The mayor and council have separate powers, but the line between policy and administration is not always clear. Understand your roles, local decision-making powers, and ethics rules to prevent conflict and build trust in your city.

• Understand your policy or administration roles as an elected mayor or councilmember to more effectively work together and accomplish your community's goals
• Discuss the local decision-making powers of cities and how the state and courts have approached the city "home rule" authority expressly granted in Washington's 1889 Constitution
• Learn about the laws related to government policymaking and ethics

Presenters:
Hugh Spitzer, Professor, U.W. School of Law
Sheila Gall, General Counsel, AWC

Recording date: March 21, 2024

Presentations:

• Hugh Spitzer presentation
• Sheila Gall presentation

Additional resources:

• AWC: You have it, use it: Home rule in Washington
• AWC: Mayor & Councilmember Handbook
• MRSC: Knowing the Territory
• MRSC: OPMA practice tips and checklists (including meeting notice)
• Seattle University Law Review, Vol. 38: Home Rule vs. Dillon’s Rule for Washington Cities
• Seattle University Law Review, Vol. 40: Realigning the Governmental/Proprietary Distinction in Municipal Law
• Gonzaga Law Review, Vol. 38: Taxes vs. Fees: A Curious Confusion
• Washington Law Review, Vol. 75: Municipal Police Power in Washington State

City elected officials earn 1 credit toward your Certificate of Municipal Leadership and meet the roles, responsibilities, and legal requirements competency area. Elected officials click here to let us know you’ve completed watching.