Collection: City Charters | ArchivesSpace Public Interface

Scope and Contents note

The City Charter documents the legal status of the City, defines its powers and physical boundaries, establishes the responsibilities of city officials, and records the required functions of city agencies. Seattle's first charter was passed by the Territorial Legislature in 1869; subsequent new charters were passed by vote of the citizens in 1890, 1896, and 1946. The original charter is in the State Archives in Olympia.

The current city charter is available online.

Dates

Creation: 1869-2006

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.