A city council is the legislative branch of a local government. It passes laws and ordinances, oversees certain city agencies, sets the budget and tax rates, and can veto things the mayor wants to approve. It may also be called a city board, town council, community council, borough council, village council, or board of aldermen. City councils are found in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries around the world.
The specific duties vary, but every city council aims to solve problems that impact residents. This includes setting policies to address long-term issues, like requiring the city’s fleet to be made up of zero-emission vehicles, and responding to more immediate needs, such as creating a 311 category for complaints about rooftop activities. Council members work through committees, a system in which they are assigned to groups that study particular topics and hear from community stakeholders.
It’s important for citizens to know who their city council members are, and how they work together. They should watch council meetings, tune into debates and town halls, and learn about the different candidates by reading their campaign websites. It’s also a good idea to join a civic association or other group that helps citizens engage with their local government. Being a strong member of council requires teamwork, which means relying on the city manager to hire professionals to carry out policy and making sure everyone is receiving accurate information. In addition, it’s important to communicate with other council members clearly and respectfully, assume the best intent of others, and become informed about issues before addressing them.