Joe Bushnell

Council Member Joe Bushnell, elected in November 2021, serves District 5, which includes parts of South Tacoma, the South End and East Tacoma.

A lifelong resident of Tacoma and proud resident of South Tacoma for the last five years, Council Member Bushnell has a history of service to his community, which includes having served as chair of the South Tacoma Neighborhood Council. He also represents the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community, and is the first Cambodian-American to serve on the Tacoma City Council.

Council Member Bushnell started his career with more than a decade of service in the U.S. Marine Corps as an ammunition logistics manager. He has also worked on behalf of local businesses in support of economic development through his work for the Washington Hospitality Association in Pierce County, and has served as a Travel Tacoma board member and as a Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department Food Advisory Board member. His long history of community service also includes work with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and as a Tacoma Public Utility Board Member.

A graduate of Stadium High School in Tacoma, Council Member Bushnell earned a bachelor’s degree from The Evergreen State College in political science and economics.

Council Member Bushnell’s priority is to elevate the voices of District 5 constituents to ensure their needs are addressed in a thoughtful and sustainable way by the City of Tacoma.