The Charter

What is the Pierce County Charter?

The Pierce County Charter is like the blueprint for our county government. It outlines what powers the county has, how our elected officials are chosen and what their jobs are, and how our budget is handled. It even gives citizens tools like initiatives and referendums, so we can directly influence local laws.

I live in Pierce County…but what district do I live in?

Use the county's Public GIS Council District Locator to type in your address and find which Council district you live in.

How much does the Charter impact my life?

The Pierce County Charter has a significant, tangible impact on people's everyday lives in Pierce County. This is especially true for residents who live in, or need services in unincorporated Pierce County.

The Charter:

  • Determines who’s in charge and what those people do, like the County Executive, the County Council and the County Sheriff

  • Empowers the County Council to pass ordinances and resolutions on issues like:

    • Land Use and Zoning

    • Roads and Infrastructure

    • Public Safety

    • Health and Welfare

  • Grants Pierce County citizens the rights of Initiative, Referendum, and Recall.

  • Initiative: If you feel strongly about an issue, you and other citizens can propose a new county law directly for a vote.

  • Sets the rules for how our elections are run, including qualifications for office, how districts are drawn, and term limits for officials.

  • Dictates how the county's budget is prepared, reviewed, and approved, and it requires long-term financial planning.

  • Provides a Code of Ethics and an Ethics Commission, designed to ensure that county officials act with integrity and avoid conflicts of interest. It also supports public disclosure, meaning you have the right to access public records and see how your government operates.