Richland has a city council/manager form of government. Voters elect seven "at-large" city council members who represent the entire community, not individual districts. From among themselves, council members elect a mayor.
The Council sets policies, adopts ordinances and the annual budget, approves contracts, appoints individuals to boards and commissions, and hires the city manager.
The city manager is the chief executive officer and hires personnel, supervises daily operations, and oversees enforcement of laws and preparation of the annual budget. A deputy city manager, assistant city manager and department directors are responsible for the city's day-to-day services and programs within the divisions they supervise.
Richland citizens are encouraged to participate in Richland's governmental process. Residents may seek a council seat, apply for appointment to any of the city's boards and commissions, and attend meetings of the council and its boards and commissions.
The Richland City Council meets in business session at 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Meetings take place in the council chamber at city hall, 505 Swift Boulevard. Council usually conducts a workshop session on the fourth Tuesday of each month.
Agendas and packets of information about agenda items are available at the city clerk's office in city hall on the Friday prior to a meeting and on their web site. Agenda summaries for regularly scheduled council meetings are published in the legal section of the Tri-City Herald the Sunday prior to the meeting. Cable channel 13 televises business meetings.
Citizens may communicate with city council members through phone calls, letters or email via the city's web site. People may formally address the council during public hearings or public comment at council meetings. The city clerk's office can provide details about public participation at council meetings.
