City Services

City Council

The Bothell City Council is a seven-member, policy-making body that governs city government. Each council member has equal decision-making powers and City Council meets three times each month (except August). All Bothell City Council positions are four-year terms. Council member positions are non-partisan, part-time positions.

A Mayor and Deputy Mayor are elected by council members every two years. The Mayor serves as the presiding officer and acts as chair at all meetings of the City Council. The Mayor may participate in all deliberations of the Council in the same manner as any other member and is expected to vote in all proceedings, unless a conflict of interest exists. The Mayor does not possess any power of veto. The Mayor may not move an action, but may second a motion.

The Mayor is a Ceremonial Representative and has the responsibility to act as the City Council's ceremonial representative at public events and functions that are assigned to the Mayor. The Mayor is vested with the authority to initiate and execute proclamations and declare a state of emergency if necessary. In the Mayor's absence, the Deputy Mayor assumes this responsibility. Should both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor be absent, the Mayor will appoint another Council Member to assume this responsibility.

Council Corner

The Seasons are Changing, and So is Bothell
by Council Member Del Spivey

As we move from spring into summer (although the recent weather might suggest winter to spring) we can expect changes in the weather (hopefully) as well as changes around town.  Some of these changes have already begun, for example the demolition of buildings for the Crossroads Project (522 re-alignment) and the start of work on the Wayne curve improvements.  To the north, the joint project with the Northshore School District where our public works facility and the District’s bus barn and maintenance facility will be co-located, is coming along, with occupancy occurring soon.  

Some of our upcoming changes in the future could include an increase in the size of Bothell with the annexation of unincorporated islands in the city and the continued effort to annex our growth management area as established by the Washington State Growth Management Act.  Due to the Crossroads Project, our summer Music in the Park series will be held at the North Creek Sportsfield #3 this year. So be sure to come out and listen to some great music with friends and family.   The Northshore School District is creating change in Bothell also with improvements to the much loved Pop Keeney Stadium.  Once complete, I would encourage everyone to take in a football or soccer game and support the local kids and high schools in the improved venue.  As Bothell wraps up its first year starting a new century of community, we have seen many changes that brought us all here today and we can expect many more that will continue to make Bothell a great place to visit “for a day or a lifetime.”