Government Structure

The City of St. Helens, incorporated in 1889, currently has a Council-Mayor form of government consisting of a Mayor, elected to a two-year term, and four Council members, elected to four-year terms. At each biennial general election, the Mayor and two Councilors are elected.  All positions are non-partisan and each Council member represents all residents. 

The City Council is the head of our municipal government structure.

The City’s structure is as follows:

City Council

Administration Department

• City Recorder
• Communications
• Finance
• Municipal Court
• Prosecuting Attorney
• Utility Billing

City Attorney

Community Development Department

• Building Codes & Permitting
• Land Use Planning
• Economic Development

Library Department

Municipal Court Judge

Police Department

• Public Safety
• Code Enforcement

Public Works Department

• Engineering
• Operations
• Parks
• Wastewater Treatment
• Water Treatment

Boards & Commissions (serving in an advistory capacity)

• Arts and Cultural Commission
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission
• Budget Committee
• Historical Landmarks Commission
• Library Board
• Parks Commission
• Planning Commission
• Tourism Committee
• And various ad hoc committees.

All members of these boards and commissions are appointed by the City Council and serve at its pleasure.