The Basics
A few answers to the most common questions about what incorporation is, how it works, and what it could mean for South Hill.
Key Concepts
Incorporation is the legal process a community can follow to form a local city government. Here are the key concepts South Hill residents should know.
Incorporation is the legal process a community can follow to form a local city government. Pierce County planning policies encourage unincorporated areas within the Urban Growth Area (UGA) to incorporate or be annexed by neighboring cities.
Unincorporated communities are governed by their county government rather than a city government. Services like roads, schools, parks, and utilities are typically provided by the county, adjacent cities, and private providers.
In Washington, a city is an incorporated urban area led by a locally elected government. City governments are responsible for services like road maintenance, parks and recreation, public safety, and planning for economic development.
South Hill is categorized as a Potential Incorporation Area (PIA) by Pierce County due to its urban classification under the Washington Growth Management Act. With over 78,000 residents as of 2024, it is the largest unincorporated community in Washington State.
Incorporation gives local residents more influence over policies and initiatives that affect their daily lives. The new city government would define a community vision, identify key issues to address, and decide what services are managed locally.
City governments fund services by collecting taxes and seeking federal and state grants. Tax rates after incorporation would be set by the new city government. Pierce County has commissioned a financial analysis, with findings expected in mid-2026.
Learn More
Reports and reference materials to help you learn more about South Hill and the incorporation question.
Our team's in-depth look at the current demographic, fiscal, land use, and governance conditions in South Hill. This report forms the foundation for understanding what incorporation would mean for this community.
Download PDF ↗A plain-language guide created by our team for South Hill residents covering what incorporation is, how the process works in Washington State, and what it could mean for your community.
Download PDF ↗A detailed governance study prepared for South Hill and Pierce County examining service delivery, local governance options, and what a future city structure could look like.
Download PDF ↗Washington State's legal framework for municipal incorporation under RCW Title 35, which governs how communities like South Hill can become a city.
View RCW 35.02 ↗Current county services and governance information relevant to South Hill residents, including planning, roads, and public safety.
Pierce County ↗Learn more about the UW program connecting students with communities across Washington State through applied research and community engagement.
LCY @ UW ↗