Policy Planning Agenda Working Files

Series — Multiple Containers

Identifier: 4603-02

Staff Only

Scope and Contents note

Reports, correspondence, and staff notes regarding the policy planning process. A 1977 Resolution established a collaborative process by which the Mayor and City Council would develop agreed upon policies. The Agendas were devised as two-year documents that were updated annually. The process created a policy catalog and index to policies to be accessible to the public and City officials.

Dates

Creation: 1977-1983

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.