The City of SeaTac operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The City Council consists of seven members who are elected at-large by the residents to serve four-year, staggered terms. The Council is responsible for establishing city policies, passing ordinances, and approving the budget.
The Mayor and Deputy Mayor are not elected directly by the public; rather, they are chosen by the City Council from among its members to serve two-year terms. The Council hires a professional City Manager to oversee the day-to-day administration of city departments, including public works, parks and recreation, and community and economic development.
Police services are contracted through the King County Sheriff's Office, while fire services are provided by the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority.