Government:

Friday Harbor is the seat of San Juan County government and is the only incorporated town in the county. As a municipal corporation of the fourth class, Friday Harbor operates as a fourth class municipal corporation under the Revised Code of Washington, Section 35. Friday Harbor has a Mayor/Council non-partisan form of government. Voters elect the mayor and five council members to four-year terms. All represent the community at large rather than individual districts or areas of town.

Revenue Sources:

 The Town of Friday Harbor derives revenue primarily from a 1% sales tax, from real estate and personal property taxes, and from portions of various taxes levied by the State of Washington, such as a gasoline tax, a liquor excise tax, and hotel/motel taxes. Sales tax and real estate and personal property tax monies are earmarked for the town's current fund which finances general government services. State-shared revenues are dedicated for a particular use or fund. User fees or rates support the operation of the Town's utilities.