Comptroller/Clerk File photographs

Series — Multiple Containers

Identifier: 1802-0P

Scope and Contents Note

Images relating to City of Seattle Comptroller/Clerk files. Petitions may be found in the Office of the City Clerk legislative indexes. Topics vary widely from petitions for claims, for easements, zoning changes, and requests for amendments to legislation. 2,400 images have been digitized and are available for download on our digital platform site. Related legislation is linked in the catalog record. Clerk files can also be searched at the link below.

Dates

Creation: Majority of material found within 1909-1997

Conditions Governing Access

Records are open to the public.

Historical Note

The City Clerk maintains the City’s legislative records, official filings, and the Seattle Municipal Archives; keeps the minutes of City Council meetings; and provides information services to City agencies and the public. Seattle’s first City Charter allowed for a Clerk of the Common Council to be elected by the Council. In 1875 the position of City Clerk became elective and remained so until 1896 when the new Charter designated the Comptroller ex-officio City Clerk. The Comptroller served as City Clerk through 1992. A 1991 City Charter amendment transferred the Comptroller’s function to the Department of Finance and the City Clerk’s Office became a division of the Legislative Department effective in 1993.