CITY COUNCIL

The title for the members of City Councils vary, and several titles exist according to local custom. These titles are councilmember, alderman, selectman, freeholder, trustee or commissioner. Councils can range in size from 5 to 51 across the nation, although the national average is six. While the number of councilmen is proportional to the population of the municipality, there is no national standard of proportion. In addition, the size of a council may reflect the complexity of services provided, the council's workload, the diversity and size of the population, the political dynamics and preferences of the city. This variability is illustrated by the large range in the number of councilmen per number of constituents, from 6,278 in Albany to over 250,000 in Los Angeles. 

As local legislators, councilmembers are responsible for and responsive to the citizens who elected them. Depending on the city's charter and state laws, they may perform the following functions:

• Review and approve the annual budget.

• Establish long- and short-term objectives and priorities.

• Oversee performance of the local public employees.

• Oversee effectiveness of programs.

• Establish tax rates.

• Enter into legal contracts.

• Borrow funds.

• Pass ordinances and resolutions.

• Modify the city's charter.

• Regulate land use through zoning laws.

• Regulate business activity through licensing and regulations.

• Regulate public health and safety.

• Exercise the power of eminent domain.

• Communicate policies and programs to residents.

• Respond to constituent needs and complaints; and

• Represent the community to other levels of government.