City Government

Pictured above are drawings of historic Olympia buildings. Olympia was incorporated in 1859, and this year is our 150th birthday. Information and activities.

Olympia City Council

Mayor and Councilmembers
Meeting Agenda
Minutes and Videos
Chronology - Former Mayors and Elected Officials

City Departments

Administrative Services and City Clerk
Community Planning and Development
Executive Office/City Manager
Fire Department
Human Resources
Legal/City Attorney's Office
Olympia Municipal Court
Parks, Arts & Recreation Department
Police Department
Public Works Department

Resources

Answers to Frequent Questions
ADA policy for City of Olympia
Budget and Financial Reports
City forms to download
Codes, Plans, Standards, Guidelines
How to send a compliment or complaint
Olympia Comprehensive Plan
Olympia Municipal Code online search
Organization Chart (pdf)
2009 City of Olympia Initiatives (pdf)

Type of Government

Since 1982, Olympia has operated under a Council/Manager form of government.

Council/Manager government is similar to a corporate hierarchy with an elected Council serving as the Board of Directors. The Mayor is the Chairman of the Board, and the City Manager - who is hired by the City Council - is the Chief Executive Officer.

Olympia's seven-member City Council sets policy, often by adopting codes (laws), plans, resolutions, and standards. The City Council, in turn, hires the City Manager to administer the City's day-to-day business and provide policy advice to the Council.