Joe Bushnell Elected as Tacoma's New Deputy Mayor, Set to Enhance City Living Standards in 2026

Tacoma has named a new deputy mayor, with District 5 City Council Member Joe Bushnell stepping up to the plate. The City Council confirmed the appointment during their meeting on January 6th, signaling a unanimous nod to Bushnell's leadership credentials. He's a repeat performer in the city's political theater, having been first elected in 2021 and returning to the spotlight with a reelection in 2025, as mentioned on the City's official website.

In his City Council tenure, Bushnell has not only served as vice chair of the Government, Performance, and Finance Committee but also sat on the Economic Development Committee. His regional roles are nothing to gloss over either; he chairs the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, helms the Board of Health at Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, and features on the South Sound 911 Board of Directors. In 2025, the National League of Cities recognized his service as Chair of their Military Communities Council.

"It is an honor to be selected as Deputy Mayor," Bushnell said, according to an official statement. He continued, "I’m grateful for the confidence of my colleagues and committed to serving the people of Tacoma with integrity and collaboration. I look forward to working alongside residents, community partners, and my Council colleagues to strengthen our neighborhoods and ensure our city continues moving forward in 2026."

Before his political prominence, Bushnell served for over a decade with the U.S. Marine Corps, managing ammunition logistics. His community engagement includes chairing the South Tacoma Neighborhood Council and serving on boards such as Travel Tacoma and the local health department's Food Advisory Board. Mayor Anders Ibsen spotlighted Bushnell's track record: "Deputy Mayor Bushnell is a trusted and respected leader whose dedication to public service, including his years in the military and his work with neighborhood councils and community boards, reflects a deep commitment to the people of our city," he noted as per the City's website. The mayor expressed confidence in Bushnell’s ability to engage with residents and cultivate partnerships that will enhance Tacoma's living standards.

Bushnell's leap to Deputy Mayor puts him in the departing shoes of the former At-Large Council Member Kiara Daniels. With his finger on the pulse of Tacoma's Military Communities and his dedication to improving neighborhoods like Hosmer, Bushnell’s political walk seems far from over. As he steps into his new role, the city waits to see the strides he'll take in 2026.