Regional Relations


OIR facilitates intergovernmental communication at the regional level by  working proactively with policy staff within City Departments and with regional partners and elected officials to resolve issues and implement policies that improve the quality of life throughout the Central Puget Sound.  The Regional Affairs Director handles external relations and policy coordination on a wide range of regional issues with Seattle City departments, local jurisdictions, and regional decision-making bodies for both the Mayor and City Council.

Among Seattle's regional partners are Metro, King County, Port of Seattle, Sound Transit, and the Puget Sound Regional Council.

Metropolitan King County Council has four regional committees (Flood Control District Advisory Board, Transit, Water Quality, and Regional Policy) on which Seattle City Councilmembers serve as voting members. These bodies make policy recommendations to the King County Council on a wide spectrum of regional issues including public safety, parks, transportation, environmental issues, and other systems that serve all of King County.

Seattle is a member of the Puget Sound Regional Council, (PSRC). The PSRC is a federally recognized Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).  MPOs are responsible for planning, programming, and coordination of federal highway and transit investments in urbanized areas.  Both the Mayor and Seattle City Councilmembers serve on the PSRC Executive Board, Operations Growth Management Policy Board, and Transportation Policy Board. 

Seattle also has two members serving on the Sound Transit Board of Directors.  Sound Transit plans, builds, and operates express bus, light rail, and commuter train services in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties.

Intergovernmental Relations

Sierra Howlett Browne, Acting Director
Address: 600 4th Ave, 5th Floor, Seattle, WA, 98124
Mailing Address: PO Box 94746, Seattle, WA, 98124-4746
Phone: (206) 684-0213
Sierra.HowlettBrowne@seattle.gov

The mission and purpose of the Office of Intergovernmental Relations (OIR) is to provide advice and information to, and on behalf of, elected officials, City departments, and external customers.