City of Gig Harbor

City of Gig Harbor Official site of the City of Gig Harbor These three fisherman rowed from British Columbia to Gig Harbor and decided to stay. Census Bureau).

Gig Harbor - The Maritime City

Discovered in 1840 and incorporated in 1946, Gig Harbor is one of the most picturesque small cities in America. The city was named from the Wilkes Expedition in which the crew entered the harbor in a longboat called a "captain's gig". Gig Harbor is one of several cities and towns that claim to be "the gateway to the Olympic Peninsula". It is located on Gig Harbor Ba

y in Puget Sound across the Narrows Bridge from Tacoma. Due to its close access to several state and city parks, and historic waterfront that includes boutiques and fine dining, it has become a popular tourist destination. The current population is 12,029 (2020 U.S. Average Seasonal Temperatures: Summer 65F to 80F / 35F to 50F. Average Annual Rainfall - 37 inches (wettest / Dec - driest / Jul) . Altitude: Sea level to 440 feet

We welcome comments and encourage respectful conversations on the City of Gig Harbor social media platforms. Persons who post comments are solely responsible for the content of their posts and comments, including but not limited to any claims of copyright infringement or libel resulting from the posted content. Posts and comments contributed by members of the public are their own and do not express the official policy or position of the city. The city makes no representation as to the accuracy or validity of information posted by anyone other than an official City of Gig Harbor representative. Comments should be on-topic, respectful, and civil. The city respects and values a diversity of opinions and perspectives and asks that all comments be free from hate, harassment, obscenities, or other derogatory language about other people or groups based on age, race, ethnicity, country of origin, s*xual orientation, gender identity, ability, religion, income, political persuasion, or cultural practices. Commenters may not provide any comments which would be considered:

- incitement (comments where such advocacy is directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to incite or produce such action),
- fighting words (words likely to provoke the average person to retaliation, and thereby cause a breach of the peace),
- true threats (occur when the speaker means to communicate a serious expression of an intent to commit an act of unlawful violence to a particular individual or group of individuals),
- obscenity (material which appeals to the prurient interest in s*x, depict or describe s*xual conduct in a patently offensive way, and lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value),
- commercial promotion,
- comments that support/oppose any ballot measure or any candidate for elective office – whether at the local, state, or federal level,
- illegal activity,
- duplicative/repetitive posts by a single user that negatively impacts the function of the forum,
- “off-topic” comments,
- or any other type of speech which is not legally protected speech under the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. The explanations provided are examples only and the true scope of those prohibited topics is based on then-current controlling law. The city may, in its discretion, remove or hide content which is in violation of these rules. Comments posted will in no way constitute a legal or official notice or comment to or from the city. Posts and comments are public records which will be retained by the city. Posts and comments, as well as your name and email address or other information you share with us, are subject to the Public Records Act and may be produced in response to a public records request. If you have any questions or comments about this policy, please email us.

Support the Maritime Gig Festival in the The Seattle Times Best in the PNW voting!The Maritime Gig Festival has been nom...
06/23/2026

Support the Maritime Gig Festival in the The Seattle Times Best in the PNW voting!

The Maritime Gig Festival has been nominated for Best annual event/festival in the Seattle Times Best of the PNW. After a wonderful 2026 festival, this nomination reflects the support of our amazing community, volunteers, partners, and attendees that made it all happen!

You can help the festival earn this recognition by casting your vote online (once per day) from now until June 26, at 5 p.m.

To vote:

- Click: https://www.votethepnw.com/
- Click on “things to do” followed by “annual event/festival”
- Scroll to find Maritime Gig Festival, click “review and cast my ballot”
- Make sure to click “submit ballot” on the last screen to make your vote count!

Let’s help our friends at Maritime Gig Festival, Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce, and Visit Gig Harbor win the day!



[Image: screenshot of The Seattle Times Best in the PNW logo on a background of the Seattle skyline at night with the Space Needle highlighted with blue and white stripes across the background like a special event spotlight.]

Graduation season is here! Congratulations to the Class of 2026! As graduates from across the Peninsula School District ...
06/22/2026

Graduation season is here! Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

As graduates from across the Peninsula School District celebrate this important milestone, we join the community in wishing them success in whatever comes next. Whether they're headed to college, the workforce, military service or a new adventure, we can't wait to see the impact they'll make. Go change the world, we'll be cheering you on!



[Image: background of graduation hats and balloons over harbor blue water with the words “Class of 2026, Congratulations to our graduates!” in white letters with the city logo in the bottom center.]

We are joining in the fun with Visit Gig Harbor and Visit Tacoma-Pierce County's regional glass medallion scavenger hunt...
06/18/2026

We are joining in the fun with Visit Gig Harbor and Visit Tacoma-Pierce County's regional glass medallion scavenger hunt!

Gig Harbor Police Department Chief of Police Tray Federici says GAME ON! ⚽👀

It feels like a great day for a stroll outside to us! But you won't find this Art of the Game medallion if you're going over 25 miles per hour…

If you speed by, you’ll miss the sound of the ocean and the view of the harbor.

Be safe while you snag it. Don't block traffic and stay on the sidewalk.

City offices will be closed in observance of the Juneteenth holiday on Friday, June 19.
06/18/2026

City offices will be closed in observance of the Juneteenth holiday on Friday, June 19.

At the June 8 city council meeting, council approved Ordinance 1562, which updated the city’s sign code (GHMC 17.80) to ...
06/17/2026

At the June 8 city council meeting, council approved Ordinance 1562, which updated the city’s sign code (GHMC 17.80) to clarify where temporary signs may be placed within public rights of way. The changes resolve inconsistencies in the existing code and ensure sign regulations can be applied fairly, regardless of a sign’s message or purpose.

