For Immediate Release, January 27, 2026
Contact: Jason Wettstein, City of Tumwater
(360) 878-4132, jwettstein@ci.tumwater.wa.us

TUMWATER, WA – The City of Tumwater is accepting applications for its new, seven-member Equity Commission. 

An application for those interested in participating can be found on the City’s Advisory Board, Commission, and Committee website. Applications for the first round of interviews are due on February 20 at 5 p.m. 

“The City of Tumwater is taking a clear, intentional approach to equity and belonging—one rooted in action and accountability.” said Mayor Leatta Dahlhoff.  “The Equity Commission marks an important step in our ongoing work to better serve everyone in our community.” 

Staff and councilmembers regularly receive requests to examine challenges affecting underrepresented groups in response to national, regional, and local events, said Kelly Adams, assistant city administrator for Tumwater. 

“The establishment of an advisory board to the City Council provides a pathway to better understand the challenges facing Tumwater, to develop new insights into the community and to better serve everyone,” said Adams.  

The commission, established by ordinance in October 2025, will work to identify community barriers to participation in public policies and services, said Adams.  The Equity Commission will also identify and promote activities related to city services and facilities that foster a more welcoming community, she added.  

The Commission will be made up of seven members: six people from inside the City of Tumwater with an option for one person from the Urban Growth Area, the area just outside city limits where Tumwater city services extend. 

Assistant City Administrator Kelly Adams will staff the commission. For those who would like to know more about the commission, please contact her at kadams@ci.tumwater.wa.us.