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About Oak Harbor
The City of Oak Harbor is located on Whidbey Island in Washington State. It is part of Island County and includes Congressional District 2 and 10th Legislative District. The City was incorporated in 1915 and operates under the Mayor-Council form of government.
Mayor and City Council
The Mayor and City Council are elected at-large for four-year overlapping terms. The Mayor serves as the Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for the development of budgets and related financial plans, and the overall operation of the City.
The Mayor directly supervises the:
- City Administrator
- City Attorney
- Fire Chief
- Police Chief
The City Administrator directly supervises the:
- Development Services Director
- Finance Director
- Human Resources Director
- Public Works Director
The Community
The City of Oak Harbor (population 23,000+) is situated on the northern portion of Whidbey Island, approximately a two-hour drive north of Seattle, and is accessible by both land and ferry. Located in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, Whidbey Island experiences half the annual rainfall of Seattle. Whidbey Island is surrounded by breathtaking scenery and with the presence of several nearby state parks, and the nearby San Juan Islands, Mt. Baker recreational areas, and easy access to the Cascade and Olympic Mountains there is a host of recreational activities for an active outdoor lifestyle. You can enjoy:
- Water sports (boating, whale watching, fishing, clamming, and crabbing
- Local nature with hiking, biking, golfing, skiing, camping, bird watching, and beachcombing
- More outdoor activities
Businesses
Oak Harbor also offers an excellent small-town ambiance and a wide range of businesses to support the community's needs. Find out more about our local businesses and the services they provide at the Support Oak Harbor Business webpage. The City also includes a vibrant downtown, expanding commercial and retail business community, and growing local Skagit Valley College campus.
If you are looking for a wonderful work/life balance then the island community of Oak Harbor is the place for you because it is an outstanding place to live, work, and play.
Community Partners
Some community partners include: