Roles & Responsibilities

MRSC: Roles and Responsibilities of Local Government Leaders
This page provides a broad overview of the powers of the legislative and executive branches of cities in Washington State, the role of the city attorney, and practical tips for avoiding conflicts.
Knowing the Territory: Basic Legal Guidelines for Washington City, County, and Special Purpose District Officials.
MRSC's Handbook on legal guidelines for elected officials.
MRSC's Initiative and Referendum Guide
The initiative process allows voters to place an ordinance before the city council for approval or to place it on a ballot. Referendum allows voters to repeal council actions at an election.
MRSC: The Open Public Meetings Act
Guide to OPMA for city elected officials.
MRSC: Code City Handbook
Understanding how code cities work.
AWC's Mayor & Councilmember Handbook
Reference guide for mayors and councilmembers.
AWC eLearning Video: What is a City?
AWC's Elected Officials Workshop
Materials from AWC's biannual councilmember training program.
AWC: Suggestions for Successful Public Service
53 ideas on how elected officials can govern better.
AWC: Small City Resource Manual
AWC: Certificate of Municipal Leadership
City elected officials are eligible to begin earning credits toward their Certificate of Municipal Leadership (CML) once they have taken office.

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