Puyallup City Hall To Reopen Next Week

PUYALLUP, WA — The City of Puyallup says it is ready to finally get back to normal.

After 15 months of pandemic lockdown, Puyallup City Hall will be reopening to the public next Wednesday, July 7. When it does, the city says visitors will be able to walk through city hall and receive one-on-one customer service — just like they could before COVID-19.

“Our staff have done a tremendous job of adapting to the pandemic and embracing technology, whether it be through Zoom meetings or working remotely from home,” said City Manager Steve Kirkelie. “But I can say on behalf of all staff that we are excited to reopen and see our customers again. Seeing familiar faces is a clear sign that we are moving out of the pandemic and back to normal.”

As before, City Hall will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

Though residents are welcome to come down and visit, the city says it will continue to encourage everyone to use their online services when possible. The city's website lets visitors pay utilities, file reports, apply for jobs and business permits, all from the comfort of their own homes. The service will also soon include a new online building permit application system.

Meanwhile, city workers say they're excited to get back to work face-to-face.

"The past year and a half have been a learning experience for us with hosting meetings electronically," said Mayor Julie Door. "But these meetings are much more effective when done face-to-face. Reopening City Hall allows us to be accessible again to our residents."

The City of Puyallup is just the latest in a series of Pierce County government operations that are coming back to work in-person. Monday, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and Pierce County Auditor's Office announced they were resuming in-person services as well.

Puyallup's announcement also follows the economic reopening of Washington state. As of Wednesday, Washington has lifted almost all remaining COVID-19 restrictions, freeing up places like Puyallup City Hall to get back to work in-person.

Related: Washington State Reopens Wednesday: What To Know