Alisa O'Hanlon

Why did you decide to join the steering committee?

I’d been exposed to MIP through Tacoma’s former Mayor, Marilyn Strickland. As she was transitioning out of office, due to term limits, we determined that it was important to continue to have Tacoma involved in collaborating with peers across the country. I joined the Steering Committee to lay the groundwork for incoming Mayor Woodards to maintain that continuity.

What makes MIP unique from other organizations?

MIP provides a setting in which Mayors can dedicate time, without distraction, to truly engage in thoughtful dialogue on common challenges.

If you could give one piece of advice to a new mayor on what you’ve learned in your role, what would it be?

I’ve been staff to two mayors who’ve been members of MIP. I’ve watched and heard both comment on how valuable it is to have a network of peer mayors. There is nobody else who can authentically empathize with your job, and life, as mayor than another mayor.