Office of the Council

The Legislative Branch of County Government

As your Pierce County Council, we oversee the second most populous county in Washington with a population of 921,130 and one of the fastest growth rates in the state. 

The Pierce County Council sets policy and approves the biennial budget. Washington’s counties derive powers from the state constitution, which establishes the legal framework for county government and lists the duties and powers of governing bodies. Pierce County is organized under Home-Rule Charter form, approved by the voters in November 1980. As the legislative branch of county government, the Council sets policies, enacts laws, and adopts budgets that guide an array of services, including:

  • The criminal justice system of prosecutors and public defenders, District and Superior courts, juvenile detention, and adult jails;
  • The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, which serves unincorporated areas and provides police protection under contract to area cities;
  • Public health and human services;
  • Ferries, airports, and county roads;
  • Wastewater treatment and solid waste management;
  • Regional parks, open space, and trails; and
  • Elections, records, and licensing.

The Council's Rules of Procedure are in Title 1, Chapter 1.28 of the Pierce County Code.


Members and District Information

The seven members of the Pierce County Council represent approximately one-seventh of the county’s population with districts of about 125,000 residents (as of the 2010 Census). Councilmembers are elected on a partisan basis and are limited to two consecutive four-year terms. 

Dave Morell (Placeholder Image)
Dave Morell
District 1

Paul Herrera
District 2
Amy Cruver
District 3
Ryan Mello
Ryan Mello
District 4

Marty 
 Campbell

District 5
Jani Hitchen
District 6 
Councilmember Robyn Denson
Robyn Denson
District 7

Contact Councilmembers and Council Staff


The County Council is supported by a chief of staff, chief legal counsel, communications manager, legal, policy and budget analysts, clerks and council assistants that are assigned to each member.


Council History


The terms of the first Councilmembers serving under the Home-Rule Charter commenced May 1, 1981. County Commissioners in office at the time (Jake Bujacich, District 7; Joe Stortini, District 4; and Joe A. Vraves, District 2) became Councilmembers. The first four elected members were: Phyllis K. Erickson, District 1; A.L. 'Slim' Rasmussen, District 5; R. 'Clint' Richardson, District 3; and Shirley Winsley, District 6. 



Making a Public Records Request

To make a public records request please do so using this online tool, or contact the Public Records Officer via email at [email protected].


Chapter 42.56 RCW, the Public Records Act, requires each agency to make available for inspection and copying nonexempt ’public records’ in accordance with published rules. Pierce County adopted Chapter 2.04 PCC, Public Records Inspection and Copying Procedures, for implementing the public records act.