Cities and Counties That Have Powers of Initiative and Referendum
Contents
- About Cities and Counties with Initiative and Referendum Powers
- First Class Cities
- Second Class Cities and Towns
- Code Cities
- Commission Cities
- Commission Counties
- Examples of Initiative and Referendum Procedures
About Cities and Counties with Initiative and Referendum Powers
In 2006 when MRSC published Initiative and Referendum Guide for Washington Cities and Charter Counties less than 50 cities had adopted the powers of initiative and referendum. The five charter counties also adopted the powers. This page lists those jurisdictions known to have adopted initiative and referendum powers. Not many jurisdictions have codified the provisions and a few have included procedures in more detail than what is set out in the statutes. A few procedures are provided as examples. Please let MRSC know if your jurisdiction has adopted initiative and referendum powers and it is not listed on this page.
First Class Cities
The state constitution specifically grants the authority to adopt a charter to first class cities, and RCW 35.22.200 specifically provides that a first class city charter may provide for direct legislation by the people through the initiative and referendum process. All of the ten first class cities in Washington have adopted the powers of initiative and referendum, and the procedures for exercising these powers are set out in the city charter of each city. (Links to City Charters)
- Aberdeen
- Bellingham
- Bremerton
- Everett
- Richland
- Seattle
- Spokane
- Tacoma
- Vancouver
- Yakima
Second Class Cities and Towns
Second class cities and towns do not have the authority to establish initiative and referendum powers.
Code Cities
Initiative and referendum powers are available to code cities, but they are not automatic powers either at the time of incorporation or reclassification as a code city. Code cities must formally adopt these powers. The following code cities have adopted the powers of initiative and referendum.
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Commission Cities
A city that has the commission form of government automatically has the powers of initiative and referendum. These powers are set out in the enabling authority for commission cities in RCW 35.17.220 - 35.17.360. Only one city in the state, Shelton, still operates under the commission form.
- Shelton
Charter Counties
The state constitution grants counties the option of adopting a charter for their own form of government, and that charter may provide for direct legislation by the people through the initiative and referendum process. Only six counties have adopted a charter: and they all provide for initiative and referendum. (Links to County Home Rule Charters)
- Clallam
- King
- Pierce
- San Juan
- Snohomish
- Whatcom
Commission Counties
Counties with the commission form of government do not have the powers of initiative and referendum available to them.
Examples of Initiative and Referendum Procedures
Charter Provisions
- Bellingham Charter - Article X - Direct Initiative
- Clallam County
- San Juan County Code Ch. 1.24 - Initiative and Referendum
- Whatcom County Code Ch. 1.08 - Initiative, Referendum and Recall
Code City Provisions
- Bellevue Municipal Code Ch. 1.12 - Initiative and Referendum Procedures
- Chelan Municipal Code Ch. 2.48 - Powers and Initiative and Referendum
- Des Moines Municipal Code Ch. 1.16 - Initiative and Referendum Powers
- Kent Municipal Code Ch. 1.03 - Initiative and Referendum
- Lake Forest Park Municipal Code Ch. 1.20 - Initiative and Referendum Powers
- Mercer Island Municipal Code Ch. 2.24 - Initiative and Referendum
- Olympia
- Olympia Municipal Code Ch. 1.16
- Initiative and Referendum
- Sea Tac Municipal Code Ch. 1.10 - Initiative and Referendum Procedure
- Shoreline Municipal Code Ch. 1.12 - Initiative and Referendum
- Walla Walla Municipal Code Ch. 1.19 - Initiative and Referendum
Related MRSC Resources