City of Bonney Lake

How To Run For City Council

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How to Run for City Council

Elections for Bonney Lake city council positions are held during the November General Election on odd number years.

Individuals interested in running for office must be a registered voter in the City of Bonney Lake and must have lived within city limits for at least one year prior to election day.

Here are the requirements as specified by law:

How to file as a candidate

Filing with both Pierce County and the Public Disclosure Commission are required steps in any candidacy.

Filing with Pierce County
Candidate Filing Week is usually around the 3rd week in May.
A Declaration of Candidacy must be submitted to Pierce County during Candidate Filing Week.

For a list of filing requirements and deadlines, visit: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/329/Information-for-Candidates

Filing with the Public Disclosure Commission
By publicly stating an intent to run for office or accepting campaign contributions, a candidate may trigger the official start of their campaign. Once a campaign has begun, candidates have two weeks to file with the Public Disclosure Commission (see links below).

Helpful Information
The following information has been collected to provide prospective candidates with information about the duties and expectations that come with elected office.

Pierce County Elections:

Information for Candidates

Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC):

Municipal Elections – Running for Office
Roles and Responsibilities of Local Government Leaders
Getting into Office: Being Elected or Appointed into Office in Washington Counties, Cities, Towns, and Special Districts
Local Government Policy-Making Process
The Open Public Meetings Act - How it Applies to Washington Cities, Counties, and Special Purpose Districts
Code City Handbook
Mayor & Councilmember Handbook

Association of Washington Cities (AWC):

So you want to be an elected official... Practical information for people running for office in Washington’s cities and towns
What is a City? An overview of Washington cities’ functions and services
Elected Officials Essentials Workshop
Suggestions for Successful Public Service: 53 Ideas on How You can Govern Better
Small City Resource Manual

Public Disclosure Commission (PDC):

City of Bonney Lake:

Other Recommended Resources:

State Auditor’s Office Center for Government Innovation – Provides training and technical assistance to local governments in Washington to improve performance, efficiency, and effectiveness
National League of Cities – Advocates on behalf of cities at the federal level and provides training and research
Governing Institute: Guide to Financial Literacy – Information on how to connect money, policy, and priorities

Contact Information
For general questions, please contact staff in the City Clerk's Office.

City Clerk

There are several ways to bring issues to the City Council. You can contact councilmembers directly via email, mail, or in-person.

By Email:
Entire City Council

By Mail:
City of Bonney Lake
Attn: City Clerk
9002 Main ST E, STE 300
Bonney Lake, WA 98391

In-Person:
You are also welcome to address the Council in person at a public meeting. Council meetings are normally held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month and include a citizen comment period. For information on making public comments at Council meetings, visit the Council Agendas Page. To view the Council Meeting schedule, visit the Council Calendar Page.