Latasha Palmer (Tacoma City Council At-large Position 6, Washington, candidate 2025)

Latasha Palmer

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Nonpartisan

Candidate, Tacoma City Council At-large Position 6

Elections and appointments

Last election

August 5, 2025

Education

Bachelor's

Columbia University, 2023

Personal

Birthplace

Seattle, Wash.

Profession

Activist

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Instagram

Campaign YouTube

Personal LinkedIn

Latasha Palmer is running for election to the Tacoma City Council At-large Position 6 in Washington. She is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.^[source] She was on the ballot in the primary on August 5, 2025.^[source]

Palmer completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Latasha Palmer provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on July 7, 2025:

• Birth date: December 5, 1986
• Birth place: Seattle, Washington
• Bachelor's: Columbia University, 2023
• Associate: Bates Technical College, 2004
• Gender: Female
• Profession: Activist
• Incumbent officeholder: No
• Campaign slogan: Stabilize and Secure the Block
• Campaign website
• Campaign Facebook
• Campaign Instagram
• Campaign YouTube

Elections

General election

General election for Tacoma City Council At-large Position 6

Jessica Johnston and Latasha Palmer are running in the general election for Tacoma City Council At-large Position 6 on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Jessica Johnston (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Latasha Palmer (Nonpartisan)

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	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Tacoma City Council At-large Position 6

The following candidates ran in the primary for Tacoma City Council At-large Position 6 on August 5, 2025.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Todd Briske (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Hunter D. Henderson (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Jessica Johnston (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Latasha Palmer (Nonpartisan)
		Krista Perez (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Lindsay Wills (Nonpartisan)

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	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Endorsements

Palmer received the following endorsements. To send us additional endorsements, click here.

• International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, District Lodge 751
• Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates of Washington
• Washington Education Association PAC

Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Latasha Palmer completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Palmer's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am running for office to transform our city into an inclusive and sustainable community where residents and businesses feel secure. My commitment is to foster trust in city government through accountability and transparent leadership. Personal tragedy shaped my resolve: losing my children's father to mental illness exposed how our systems fail people of color, immigrants' children, and veterans. With the current Administration dismantling vital institutions and Congress inactive, Tacoma needs bold local leaders.

Raised in a union family, I witnessed the power of collective action firsthand. My father, a union member, fought for fair wages and dignity, teaching me the value of solidarity and perseverance. His union job provided our family economic security, a right all workers deserve. As a mother, organizer, and working-class advocate, I am a lifetime Tacoma resident who brings community board service, sustainability and police oversight advocacy.

I am prepared to be Tacoma's stability and security advocate, not a career politician, but someone who understands the fight for a better future. My experience running a small business and serving on Tacoma’s Charter Review committee has prepared me to lead. I envision a Tacoma where every resident feels secure in their homes, opportunities, communities, and government; security achieved through empowered communities and bold leadership.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Tacoma’s housing crisis is real. Families are struggling, and homelessness is rising. But affordable housing shouldn’t just be a temporary fix—it has to be permanent. We need real solutions that keep money in our community. This is why I am already co-creating a local organization to build community-owned housing that lasts, and advocate for social housing at council meetings. I’m committed to reclaiming housing for all.
• Tacoma needs a government and policing system that listens and serves its people. We need neighborhood block hubs that empower voices, foster safety through connection and trust, and create collaboration that ensures our resources are abundant and our basic needs met. I’ve fought for common-sense, people-powered solutions such as policing accountability, an empowered climate commission, and stronger neighborhood councils on Tacoma’s Charter Review Committee, and I will continue to fight to ensure your voice is heard at City Hall. We will restore power to the block in Tacoma.
• We’re done putting profit before people. Tacoma deserves a just transition to green jobs that protect our planet and lift up our communities. Let’s bring in industries that respect our workers and our environment, and ensure every person has a chance to be healthy and happy. I’m committed to creating jobs and policies that protect people and planet.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about housing justice, advocating for affordable and sustainable solutions like community-owned housing and social housing. I prioritize community empowerment through stronger neighborhood engagement and block hubs for safety and collaboration. Environmental justice is crucial, with a focus on green jobs and reducing Tacoma's carbon footprint. I champion social justice, including policing accountability and equity initiatives. Economic security is a priority, supporting fair wages and policies that promote local economic growth and resident well-being.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

This office holds a unique and vital role within our state's government and legal system. Municipalities are the first line of defense for residents, providing essential services and immediate support that directly impact daily life. They serve as catalysts for innovation, pioneering local solutions to complex challenges like housing, public safety, and economic development. The office's proximity to the community allows for responsive governance tailored to local needs, fostering inclusive policies and initiatives that promote equity and opportunity for all Tacoma residents. This role is crucial in shaping the future of our city, ensuring that local voices are heard and that Tacoma continues to thrive as a model of progressive and effective governance.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to Audre Lorde as a beacon of courage and advocacy, and her example deeply inspires my candidacy for City Council. Audre Lorde fearlessly spoke truth to power, advocating for the rights and dignity of marginalized communities, including Black, queer, and women of color. Her commitment to intersectional feminism and social justice resonates with my own values of equity, inclusion, and community empowerment.

Like Audre Lorde, I aim to amplify the voices of those often unheard in our city, advocating for policies that promote fairness and opportunity for all Tacoma residents. Her boldness in challenging systemic injustices encourages me to push for meaningful change, ensuring that our local government serves as a force for positive transformation.

