City Hall

For most of us, it’s at the local level that government has the greatest impact on our lives. And it's at the local level that each of us can have the greatest impact on government.

Our City government is formed by a charter, which plays a role similar to that of the United States Constitution — it describes what the government does, and gives it legitimacy.

Like the federal government, the City government has branches. They include the elected City Council, led by the Mayor, which represents the will of the voters; the staff, led by the City Manager, which executes policies set by the City Council; and commissions, boards, and committees, which advise on specific areas such as planning, transportation, or libraries.

And most important of all: residents who get informed and involved, as we hope you will.