Here are the main takeaways:
-- The update does not affect temporary signs located on private property and maintains existing permitting and enforcement requirements.

-- Temporary signs may be located at specific intersections as shown on the Directors Map (also available from the city website).

-- Obtaining a temporary sign permit is free. There are no fees associated with the process.

The ordinance helps ensure consistent and equal enforcement, protects public spaces, and supports the city's mission of building trust, delivering effective municipal services, and maintaining a safe and well-managed community.

Learn more: https://gigharborwa.portal.civicclerk.com/event/816/files/report/504



[Image: A map of the City of Gig Harbor with the and yellow dots indicate where the city allows temporary signs to be placed in the right of way. The map includes a legend that indicates yellow as the Allowed Temporary Sign Areas, the city limits indicated with a grey color block and the urban growth areas (UGA) are marked with a dotted black line. The city logo is in the bottom margin with the map title “Directors Map-Allowed Areas for Temporary Signs in public right of way”]

We were thrilled to recognize our first cohort of the Gig Harbor Youth Council as their service year comes to an end. Th...
06/16/2026

We were thrilled to recognize our first cohort of the Gig Harbor Youth Council as their service year comes to an end. These youth did a great job sharing their unique perspectives, contributing to the cultural richness of our city, and participating in shaping an inclusive and vibrant future for all!

We are looking forward to the next cohort and are excited for the year ahead!



[Image: Group photo of youth council members standing with city staff and city council members in the council chamber, with several youth council members holding certificates of recognition, in the Gig Harbor City Council Chambers on June 8.]

For the past five years, Gig Harbor Police Department and Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One hold a friendly competition to sup...
06/15/2026

For the past five years, Gig Harbor Police Department and Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One hold a friendly competition to support the local Red Cross by participating in a joint blood drive. This year, the Battle of the Badges Award went to the fire department.

Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One Prevention Division Chief Patrick Phillips accepted the trophy for the fire district at the June 8 city council meeting. Thank you to all our officers and fire department staff for participating in this amazing life-saving activity!



[Image: Prevention Division Fire Chief Patrick Phillips holding the Battle of the Badges trophy alongside Mayor Mary Barber, Red Cross Community Volunteer Leader Larry Bleich, and Executive Director of South Puget Sound and Olympics Chapter of American Red Cross Shannon Glenn, with city councilmembers standing behind.]

If not friend, why friend-shaped? For real though, please don’t feed the bears. We are helping our friends at Washington...
06/12/2026

If not friend, why friend-shaped? For real though, please don’t feed the bears.
We are helping our friends at Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife in raising awareness about feeding black bears and other wildlife.

-- Unsecured garbage is one of the top causes of conflicts between black bears and humans.
-- Feeding or negligently attracting black bears is also illegal under state law (RCW 77.15.790).
-- The best way to encourage them to move along and focus on natural food sources is by removing potential attractants.

In addition, the WDFW would like you to know that feeding deer, elk, and moose is prohibited statewide.

Bears are always looking for food... even during your vacation! Bears have noses that can smell lunch from a mile away and the taste buds of the average two-year old; they’ll eat just about anything, including stuff that’s not even food. Some simple precautions will keep bears out of your vehicle, your home away from home and your garbage, leftovers and picnic lunch.

Bears are attracted to trash because it smells great (to a bear) and is usually full of food. Dispose of your trash in a secure container and don’t forget to close and latch the lid. Bears can open unlatched lids with a flip of the paw. Resist the temptation to leave your trash piled up next to a dumpster or in your vehicle overnight. Take it with you or keep it inside a cabin until you can dispose of it properly.

Get more BearWise vacation tips by visiting our page: bearwise.org/vacationing-in-bear-country-what-to-know-before-you-go

Get BearWise. Have a fun vacation. Keep bears wild. Go home happy.

Learn About Bears: BearWise.org

Who are you going to call? 📞Here’s a great resource from our partners at South Sound 911.As a reminder, South Sound 911 ...
06/11/2026

Who are you going to call? 📞
Here’s a great resource from our partners at South Sound 911.

As a reminder, South Sound 911 is also the 911 dispatch for the City of Gig Harbor. (These numbers work on our side of the bridge, too!)

Knowing which number to use can save time, reduce frustration, and help keep 911 available for life-threatening emergencies and crimes in progress. Learn which number to call and when.

Not every situation is a 911 emergency. Knowing the difference matters.

Three-digit numbers are designed to be easy to remember when you need help. Whether it’s an emergency, mental health support, city services, or finding local resources, using the right number connects you to the right response.

Choosing the right number keeps emergency lines open for true life-threatening situations and crimes in progress, while connecting others to the support they need.

At the city council study session on May 28, public works staff presented the updated 2027-2032 Six-Year Transportation ...
06/10/2026

At the city council study session on May 28, public works staff presented the updated 2027-2032 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), the city’s annual roadmap for major transportation projects planned over the next six years.

This annual plan helps the city stay competitive for grant funding and guides long-term investments in safer roads, sidewalks, and transportation connections throughout the community. Learn more from the Agenda Packet Memo: https://gigharborwa.portal.civicclerk.com/event/812/files/attachment/1421



[Image: a map of the city showing the project zones marked in bold purple lines for the 27 projects listed in the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program for 2027-2032]

Address

Gig Harbor, WA

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when City of Gig Harbor posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to City of Gig Harbor:

Share