Government

Gig Harbor Now provides citizens the information they need to oversee and participate in the city of Gig Harbor, Pierce County and smaller governing bodies.

Derek Young leaving office with legacy of wonkish-ness, bipartisanship

Dec 22, 2022 | By:

Derek Young’s first campaign for public office, as a 21-year-old Gig Harbor City Council candidate in 1997, came right down to the wire.  Taking what he thought was a sabbatical from his studies at the University of Washington, Young challenged incumbent councilwoman Marilyn Owel. He won by three votes.  Young’s parents, George and Cathy Young,

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State to resume collecting late fees for unpaid Narrows Bridge tolls

Dec 21, 2022 | By:

Late fees and civil penalties were suspended in July 2021 while a new Good To Go! system was installed. They’ll return on March 1. They can be avoided by paying tardy tolls before then.

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Tacoma Narrows Airport to cut down trees, as required by FAA

Dec 20, 2022 | By:

During a public comment period, the main concerns voiced were about the removal of trees that are obstacles to navigation.

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Gig Harbor is second city to recognize rights of Southern Resident orcas

Dec 16, 2022 | By:

Gig Harbor became the second Washington city to recognize the rights of the Southern Resident orcas when Mayor Tracie Markley read a proclamation at Monday’s city council meeting. The local recognition, suggested by Councilmember Jeni Woock, comes a week after a similar move by Port Townsend in Jefferson County. The proclamation recognizes that Southern Residents

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New city parks manager has long experience in local government

Dec 14, 2022 | By:

Jennifer Haro was in Ireland to attend a friend’s wedding when she received an email indicating that the city of Gig Harbor wanted to interview her to be its new parks manager. After that slightly delayed interview, the city hired Haro as its new parks manager in early November. She replaces Matthew Keough, who took

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Stronger shoreline protections on county council’s docket

Dec 12, 2022 | By:

If passed next week, an amendment to the shoreline management plan would keep 49.2 miles of shoreline free of docks and piers. They’d be mostly confined to shorelines where others already disrupt the habitat.

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PenMet seeks community members to help study senior center, aquatics center

Dec 09, 2022 | By:

PenMet Parks is looking for community members to help determine the feasibility of a new senior center and a new aquatics facility in the Gig Harbor area. Members are being sought for two 16-member steering committees, one for the senior center and one for the aquatics facility. The committees will work with professional consultants to

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How Gig Harbor prioritizes its snow removal efforts

Dec 02, 2022 | By:

Winter came early this year, with snow and freezing temperatures arriving just days after Thanksgiving. More snow could fall this weekend, according to the National Weather Service. The city of Gig Harbor Public Works Department has been busy for days, keeping streets clear and safe. When it snows or gets icy, the public works staff

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Removing bulkheads recommended for sandspit park

Dec 01, 2022 | By:

PenMet board approves study option to most fully return beach to its natural state. Whether the work itself will be conducted is yet to be determined.

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City Council approves 2023-’24 budget

Nov 30, 2022 | By:

The Gig Harbor City Council approved a $179 million city budget for the 2023-’24 biennium on Monday, Nov. 28. The approval came after a lengthy discussion, including of two amendments  pertaining to the planned Sports Complex. The council approved the amendments, regarding money for trails and a feasibility study for Phase 3 of the complex.

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