Community Government

Councilwoman Mary Barber to be new Gig Harbor mayor

City Councilwoman Mary Barber will be sworn in as Gig Harbor’s mayor at the Nov. 25 City Council meeting.

Barber replaces Tracie Markley, who resigned this week after serving as in the position for three years.

Barber was appointed to the council in January 2022 to fill Markley’s seat after Markley was elected mayor. She won election to the council in her own right in November 2023.

City resident since 2014

Barber was born in Seattle and grew up in Portland. She and her husband moved to Gig Harbor from Anchorage, Alaska, in October 2014.

She has worked in public relations for more than 40 years, including running her own company. The Barbers have two grown sons and one grandson.

Mary Barber

The city council met Thursday, Nov. 21, to decide the next steps in filling the mayoral vacancy. When Barber expressed her willingness to fill the role, the council quickly supported her candidacy and directed city staff to put her appointment on the council’s Nov. 25 meeting agenda.

“The job of this council was to find a new mayor. The good citizens of Gig Harbor elected seven council members and I am happy this council chose one of our own to be the new mayor,” Councilmember Jeni Woock said. “Councilwoman Barber will make a fine mayor and I look forward to working with her in her new role.”

Learning on the job

Former Gig Harbor city administrator Mark Hoppen called Barber “a top-tier choice. “Mary enjoys participating in community events, always shows up and will support the current budget and strategic efforts,” Hoppen said.

Mayor pro tempore Brenda Lykins will administer the oath of office at Monday’s meeting.

“I think my skill set in public relations and communications is good, and I already have a strong relationship with the city staff,” Barber said in a phone interview. “I really care about Gig Harbor and I love the way that the people here care about our community and care about each other. Gig Harbor really has a lot of heart. The amount of caring is amazing,” she said.

Barber acknowledged that she’ll be “drinking from a fire hose” as she settles into the position. “I’ll be doing a lot of listening and learning and I’m really looking forward to it. We have a good foundation to build on and I want everyone to feel included.”

The mayor’s position is up for election in 2025.

Markley resigned Monday, Nov. 18, citing a family medical issue.

Council vacancy

Barber’s appointment as mayor will leave a vacancy on the city council. Next week the city will advertise for candidates to fill the empty council seat. Candidates must be a registered voter who has lived within city limits for at least a year.

After council members interview the applicants, the council will vote to pick a replacement.