Melanie Harding began serving as Interim Deputy City Manager beginning in July 2024. In addition to retaining her current portfolio of assignments, she will assume oversight of Neighborhood & Community Services, the Media & Communications Office, executive recruitments, and additional projects in support of other departments as needed.

Melanie joined the City in 2015 to lead implementation of Tacoma’s local paid sick leave law and was later promoted to Employment Standards Program Manager. She subsequently held the roles of Chief Policy Analyst to the Mayor and Assistant to the City Manager. Prior to joining the City, Melanie served for nine years in progressively responsible roles at the City of Puyallup, including more than six years in their City Manager’s Office. She holds a master’s degree in public administration from University of Colorado, a bachelor’s degree in political science from University of Washington, and an associate’s degree from Tacoma Community College.

Updates on City executive recruitments, as they become available, will be shared on the City’s website, social media channels, and other official platforms.