Seattle City Council Members

The City Council is the legislative authority for the City and makes all of its laws, subject to the initiative and referendum powers of the people as established by City Charter. In addition, the City Council has the authority to amend and approve the City's budget. Any candidate for City Council must be a citizen of the United States, a qualified elector of the State of Washington, and a registered voter of the City of Seattle at the time of filing his/her declaration of candidacy.

Seattle was first incorporated as a town by an act of the Territorial Legislature on January 14, 1865. The act was repealed January 18, 1867, after most of the town's leading citizens petitioned for its dissolution. During its first tenure as an incorporated entity, Seattle was governed by a Board of Trustees. Seattle was again incorporated, this time as a City, on December 2, 1869.

1869-1882
The Common Council under the First City Charter

1884-1890
The Ward System is Established

1890-1896
First Home Rule Charter and the Bicameral City Council

1896-1910
The 1896 Charter and Return to a Unicameral City Council

1910-1946
End of the Ward System and Start of Non-Partisan Elections

1946-2015
A New Charter and Creation of Four-Year Terms

2016-present
District Elections Begin