Seattle (Wash.). Legislative Dept.

The Legislative Department is comprised of the City Council, Office of the City Clerk, Central Staff (policy analysts and budget support), and Administrative Division. The City Council is responsible for setting City-wide policy through the adoption of ordinances and resolutions, overseeing the Executive's implementation of policies and programs, and passing the City budget. The first City Charter created a bicameral legislative branch with a nine-member Board of Aldermen and 16-member House of Delegates. The 1896 Charter returned to a single body of 13 members, elected from 11 wards and two at-large. As the number of wards increased, the number the Council members grew to 18 in 1907. A City Charter Amendment in 1910 reduced the number to nine, all elected at large, and made elections non-partisan. In 1946 Council member terms were increased from two years to four years. The Office of the City Clerk and the Office of the City Auditor became part of the Legislative Department in 1993. In 1999 the Office of the City Auditor became an independent department.

From the guide to the Legislative Department Digital Photograph Collection, 2002 - 2005, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

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