Spokane Valley Form of Government
The city, incorporated March 31, 2003, is a non-charter code city and operates under a council-manager plan of government. It is governed under the optional municipal code of RCW Chapter 35A. Under this form of government, legislative authority is concentrated in the elected city council, which hires a professional administrator to implement its policies. The executive branch is led by the city manager. Read more in the Spokane Valley Governance Manual.
Council Salaries
As a result of the work of the Spokane Valley Independent Salary Commission, as documented in their final report, the monthly salary of the mayor is $2,250 and the monthly salary of each council member is $1,800 effective April 19, 2022.
Election of Mayor & Deputy Mayor
Biennially at the first meeting of the new council, the members choose a chair from among their fellow council members. The chair of the council shall have the title of mayor and preside at meetings of the council. The mayor is a regular member of the city council and as such, has all the rights, privileges, and immunities of any other member.
The mayor is recognized as the head of the city for ceremonial purposes and by the governor for purposes of military law, and has no regular administrative duties. Also, biennially at the first meeting of a new council, the members by majority vote, may designate a fellow council member as deputy mayor to serve in the absence or temporary disability of the mayor.
Regional Representation
Spokane Valley council members and community members are involved in a number of area commissions, committees and boards to remain active in issues facing our region. In some cases, city volunteers also serve. If you are interested in volunteer service, please view the commissions, committees and boards webpage.