Legislative Department Digital Photographs, 2000-2022

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Seattle (Wash.). Legislative Dept.
Title
Legislative Department Digital Photographs
Dates
2000-2022 (inclusive)
Quantity
1,700+ digital image files
Summary
Collection includes Legislative Department offices, councilmember portraits, council chambers, City Hall, mayors, events, and celebrations.
Repository
Seattle Municipal Archives
Seattle Municipal Archives
Office of the City Clerk
City of Seattle
PO Box 94728
98124-4728
Seattle, WA
Telephone: 2062337807
Fax: 2063869025
archives@seattle.gov
Access Restrictions

Records are open to the public.

Languages
English

Historical NoteReturn to Top

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.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

Collection includes Legislative Department offices, council member portraits, council chambers, City Hall, mayors, events, and celebrations. Council members are pictured at events such as the Sounding the Alarm rally at City Hall, City Hall grand opening, City Council inaugurations, 2019 NARAL rally, 2019 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls bill signing, visits to Sister Cities, press conferences, parades including Pride Parade, farmer's markets, bridge and lock inspections, Skagit River tours, labor rallies, first same-sex weddings at City Hall, and visits to homeless shelters and encampments. Black Lives Matter protests at City Hall are also shown. Other photos depict council members with Boys and Girls Club members, receiving visiting dignitaries, visiting neighborhoods, and delivering speeches. Recent additions to this series include Council President Debora Juarez attends opening of Seattle Indian Health Board clinic in Lake City. Other departments and agencies depicted include the Department of Neighborhoods, Department of Parks and Recreation, The Office of the Mayor, and Sound Transit. View 4600-11 online

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Preferred Citation

[Item number.] Legislative Department Digital Photograph Collection, Record Series 4600-11. Seattle Municipal Archives.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Acquisition Information

Photographs acquired through the Seattle Municipal Archives Digital Image Management Program.

Future Additions

This series may grow due to continued accessioning through the Digital Image Management Program. This finding aid will be updated to reflect additional accessions.

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • City halls--Washington (State)--Seattle

Corporate Names

  • Seattle (Wash.). Legislative Dept.
  • Seattle (Wash.). City Clerk
  • Seattle (Wash.). City Council

Geographical Names

  • Seattle (Wash.)

Occupations

  • City council members--Washington (State)--Seattle
  • Mayors--Washington (State)--Seattle