City Government

Founded in 1849, the City of Sacramento is the oldest incorporated city in California. In 1920, Sacramento city voters adopted a City Charter (municipal constitution) and a City Council form of government, which is still being used today.

The City Council consists of a Mayor, elected by all City voters, and eight Council members, elected to represent separate districts in the City. Each Council member is required to live in the district they represent. The Mayor and Council members serve four-year terms. Elections are staggered.

The Council establishes City policies, ordinances and land uses; approves the City’s annual budget, contracts, and agreements; hears appeals of decisions made by City staff or citizen advisory groups, and appoints five Council Officers: a City Manager, City Attorney, City Auditor, City Treasurer, and City Clerk.

Below are more topics which pertain to the City of Sacramento as a whole.