City Government
Bellevue is part of the 34 cities that make up King County, Seattle being the county seat. The city is governed under the Council-Manager form of government. The City Council is Bellevue's elected legislature. Seven Council members are elected to four-year terms through city-wide elections that are non-partisan. The City Council will authorize public improvements and expenditures, provide for public safety and health, adopt regulations, levy taxes, and control Bellevue's finances. The Council meets on Monday nights.

The mayor is elected from within the council and serves a two-year term. The mayor oversees the City council meetings and is recognized as head of the city for ceremonial purposes. City policy is implemented by the City Manager, who is the chief officer of city government.

Council philosophy is embodied in nine goals, which stated broadly include: environmental sensitivity; safe community; economic vitality; an open, inclusive, empowered community; a future-oriented community; fiscal responsibility; community development; quality basic service delivery; and city/schools partnership.

Bellevue has an excellent general obligation bond rating of AAA with Moody's Investor Service.

The city provides water and sewer utilities, fire and police protection. It operates parks and regulates construction within its jurisdiction. The Bellevue city council meets at 8:00 p.m. every Monday in the Council Chambers at Bellevue City Hall, 11511 Main Street, Bellevue.

For more information call City Council at 425-452-7810.

King County Government
The 13 County Council members are elected to a four-year term by district (Bellevue is in districts 11 and 6). The county Executive is elected to a four-year term from the county at large. Ron Sims is the King County Executive. In addition to governing its unincorporated areas, the county administers tax assessments, district and superior state courts, licensing, parks, police and fire response. The full County council meets at 9:30 a.m. every Monday in the Council Chambers at the King County Courthouse, 516 3rd Avenue, Seattle.

State Government
The Washington State Capital is Olympia, where the state legislature meets annually, beginning in early January, and where nearly all state offices are located. Eastside citizens elect state senators and representatives in the 1st, 5th, 41st, 44th, 45th and 48th Legislative Districts.

Federal Representatives
U.S. Representatives Jay Inslee (D) and Jennifer Dunn (R) represent Washington's 1st and 8th Federal Districts respectively. U.S. Senators are patty Murray (D) and Maria Cantwell (D).