Legislative Department Central Reference File

Series

Identifier: 4601-02

Staff Only

Scope and Contents note

Studies, reports, position papers, correspondence, surveys, policies, and draft legislation relating to issues before City Council. This is a central reference and research file used by councilmembers, legislative analysts, and policy analysts in preparation for hearings, meetings, and policy and issue discussions. Broad categories correspond to City Council committee issue areas including city-wide data processing, energy, environmental policy, finance, governmental operations, health, housing, intergovernmental relations, land use, public safety and justice, transportation, and utilities.

Scope and Contents note

Dates

Creation: 1972-1991

Creator

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

Conditions Governing Access note

Records are open to the public.

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.