The Council is the policy setting body of the County and has all the powers of the County which are not otherwise reserved to the People, the Executive, and general law. The Council members are nominated and elected by the voters of seven districts in Pierce County. Legislative authority is exercised by the adoption and enactment of ordinances or resolutions.

The executive branch is comprised of the Executive and all executive departments established by the Charter or by ordinance. Executive departments include three elected positions (Assessor-Treasurer, Auditor, and Sheriff) with the other department directors recommended by the Executive and approved by the Council.