TACOMA, Wash. – February 22, 2017 – Tacoma- City of Tacoma Planning Commissioner Meredith Neal announced today that she is running for Tacoma City Council At-Large Position No. 6 saying, “I want to build the best possible Tacoma for my two young boys and for all of our children. I like bringing people together to solve problems, which is how I approach my role as a Planning Commissioner and my work as a construction project manager. I will bring the same collaborative style and work ethic to the City Council.”

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Neal’s dedication, community engagement and leadership have earned her the endorsement of many, including three Tacoma City Council members.

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Council member Anders Ibsen said, “Meredith is a genuine, hard-working, and savvy leader. She has the experience and work ethic to represent our city well, and I look forward to serving with her.”

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Council member Keith Blocker said, "Meredith would be an excellent addition to the city council, she is smart, driven and passionate. She understands the needs of our city and will work hard for the residents of Tacoma."

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Council member Conor McCarthy said, “Meredith Neal has demonstrated the ability to take action and affect change, has proven her commitment to our community through dedicated volunteerism, and has a well-developed knowledge of city government and governance. Meredith is a fresh face, a strong and independent thinker, and a natural leader.”

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Endorsements:

• Anders Ibsen, Tacoma City Council member, position 1

• Keith Blocker, Tacoma City Council member, position 3

• Conor McCarthy, Tacoma City Council member, position 7

• Chris Beale, Tacoma Planning Commissioner Chair

• Jeff McInnis, Tacoma Planning Commissioner

• Anna Petersen, Tacoma Planning Commissioner and North End Neighborhood Council

• Dorian Waller, Tacoma Planning Commissioner

• Steve Wamback, Tacoma Planning Commissioner Vice Chair

• Scott Winship, Tacoma Planning Commissioner

• Gerrit Nyland, Transportation Commission

• Jeff Williams, Landmarks Preservation Commission

• Rachel Cardwell, North End Neighborhood Council & Tacoma Arts Commission

• Heather Conklin, Tacoma Arts Commission

• Christina Blocker, Trustee at Bates Technical College

• Beverly Bowen Bennett, South Tacoma Neighborhood Council

• Tim Farrell, former Pierce County Council Member

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A resident of Tacoma for nearly 20 years, Neal has extensive work experience in the areas of construction management and environmental planning. She is a Project Manager for MRF Construction, a Tacoma-owned small business. She manages all aspects of residential projects from scoping and permitting to subcontractor scheduling and client interactions. Appointed to the Planning Commission in 2014 to the public transportation seat, Meredith has a deep understanding of City policy, land use, zoning, transportation, finance, and urban design along with a sincere desire and ability to engage with and listen to residents.

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Tacoma Planning Commissioner Scott Winship said, “Meredith Neal is exactly what is needed in government today. She is intelligent and informed. In her work on the Planning Commission I have seen her exhibit keen insight and sound judgment. She knows the policies she is helping to develop and implement will have real and considerable impacts on the lives of those she serves. Meredith's leadership is founded on a genuine love for our community, and empathy guides her decisions. She will be an excellent addition to our City Council.”

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Tacoma Planning Commissioner Steve Wamback said, “What I have valued most about Meredith's involvement on the planning commission is her ability to look past the policy and regulations towards the outcome: how will this action improve lives and make Tacoma a better place to work, live and play.”

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Neal is a graduate of Evergreen’s Tacoma Campus, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning and Community Development, and of Antioch University, where she was awarded a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership. A motto posted in the entry hall at Evergreen Tacoma says, “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve,” and it is evident that motto was instilled in Meredith, given her extensive volunteer work. In addition to the Planning Commission, Meredith serves on the Board of Directors for the YWCA of Pierce County, she is a member of the Forterra South Sound Regional Leadership Council in Tacoma, she is an active PTA board leader, and she spends many hours volunteering in her children’s school.

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Born and raised in the Washington D.C. area, Meredith Neal has made the Pacific Northwest her home for nearly twenty years with her husband, Erik, and their two children who attend Tacoma Public Schools. Meredith is committed to making Tacoma the best possible city it can be, with an unrivaled quality of life. Her vision for the future includes vibrant neighborhoods with housing options at all levels, a strong economy with more living-wage jobs, accountable public safety, improved tree canopy, and a comprehensive transportation system that connects us all.

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Neal will kick off her campaign Thursday April 27 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Historic 1625 building at 1625 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409. www.meredithneal.com 

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