Published January 16 2025
Trisna Tanus hired after serving as acting city attorney for most of 2024
The City of Bellevue announced Thursday that Trisna Tanus has been hired as city attorney after serving in the role in an acting capacity for the past eight months. Tanus has been the city’s deputy city attorney since 2023 and served for nearly a decade with the city in a variety of legal roles. Tanus brings legal experience from both the public and private sectors. She was selected as the top candidate this month after a public recruitment process.
“Trisna is an inclusive and collaborative leader and a skilled legal advisor to many leadership teams at the city including our City Council and boards and commissions,” said City Manager Diane Carlson. “I am confident that with her integrity, intelligence and experience, Trisna will continue to provide exceptional service to the City of Bellevue and the community.”
Tanus joined the City of Bellevue in 2016 as a legal advisor for the Development Services Department. She was also a consulting attorney and code and policy director for Development Services. Prior to her work with the city, she was an associate attorney with law firm Johns Monroe Mitsunaga Kolouskova and served as a hearing examiner and legal writer with Sound Law Center. She has worked on issues including land use, public contracting, environment, finance and real property. She also has managed issues of civil litigation and criminal prosecution.
“I am excited about the many opportunities ahead for Bellevue as the city continues to grow and plan for the future,” said Tanus. “It is an honor and opportunity to offer my experience and contributions to the city’s thriving future.”
Tanus has called the Pacific Northwest home since immigrating to the United States as a young child. She received her juris doctor from the University of Washington and a bachelor's degree in architecture with a minor in business administration from Washington State University. She is a member of the Washington State Bar Association.
Tanus replaces former city attorney Kathy Gerla, who retired from the position last May.