History
Seattle was first incorporated as a town by an act of the Territorial Legislature on January 14, 1865. The act was repealed January 18, 1867, after most of the town's leading citizens petitioned for its dissolution. During its first tenure as an incorporated entity, Seattle was governed by a Board of Trustees. Seattle was again incorporated, this time as a City, on December 2, 1869.
The Seattle City Council has taken several forms over the years. During the years of the Washington Territory, Seattle was incorporated by the Territorial Legislature as a town from January 14, 1865 until January 18, 1867 when the legislation was repealed based on a citizens' petition. During this time, Seattle was governed by a Board of Trustees. Seattle was re-incorporated as a city on December 2, 1869. Its original unicameral legislature, known as the Common Council, was elected at-large. At-large election was replaced in 1884 by a system of 14 wards and four members elected at-large.
Historical timeline:
- 1869-1883 – Seven at-large Council members elected for one-year terms.
- 1884 – Nine Council members elected: three from each of the three wards, elected to two-year terms.
- 1886 – One ward added, Council reduced to eight members: two elected from each ward for two-years terms.
- 1890 – The Home Rule Charter established eight wards and bicameral legislature. A Board of Delegates composed of nine at-large members was elected for four-year terms. House of Delegates had 16 members – Two from each ward, elected for two-year terms.
- 1892 – One ward added to make nine. Both houses to have nine members – all elected from wards.
- 1896 – New Home Rule Charter reestablished unicameral legislature with nine wards. One Council member elected from each ward for two years and four elected at large for four year terms.
- 1905 – Two wards added to make 11. One Council member from each with four at-large – 15 council members total.
- 1907 – The Charter was amended twice during the year, the first time adding two more wards, increasing the size of Council to 17. Later, another ward was added (to make 14), increasing Council to 18 members.
- 1910 – The Charter was amended to abolish wards, reduce Council to nine at-large positions elected to three-year terms. This took effect in 1911 and remained constant until 1946. The 1910 Charter amendments also made the elections non-partisan. Prior to that candidates for Council (and other City offices) ran on party tickets.
- 1946 – The new Charter created the four-year term.
Read more about this topic: Seattle City Council
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