Staff Planning Group

The Staff Planning Group, made up of government staff from various Pierce County jurisdictions involved in homelessness response efforts, will support their elected officials in understanding and engaging in this work. The group will assist the consulting team by providing Task Force recruitment referrals, offering subject matter expertise, and reviewing Task Force recommendations for alignment and feasibility within their jurisdictions.

Responsibilities include active participation, positive communication, and actively providing necessary information and context to ensure elected officials can effectively engage.

The group will meet regularly during the Design Phase, their first meeting is on April 24, 2025, and attend the Implementation Phase Kick-Off in March 2026. Participants are encouraged to join a Task Force based on their expertise and interests.

• Attend Elected Leadership Group & support elected leaders

• Provide referrals for task forces recruitment, including government & agency staff

• Provide subject matter expertise

• Provide review & iteration of recommendations from task forces for fit & feasibility in their jurisdiction

• Caleb Carbone, City of Tacoma, Homeless Strategy, Systems and Service Manager

• Devon Isakson, Pierce County Human Services, Social Service Manager

• Jennifer Hales, University Place, Public Safety Director

• LeighBeth Merrick, Pierce County Executive’s Office, Strategic Advisor for Health and Human Servies

• Mary Connolly, Pierce County Council, Policy Analyst

• Shae Smiley, City of Gig Harbor, Health, Housing & Human Services Program Manager

• Tiffany Speir, City of Lakewood, Planning Division Manager, ARPA Manager

• Doug Newman, Fife, Assistant Police Chief,

• Kent Hay, City of Auburn, Human Services Director,

• Keri Waterland, Pierce County Council, Principal Policy Analyst