CITY GOVERNMENT & ADMINISTRATION

MISSION STATEMENT 
The City of Lake Stevens' mission is not only to preserve the natural beauty that attracted so many of its citizens, but to enhance and harmonize with the environment to accommodate new people who desire to live here.  Through shared, active participation among Citizen, Mayor, Council, and City Staff, we commit ourselves to quality living for this and future generations.

Growth in our community is inevitable.  The City will pursue an active plan on how, when and where it shall occur to properly plan for needed services, ensure public safety, and maintain the unique ambience that is Lake Stevens.

FORM OF GOVERNMENT
The City of Lake Stevens operates under the Mayor - Council form of government.  The voters elect seven part-time City Council members, in a non-partisan election, to serve four-year terms.  The Mayor hires a City Administrator to carry out City policies, administer the City’s laws, and oversee department directors and City staff.  The Mayor and Council establish priorities for the City Administrator through adoption of the annual budget and strategic objectives designed to help achieve the City’s mission.

CITY COUNCIL AND MAYOR
The City Council is the legislative body for the City, and it establishes the laws and policies of the City through the adoption of ordinances and resolutions.  The citizens elect a Mayor to serve as the executive of the City, who serves a four-year term.  The Mayor chairs the regular City Council meetings, and Council elects a Council President each year that chairs the workshop sessions, and acts as Mayor Pro-Tem in the Mayor's absence.

ADMINISTRATION
The City Administrator manages the administrative affairs of the City under the direction and authority of the Mayor and City Council. This department includes the Administrative Support Staff, which provides central reception, clerical and administrative support to all City departments. The Administrative Support Staff also maintains sewer records, all official records and actions of the City Council, Boards and Commissions and administers the City’s risk management and personnel programs and policies. This department also handles business licenses, pet licenses and is the citizen information center.