Incumbent City Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox is seeking a third term representing Tallahassee City Commission Seat 5 after first winning election in 2018. Her challengers include Tiffany Hill and Dot Inman-Johnson.
During the forums, the candidates shared their positions on several important community issues. We start with these issues and finish with biographical information about each candidate.
The “Three-to-Two” Divide and Decorum
A major point of contention on the city commission is the persistent 3-2 split on the City Commission. Williams-Cox noted that while 5-0 votes often occur but go unreported, the 3-2 majority is what “keeps the train leaving the station,” allowing the city to pass balanced budgets and fund essential services.
Inman-Johnson argued stated the majority has the power to fix this divisiveness by being more open to the minority. Hill suggested the need for “civility and respect” and proposed using a mediator to work out differences privately rather than in public.
Succession and Administrative Oversight
Leadership styles were further contrasted with the candidates’ views on the City Manager and the timing of his replacement. Williams-Cox gave current City Manager Reese Goad an “A” grade for driving diversity and inclusion initiatives and the overall operation of the city. Hill and Johnson both issued a “D”, criticizing him for appearing to answer only to a specific majority of the commission rather than the entire body and the public.
Hill and Inman-Johnson argued that the next city manager should be selected after the November elections so the newly elected commission can establish its own culture. Williams-Cox maintains the current commission should “do our job until the end” and select the manager before the new officials are installed.
TMH Asset Transfer
The city recently voted to sell its stake in TMH to Florida State University (FSU) as part of a plan to create an academic medical center. The transaction sparked significant debate among the candidates regarding its value and process.
Dianne Williams-Cox described the sale as a “historic” achievement that would expand specialized healthcare access in North Florida. She emphasized that the city “slow walked” the process over a year to ensure transparency and provided educational resources to the public.
Dot Inman Johnson strongly opposed the process, claiming negotiations occurred behind “closed doors”. She argued that a major public asset was sold for “peanuts” without the city obtaining the appropriate appraisals.
Tiffany Hill expressed disappointment, citing a lack of completed documentation at the time of the sale, specifically mentioning “seventeen documents” that were still unsigned.
Capital City Country Club Sale
The commission’s decision to sell the golf course back to the Capital City Country Club drew sharp criticism from the challengers. The transaction put the course in private hands but required that the property remain a golf course.
Williams-Cox stated the sale was in the city’s best interest because the city was paying to maintain grounds it did not fully own, such as the field house, pool, and tennis courts. In addition, the property would yield property tax revenue.
Inman-Johnson noted that the city had leased the land to the club for a dollar a year for decades before selling it for “almost nothing”. She also raised concerns that a development company is now planning to build on the site. Inman-Johnson highlighted the discovery of slave graves on the property, arguing that the land should have been set aside and memorialized. Williams-Cox noted that the cemetery area has been memorialized and remains under city control.
Hill added that residents have been fighting against these investors, fearing the area will be turned into a “concrete jungle”.
Candidate Biographies
Dianne Williams-Cox
A lifelong Tallahassee resident, Williams-Cox has built her career in education, business and public service. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University and a Master of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University. Before joining the commission, she spent decades working in higher education administration and community engagement while serving on numerous nonprofit and civic boards.
The commissioner has consistently advocated for strategic economic development, arguing that attracting new employers and supporting small businesses are essential to broadening Tallahassee’s tax base and creating higher-paying jobs. She has also highlighted the importance of investing in youth programs, neighborhood safety and infrastructure improvements.
At candidate forums, she has emphasized balancing fiscal responsibility with investments in public services, while maintaining that Tallahassee should continue pursuing sustainable growth that benefits all residents.
Dot Inman-Johnson
Former Tallahassee Mayor Dot Inman-Johnson is attempting a return to elected office by challenging incumbent Dianne Williams-Cox. Inman-Johnson became Tallahassee’s first African American woman elected to the City Commission, serving from 1984 to 1994, including a term as mayor. She narrowly lost a bid for another commission seat in 2024 before entering the 2026 race.
At candidate forums, Inman-Johnson has said the city must encourage responsible economic growth while carefully managing taxpayer dollars. She advocates listening more closely to residents and strengthening communication between city government and neighborhoods. Her campaign also highlights the need to support small businesses and create opportunities that help residents build long-term financial stability.
Inman-Johnson says her decades of civic involvement and previous service on the commission make her well prepared to address today’s challenges. She is asking voters to return her to City Hall by emphasizing her experience, historical perspective and commitment to community-centered leadership.
Tiffany Hill
Business owner Tiffany Hill is making her first bid for elected office as a candidate for Tallahassee City Commission Seat 5. Hill entered the race in early 2026, presenting herself as a fresh voice focused on government accountability, economic opportunity and practical solutions to city challenges.
She says her experience operating a business has given her firsthand knowledge of the issues facing entrepreneurs and working families. During candidate forums, Hill has promoted greater transparency in city government and increased public engagement in major policy decisions.
She has encouraged city leaders to evaluate programs based on measurable outcomes and prioritize projects that deliver long-term value for taxpayers. As the only candidate in the race without previous experience on the City Commission, Hill argues that voters have an opportunity to bring a new perspective to City Hall. Her campaign presents her as a pragmatic problem solver focused on accountability, economic growth and improving the quality of life for Tallahassee residents.
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