Audre Lorde's legacy teaches me the importance of authenticity, empathy, and resilience in leadership. By following her example, I strive to create a city where diversity is celebrated, equity is upheld, and every person feels valued and represented in our shared community vision.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I would highly recommend "Collective Courage: A History of African American Cooperative Economic Thought and Practice" by Jessica Gordon Nembhard. This book delves into the history of cooperative economics within African American communities, highlighting how collective ownership has empowered marginalized groups economically and socially. It reflects my commitment to fostering community resilience and economic justice through cooperative models, aligning closely with my political philosophy of equity, empowerment, and sustainable community development in Tacoma.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The most critical qualities for an elected official are integrity, empathy, community commitment, competence, and knowledge gained through experience and research. Integrity ensures honesty and transparency in decision-making. Empathy allows understanding and addressing diverse community needs. Commitment to the community involves actively listening and advocating for constituents. Competence and knowledge acquired through hands-on experience and diligent research are essential for making informed decisions and navigating complex issues effectively. These principles guide my approach to ensuring responsible and knowledgeable leadership for Tacoma.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

For someone elected to this office, I believe the core responsibilities revolve around serving the community with integrity, accountability, and a relentless focus on equity. It's about listening to and amplifying the voices of all residents, especially those often overlooked or marginalized. It's about making decisions that prioritize the well-being of our neighborhoods, ensuring everyone has access to essential services and opportunities. Transparency is key, keeping constituents informed and engaged in the decisions that shape our city's future. Ultimately, it's about being a dedicated advocate and leader who works tirelessly to improve the lives of every Tacoma resident.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

One important aspect is the ability to shape local ordinances and policies that directly impact daily life in Tacoma. This includes decisions on zoning regulations, public safety measures, and economic development incentives that can significantly affect our community's growth and well-being.

Additionally, the office plays a key role in overseeing the implementation of state and federal mandates at the local level. This involves ensuring that Tacoma complies with laws related to environmental protection, civil rights, and public health, among others. These responsibilities highlight the office's influence in safeguarding residents' rights and promoting social justice within our city.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

Absolutely, striking a balance between grassroots efforts and experience in government and politics is crucial. My involvement in the Tacoma Charter Review has provided me with firsthand experience studying and shaping local governance. This includes deep dives into policy development, community engagement strategies, and understanding the complexities of municipal operations. This experience has complemented my grassroots work, allowing me to bridge insights from community activism with practical knowledge of how to effect change through legislative channels. It's this balanced perspective that I believe is essential for effective leadership in this office, grounded in community-driven initiatives while informed by the realities of governance and policy-making.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

Strong communication skills have been crucial in engaging with Tacoma's diverse communities and effectively advocating for their needs. My involvement in local boards has equipped me with a deep understanding of local issues such as housing justice and community development, allowing me to navigate complex challenges and propose practical solutions.

Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities have been instrumental in my approach to policy-making, ensuring that decisions are grounded in both community insights and legislative feasibility. Leadership qualities such as empathy and integrity have guided my interactions with constituents and stakeholders, fostering trust and collaboration in achieving common goals.

Moreover, my experience in governmental processes and community organizing has provided me with a solid foundation for navigating bureaucracy and advocating for policies that promote equity and social justice. This blend of skills—communication, strategic thinking, leadership, and policy expertise—positions me to effectively serve Tacoma, bridging grassroots activism with practical governance to drive positive change for all residents.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the local government?

The at-large Council position holds a unique and pivotal role in local government, particularly in fostering collaboration and unity across Tacoma. By representing the entire city rather than a specific district, this office has the power to advocate for inclusive policies that benefit all neighborhoods equally. It serves as a unifying force, bridging diverse communities and ensuring that every voice is heard in city decision-making.

This position encourages collaboration by promoting city-wide initiatives that address common challenges like housing affordability, economic development, and public safety. It facilitates unity by fostering dialogue between different neighborhoods, promoting understanding, and working towards solutions that benefit the entire community.

At-large Council members have the opportunity to champion initiatives that promote equity and social justice city-wide.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Yasmin Trudeau

Washington State Senator

Jamika Scott
Tacoma City Council, District 3

Ramona Bennett
Tribal Elder
Former Tribal Council Chairwoman at the Puyallup Tribe

Chelsea McElroy
Vice President at Tacoma School Board
Executive Director at Vision Step Team

Bill Baarsma
Former Mayor of Tacoma

Brian Ebersole
Former Mayor of Tacoma
Former Speaker of the Washington House of Representatives

Steve Kirby
Former Tacoma City Council Member
Former Representative at Washington House of Representatives

UFCW Local 367

27th LD Democrats

AFT WA

Indivisible Tacoma

WEA-PAC

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency and government accountability are non-negotiables for me. As a candidate committed to empowering Tacoma's residents, I believe transparency in financial matters is essential for building trust and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and ethically. Accountability means holding elected officials accountable to the community, ensuring decisions are made openly and with the public's best interests at heart. I've actively fought for transparency and accountability during my time on the Charter Review Committee, advocating for policies that promote openness and accountability in local governance. It's about fostering a government that operates with integrity, where every decision is clear, justifiable, and serves the people of Tacoma.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Other survey responses

Ballotpedia identified the following surveys, interviews, and questionnaires Palmer completed for other organizations. If you are aware of a link that should be added, email us.

• VoteWA Profile

See also

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