Mercer Island has a council-manager form of government. Its seven City Council members are elected at-large, on a non-partisan basis, to four-year terms. Those members choose a mayor who serves a two-year term. The mayor and City Council retain a professional city manager who runs the city and supervises the day-to-day staff work on such issues as zoning, land use codes, budget issues, and other operations.

Citizen volunteers serve on a number of boards and commissions that provide policy input to the Mayor, City Council and City Manager on various operations, including Planning, Utilities, the arts, civil service, open space conservation, and Youth and Family Services.

Public Safety

Mercer Island residents enjoy top-rated fire and police protection. Island police and firefighters are trained in the use of state-of-the-art emergency equipment and techniques. The Mercer Island Police and Fire Departments operate a marine patrol unit to patrol the Island¹s shores, as well as a special dive team unit for rescue and recovery operations around the lake.

Mercer Island has a very low crime rate.

Human Services
Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS) is the Island¹s social service agency.  It receives some public funding and private contributions, but a major share of its operating budget comes from its Thrift Shop, a favorite place for bargain hunters around the region.  MIYFS offers scores of programs for all ages, special services for seniors, counseling, mediation, drug prevention programs for youths, and much more.