Council Member Rick Talbert was elected to the Pierce County Council in November of 2010. Prior to his election, Rick served two terms on the Tacoma City Council. Rick represents the Fifth Council District, which includes parts of Tacoma's Eastside and South End, Parkland, Spanaway, Midland, Summit-Waller, Summit View, and North Clover Creek/Collins communities.

Council Member Talbert was recently selected to be the Council's Vice Chair and to serve on the Rules and Operations Committee. Rick Chairs the Council's Community Development Committee and serves on the Economic and Infrastructure Development Committee. Rick also represents the County by serving on the Tacoma-Pierce County Board of Health, and as a Commissioner on the Pierce Transit Board. Rick is a Co-Founder of the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center and serves as its Board Chair. He also represents the County Council on the Puget Sound Regional Council Growth Management Policy Board and the Transportation 2040 planning group.

Council Member Talbert is a lifelong resident of Pierce County. He and his wife Christy live in Southeast Tacoma where they are raising their family. A graduate of Lincoln High School, Rick received his Bachelors degree in Political Science and Public Administration from Western Washington University.

Council Member Talbert has a long history of community service. Rick served as President of the Small Business Incubator, President of the East Tacoma Home and Industry Council, Chair of the Eastside Neighborhood Advisory Council, and on the Board of Directors for Communities in Schools.

Council Member Talbert is focused on streamlining Pierce County Government and placing an emphasis on quality of life issues for County residents. Rick has championed efforts to improve parks and recreation opportunities, and is actively working to clean up Pierce County's neighborhoods, by improving code enforcement, blight removal, and going after negligent property owners.