The Township of Washington is governed by an elected body organized under the Second Class Township Code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. That Board is called the Council and consists of five (5) elected officials, each serving staggered four (4) year terms. During a typical municipal election year either two (2) or three (3) positions will be open for election.

Council is charged with the general government of the Township to secure the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the Community. To accomplish that task Council adopts laws, known as ordinances, that governs various activities within the Township. The Board is restricted in areas in which it can exercise control by both the Second Class Township Code and various other laws of the Commonwealth.

Yearly Council appoints a Township Manager who is charged by Council to implement the ordinances it passes and to manage the annual budget of the Township which is adopted by Council by December 31st for the following calendar year.

The Council meets on a semi-monthly basis (first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. and the third Tuesday of the month at 4:30 p.m., with a Workshop scheduled on an as-needed basis every fourth Tuesday of the month, in Council chambers) to conduct business on behalf of the Township. All meetings of Council are open to the public with an opportunity at each meeting for public comment. If a resident has a concern he or she feels needs to be addressed by the Township, the individual is encouraged to contact the Township Manager’s Office which may be able to address the manner promptly and/or schedule an appropriate time for that individual to present concerns to Council. Residents are encouraged to present their views on Township matters on any of the means that are available, including letters, e-mail, and telephone or voice mail. Council strives to have all means available to facilitate your communication with Township officials.

Washington Township is located within the General McLane School District, 49th Senatorial District, 5th Representative District, and the 6th County Council District.