TACOMA, WASHINGTON —  The Pierce County Charter Review Commission will host a series of community listening sessions this spring to gather feedback from residents about the Pierce County Charter and potential changes to the county’s governing document for voter consideration in the November 2026 General Election. 

The Charter serves as Pierce County’s “constitution,” outlining how county government is organized and how key decisions are made. Every ten years, voters elect a Charter Review Commission.

The Commission is composed of 21 members—three elected from each of Pierce County’s seven council districts—tasked with reviewing the charter and proposing updates that reflect the community’s needs. 

The listening sessions will be hosted by commissioners from each Council district at various locations in each council district and are intended to give residents an opportunity to share ideas, concerns, and suggestions directly with their commissioners as the review process continues.  

Residents will be able to learn more about the charter review process, ask questions, and provide feedback on potential changes. Community members may also submit written public comments and suggestions for charter amendments through the commission’s website. 

The commission also holds regular public meetings to review the charter and discuss potential amendments. These meetings are open to the public and typically take place on Monday evenings at 6 p.m. at the Pierce County Annex in Tacoma. 

Information about upcoming listening sessions, meeting schedules, and opportunities to provide feedback will be posted on the Pierce County Charter Review Commission website.

About the Charter
Washington law allows counties to adopt home rule charters under Article 11, Section 4 of the Washington State Constitution. This provision authorizes voters in a county to elect a board of freeholders to draft a charter establishing the structure and powers of county government. Pierce County voters approved the Charter in 1980, after electing a Board of Freeholders in 1979 to draft the document. The charter created a home rule form of government, replacing the traditional county commission system with an elected County Executive and a seven-member County Council responsible for legislative authority. 

The charter also requires periodic review. A Charter Review Commission, elected by voters, evaluates the document at least every 10 years and may propose amendments for consideration on the ballot. Together, the charter and the county code guide how Pierce County delivers services, exercises local governance, and ensures accountability to its residents.