Central Staff Analysts' Working Files

Series

Identifier: 4603-01

Staff Only

Scope and Contents note

Correspondence, memoranda, surveys, reports, studies, and hearings materials generated by City Council's central staff analysts in support of the Council's legislative activities. Primary subjects relate to the major functions and issues of City government including land use, public utilities management, housing, human services, public safety, traffic and transportation, comprehensive planning, parks and recreation, arts and cultural affairs, economic development, environment and sustainability, and general government administration.

Dates

Creation: 1970-2020

Creator

Seattle (Wash.). Legislative Dept. (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access note

Records are open to the public.

Conditions Governing Use

Records are available for use onsite in the SMA reading room, including electronic records through the electronic records search.

Historical Note

The Legislative Department is comprised of the City Council, Office of the City Clerk, and Central Staff (policy analysts and budget support). 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, in 1869, established a seven-member Common Council. In 1890, the new 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 of 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 Councilmember 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.

Extent

418.2 Cubic Feet (867 boxes)

26,999 digital files (6.7 GB)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Location of Records

SMA

Processing Information

For electronic records, CloneSpy was used to filter and log duplicate files. Duplicate files and non-record material were deleted. CUSpider SSN Scanning and DtSearch were used to screen for personal and sensitive information.