Seattle operates under a **mayor-council** form of government. The executive branch is led by the **Mayor of Seattle**, while legislative authority is exercised by the **Seattle City Council**, which includes district-based and at-large positions under the current system. The city government oversees policing, fire protection, parks, utilities, transportation, land use, and many social and public health-related functions, often in coordination with county and state agencies.
Seattle is the county seat of **King County**, so many important regional and judicial functions are also centered in the city. County government handles services such as elections, public health, superior courts, regional jails, and some transit-related responsibilities through countywide structures. At the state level, Seattle is represented in the Washington State Legislature by multiple legislative districts because the city spans several district boundaries.
In federal politics, Seattle is part of congressional districts that have historically leaned Democratic, and the city itself is widely regarded as one of the more politically progressive major cities in the United States. Public policy debates often center on housing, land use, transportation, policing, labor standards, climate action, homelessness, and business taxation.
Key public services include:
- **Seattle Public Utilities** for water, drainage, wastewater, and solid waste functions - **Seattle City Light** for municipally owned electric power - **Seattle Fire Department** - **Seattle Police Department** - **Seattle Department of Transportation** - **Parks and Recreation** and library services
The current officeholders can change over time, so official city and county websites are the best source for up-to-date names and administrative details.
