Mayor's Office

Department News

As we begin a new chapter...

I am honored for the opportunity to serve my community. Your involvement reflects the shared commitment we have to our community's future, and I am grateful for your engagement.

Moving forward, I would like to express my gratitude to those who have previously served our community. Their service and dedication have laid the foundation for so much of what we build upon today. I recognize and thank all those who served for their commitment to our city.

I am excited to work alongside our re-elected and newly elected officials. I believe that by working together with a spirit of collaboration, we can meet Washington's present needs and chart a path forward that reflects the values and aspirations of the people we serve.

Together with residents, staff, and elected officials, I believe we can build a culture of community-focused collaboration that strengthens our city and inspires trust in all who call it home.

Sincerely, 
Lilija Stevens
Mayor, City of Washington

The Mayor is an elected official and chief executive officer serving the City of Washington.
Current Term: 2025-2029
Duties and responsibilities found in the municipal code include:

  • The mayor shall be the chief executive officer of the city and shall preside at all meetings of the council and on all ceremonial occasions. The mayor shall be recognized as the official head of the city by the courts for the purpose of serving civil process and by the governor for all legal purposes.

  • The mayor shall perform all the duties which are prescribed by law, including this Code, and shall take care that the laws and ordinances are faithfully executed.

  • The mayor, from time to time, may and annually shall give the council information relative to the affairs of the city, and may recommend for their consideration such measures as the mayor believes expedient.

  • The mayor shall devote as much time to the duties of the office as a faithful and efficient discharge thereof may require; shall perform all the duties which are prescribed by law, including the provisions of this Code; and shall take care that the laws and provisions of this Code are faithfully executed.

  • The mayor shall supervise the conduct of all officers of the city and see that they faithfully and efficiently discharge the duties of their respective offices; shall inquire into all reasonable complaints made against them and cause all their neglect or violations of duty to be promptly corrected; and shall, in case the mayor becomes satisfied that any officer willfully neglects or violates said officer's duty, cause such officer to be prosecuted and punished.

  • The mayor at all times may examine and inspect the books, and records, and papers of any agent, employee, or officer of the city.

  • If a temporary absence or disability of the mayor incapacitates the same from the performance of official duties but does not create a vacancy in the office, the city council shall elect one of its members to act as mayor pro tem. The mayor pro tem, during this absence or disability, shall perform the duties and possess all the rights and powers of the mayor.

Link to municipal code: https://library.municode.com/il/washington/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH2AD_ARTIVOFEM_DIV2MA