Growing up, Leatta Dahlhoff knew that service to others was just a part of her. A graduate of Tumwater High School, she has spent her life in a city that she says has “always been home.” “It’s been incredibly meaningful to serve in the same community where I grew up and went to school, it really gives me a deep sense of connection and responsibility,” she says. Now the mayor of Tumwater, we asked Leatta Dahlhoff a few questions so you could get to know her!
TT: What about Tumwater has kept you here your entire life?
Mayor Dahlhoff: Tumwater has always been home. It’s the people, the sense of community and the natural beauty that make it special. There’s a strong history here, and also a shared commitment to the future. Being part of that has kept me rooted here.
TT: Why did you want to have a career in public service?
Mayor Dahlhoff: Public service has always felt like a natural path for me. I was raised with strong examples of hard work and community involvement…especially from my grandmother and parents…and that instilled in me a desire to give back. I’ve always believed that local government can have a real, direct impact on people’s lives, and I wanted to be part of that work.
TT: What was your first service job?
Mayor Dahlhoff: My first service job was working in my grandmother’s restaurant in Bremerton. My grandmother, Leatta Haskins, was a huge influence in my life. She built her businesses through hard work, resilience and a deep commitment to her community. Growing up around that environment taught me early on the importance of customer service, showing up for people, and taking pride in your work. It really shaped how I approach public service today.
TT: What was your favorite job/position?
Mayor Dahlhoff: It’s hard to pick just one, because each role has given me a different perspective and opportunity to serve. My time at the Department of Ecology was especially meaningful because of the impact of the work, but serving as a councilmember and now mayor has been incredibly rewarding. It’s an opportunity to directly serve the community I’ve called home my entire life, and that’s something I don’t take for granted.
TT: You worked for almost two decades at the Department of Ecology. What drew you to that work?
Mayor Dahlhoff: I was drawn to the Department of Ecology because of its mission and my deep connection to Washington. Having grown up here, I’ve always valued our natural environment and the role it plays in our quality of life. From a young age, I was fascinated by chemistry. I became a bit obsessed with the periodic table…and that curiosity shaped how I see the world. Understanding how elements interact and impact the environment made me even more aware of how critical it is to protect our air, water, and ecosystems.
I also have personal experience with allergies and asthma, which made environmental quality feel even more immediate and important to me. The work allowed me to combine my scientific curiosity with my commitment to being part of efforts to protect natural resources while collaborating with communities and stakeholders across Washington. It was meaningful work that closely aligned with both my values and my lived experience.
TT: Why are environmental policies important to you?
Mayor Dahlhoff: Environmental policies are about protecting both our current quality of life and our future. Clean air, clean water, and responsible growth are essential to healthy communities. For me, it’s also personal – living with allergies and asthma has made me especially aware of how environmental conditions directly impact people’s health and daily lives.
Beyond that, strong environmental policies help ensure we are being good stewards of the place we call home. They support not only public health, but also our economy, our natural resources, and the overall well-being of future generations. It’s about making thoughtful, balanced decisions today so that our community continues to thrive for years to come.
TT: As mayor of Tumwater, what are you planning on focusing on?
Mayor Dahlhoff: As mayor, my focus is on preserving what makes Tumwater special while preparing for the future. A big part of that is the continued redevelopment of the Brewery District and the Capital Boulevard corridor: Creating spaces that support local businesses, reflect our history, and serve as vibrant gathering places for the community.
I’m also focused on community health and safety, which includes strong code enforcement to ensure our neighborhoods remain clean, safe, and livable for everyone. At the same time, it’s important to me that we maintain the balance that makes Tumwater unique, honoring both our rural roots and our growing urban environment.
Ultimately, it’s about thoughtful, responsible growth that supports our residents, strengthens our economy, and protects the quality of life that people value here.
TT: What do you like to do in your downtime?
Mayor Dahlhoff: In my downtime, I enjoy traveling and seeing the world. Experiencing different places and cultures helps put life into perspective and expands my horizons. It’s something that keeps me grounded and brings a fresh outlook to both my personal and professional life.
Keep up with Mayor Dahlhoff on the City of Tumwater website.
