Tracie Markley, who served as the Mayor of Gig Harbor, has resigned from her position due to serious health concerns affecting her family. In her resignation statement, Markley emphasized that her primary focus must now shift to her family's immediate needs after much prayerful consideration. Council member Brenda Lykins has been appointed as the mayor pro tempore and will oversee council meetings until a new mayor is elected to complete Markley's term. Lykins expressed her respect for Markley's service and commitment to ensuring continuity in city operations, particularly in the ongoing projects such as the Housing, Health, and Human Services program. This program, funded through opioid settlement resources, aims to support the city's vulnerable residents.

Markley was elected in 2021 with an overwhelming 91 percent of the vote, following a tumultuous period of staff turnover in the city administration. The City Council is scheduled to meet on November 21 to discuss the appointment of a new mayor, who must fulfill the qualifications of being a registered voter and a resident of Gig Harbor for at least one year. As the city grapples with the challenges of maintaining essential services and fiscal responsibility, Lykins reassured residents that legislative processes would continue without disruption.