Elected Officials

The City of Seattle has a charter form of government with an elected Mayor, nine member City Council, and City Attorney. Seattle registered voters also elect eight judges to the Municipal Court.

All municipal elective offices are non-partisan and elected officials serve four-year terms.

Mayor

Seattle's Mayor is the head of the Executive department. The Mayor directs and controls all City offices and departments except where that authority is granted to another office by the City Charter.

• Seattle's Mayor

City Council

The Seattle City Council establishes City policy through enactment of ordinances (laws) and adoption of resolutions. The City Council also approves and adopts the City's budget. The nine Council members and their legislative assistants are part of the City of Seattle Legislative Department.

• Seattle's City Council Members

City Attorney

The City Attorney heads the Law Department and is responsible for supervising all City litigation. In addition, the City Attorney supervises a staff of Assistant City Attorneys who provide legal advice and assistance to the City's management and prosecute violations of City ordinances.

• Seattle's City Attorney

Municipal Court Judges

The Municipal Court, established in accordance with State law, is the Judicial department of the City. Seattle voters elect eight judges and those judges then appoint judicial officers called Magistrates. The Court is authorized by the State of Washington and the Seattle Municipal Code to hear and decide both criminal and civil matters.

• Seattle's Municipal Court Judges

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City Archives
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Events Calendar
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Questions/
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The Customer Service Bureau can help you get information, solve problems, or resolve complaints regarding any City of Seattle department.

City Inside/Out: Council Edition
The July 2008 edition features discussions with Councilmembers Sally Clark, Bruce Harrell and Tom Rasmussen talking about Seattle issues and answering emails from residents.

City Holidays
The City of Seattle observes 10 holidays during the year.

Seattle Channel
Stay informed about your government and community. Watch City Council meetings live, the Mayor's Press Conferences, and a variety of programming focused in on life in Seattle.

View Legislation
Search for City bills and ordinances, resolutions, comptroller/clerk files, and City Council minutes.