Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Local Government Committee
HB 1832
Brief Description: Concerning code city form of government elections and city manager appointment.
Sponsors: Representatives Springer, Vick, Walen and Goehner.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Allows a proposal to change a city's form of government to council-manager and a proposal to designate the person in council position one as chair of the council to be combined and placed before voters as a single proposition.
  • Allows a city manager to reside outside of the city, unless the city council affirmatively requires residency within the city.
Hearing Date: 1/25/22
Staff: Kellen Wright (786-7134).
Background:

A code city is a city operating under the operation municipal code.  An area may incorporate as a code city, or a city or town may reorganize as a code city. 

 

There are two forms of government that a code city may operate under.  The first is a mayor-council form.  This form of government has an elected mayor as well as an elected council.  The size of the council varies based on the population of the city; generally cities with fewer than 2,500 people have a five-member council, while those with more than 2,500 people have a seven-member council.  The mayor is the chief executive and administrative officer of the city, and is in charge of all departments and employees.  The mayor can veto legislation, and can break a tie on the council.  Legislative power resides with the council.  


The second form of government is a council-manager form of government.  Under this form of government, councilmembers are the only elected officers.  There are generally five councilmembers in cities with fewer than 2,500 people and seven councilmembers in cities with more than 2,500.  All councilmembers are elected at large, in consecutively numbered council positions, unless the city provides for election by wards.  The council appoints a city manager, who will act as the chief executive and administrative officer.  The city manager is responsible to the council for the administration of the city.  The council may choose one of its number to act as chair.  The chair of the council has the title of mayor, and is the head of the city for ceremonial purposes.  Alternatively, when the council is elected at-large, the city council may place a measure before the voters to designate the person elected to council position one as the mayor. 


The city manager does not need to live within the city at the time of appointment, but must reside in the city after his or her appointment, unless residence is waived by the council.


A city may change its form of government upon a resolution of the legislative body or the filing of a petition with a sufficient number of voters, and following an election ratifying the change. 
Summary of Bill:

A proposal to change a city's form of government to a council-manager form may be combined with a proposal to designate the person election to council position one as chair of the council, and may be placed before voters as a single proposition.


A city manager does not need to reside in the city after appointment, unless such residency is required by the city council.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 20, 2022.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.