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Tukwila City Council Candidate Resources
This page includes resources and information for candidates who have filed for election to the Tukwila City Council. Council candidates may submit questions about serving on the Council or about the City of Tukwila generally. Responses will be posted on this page providing all candidates access to the same information. For questions or inquiries, email Laurel Humphrey, Legislative Analyst, at laurel.humphrey@tukwilawa.gov.
Tukwila has a seven member City Council, each elected at-large. Elections are held in odd-numbered years, and Councilmembers are elected to four year terms. Each year in January, the Council elects a Council President who serves in this role for one year.
The City Council forms the legislative branch of City government, and its members are dedicated to promoting and protecting the best interests of Tukwila. As the policy-making branch of government, the City Council is responsible for passing legislation, adopting the biennial City budget, approving long-range planning documents and capital improvement programs, and other responsibilities as set forth by State law. Councilmembers also represent the City in regional intergovernmental affairs as well as through communications with state and federal legislators.
City Council Description and Duties
| Term of Office
|
Positions 1 & 5: January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2029
Positions 3 & 7: Certification of November 4 election to December 31, 2029 |
| Salary | $1,450/month beginning in January 2026 |
| General Purpose | City Councilmembers serve at large, representing the residents of Tukwila in decision-making about City policy and budget. |
| Requirements | The candidate must be registered to vote in Tukwila and a resident of Tukwila for at least one year. |
| Duties | As the legislative body, the City Council enacts City ordinances, appropriates funds to conduct City business, and provides policy direction for City staff. Statutory duties of the Council are performed as a whole, and include the power to tax, borrow money, operate and supply utilities, set employee compensation, acquire, improve, maintain or vacate public property, and render local social, cultural or recreational services as they see fit.
Council duties in Tukwila include reviewing, studying, discussing and deciding on policy and budget questions. Interaction with members of the community involves public and personal meetings, email or other written correspondence, and phone conversations. Councilmembers should have a working knowledge of the laws that regulate City government. Tukwila elected officials are bound by Tukwila Municipal Code Chapter 2.97, Code of Ethics for Elected Officials. More information can be found in the Council Rules of Procedure. |
| Time | All Councilmembers attend Work Sessions on the first and third Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m., Regular Council meetings on the first and third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m., and Committee of the Whole meetings on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Regular and Committee of the Whole meetings typically last between 1 and 4 hours.Every Councilmember (except the annual Council President) serves on two standing committees, each of which meets monthly on Mondays beginning at 5:30 p.m. prior to the Committee of the Whole meetings. Preparation for Council and Committee meetings involves weekly independent study of agenda materials. The meeting format and schedule is subject to change by decision of the Council.
Special meetings such as retreats, work sessions, ad-hoc committees, and joint meetings with other organizations are scheduled throughout the year. Service on the City Council includes opportunities for travel at various trainings and events both inside and outside the state. Councilmembers typically serve on one or more intergovernmental advisory boards, committees or commissions. |
Helpful Links
We encourage all candidates to explore the City’s website to learn all about the city’s departments, current initiatives, events and more: City of Tukwila Website
Highlights from the City’s website:
- 2025-2026 Biennial Budget
- Capital Improvement Program Interactive Dashboard
- Tukwila iMap
- Municipal Code
- City Council Rules of Procedure
- Subscribe to City Council Meeting Agendas
- Digital Records Center
Learn more about election filing processes and requirements: King County 2025 Candidate Manual
Learn more about the role of being a Councilmember: Association of Washington Cities and Municipal Services Mayor and Councilmember Handbook
Learn more about Tukwila’s Mayor-Council form of government: RCW 35A.12