailed article to those who follow this blog. The name of the Governor-elect of Washington has been corrected. It is Bob Ferguson.]

Pierce County and the State of Washington are both under new management starting this month. So much of our quality of life is dependent on not just who is running the show, but how it is run, that it is important to get a chance to meet these new people and be able to speak to them about the direction they are taking us.

Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello will be Inaugurated on January 9, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at The Press Room, 704 Opera Alley, Tacoma, WA 98405. There will be light refreshments, dessert and a no-host bar. A short speaking program will feature Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards and Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins who will also administer the oath of office. This event is free to the public.

Down in Olympia, the Inauguration of a new Governor, Bob Ferguson, is also about to take place in the evening of January 15, 2025 (7 p.m.). The Washington State Governor’s Inaugural Ball is a major event. People Dress in formal wear and there is a ticket you must obtain in advance for $150. Reservations and information can be found at this link. This event takes place at the Capitol Campus in several buildings and in event tents around the veranda of the Legislative Building. The inauguration will be broadcast on TVW and streamed at tvw.org.

Meanwhile, the swearing in and opening session of the Washington State Legislature is Monday, January 13, 2025 at the Legislative Building (capitol) in Olympia, WA. It will be a 105-day session ending on April 27, 2025.

The opening session of the Pierce County Council will be January 7, 2025 at 3 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 930 Tacoma Ave S, Tacoma Room 1045. The agenda includes appointing a new Council Member to fill the vacant District 5 Council seat and the swearing in of elected and reelected members of the Council. Their agenda is at the Council page. [Update: the Council made no decision and tabled the selection to their January 14 meeting.]