Seattle's mayor and nine-member city council are elected at large by popular vote in nonpartisan elections and serve four-year terms. The mayor is the chief executive officer of the city and provides direction to Seattle's Executive Department, including the Office of Economic Development and the Office of Management and Planning. The mayor also directs the activities of city agencies and departments, including Seattle City Light, the Engineering Department, and the police and fire departments.
The city council is the legislative arm of Seattle's government. Council members work on committees that study areas of interest or concern and recommend legislation to the council; these committees include Parks, Public Grounds and Recreation, Public Safety, and Business and Labor.
