[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 208 (Wednesday, December 10, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H5117-H5118]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING MAYOR VICTORIA WOODARDS

  (Ms. Strickland of Washington was recognized to address the House for 
5 minutes.)
  Ms. STRICKLAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mayor Victoria 
Woodards, who is retiring as Tacoma's 39th mayor.
  A graduate of Lincoln High School, she proudly served her country in 
the U.S. Army, thinking she would see the world and ended up right back 
home at Fort Lewis. She also pursued a long career in public service as 
a parks commissioner, as a city councilmember, and as mayor of Tacoma.
  I congratulate Victoria on an exemplary and distinguished career of 
more than 15 years serving the people of Tacoma. Under her leadership, 
the city

[[Page H5118]]

launched the equity and empowerment initiative, which led to the 
creation of our Office of Equity and Human Rights. The city implemented 
key police reforms, including updates to the use of force standards, 
and established the city of Tacoma's first Youth Commission, giving 
high school students a chance to learn how government works. She passed 
Home in Tacoma, which expanded key and necessary housing opportunities 
across the entire city.
  She also raised our profile nationally by serving as president of the 
National League of Cities, promoting the platform of people, 
partnership, and possibilities. She launched the Growing Resilience in 
Tacoma, otherwise known as GRIT, one of the first guaranteed-income 
pilots in the entire Nation to address systemic poverty. She supported 
the creation of Maritime 253, which is a skills training center in 
partnership with Tacoma Public Schools and the Port of Tacoma.
  Throughout her career, Mayor Woodards has broken barriers, 
championing equity and justice for all, and has been instrumental in 
ensuring that every voice in our community is heard.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Mayor Woodards for her selfless service to ``The 
City of Destiny,'' Tacoma, Washington, and the Nation.

                          ____________________