City Charter Section
[Ch. 1903, sec. 147; rev. 1914, sec. 59; 1928 pub., sec. 59; 1942 recod., sec. 2-301; rev. Nov. 6, 1962; amended November 8, 2022, effective January 1, 2025.]
- The Mayor has the following responsibilities:
- (a) Advance the City’s core values of anti-racism, equity, transparency, communication, collaboration and fiscal responsibility.
- (b) Advance the City’s efforts to mitigate the human-made climate crisis and prioritize environmental justice initiatives.
- (c) Exercise a careful supervision over the general affairs of the City.
- (d) Introduce such matters as the Mayor deems necessary to come before the Council. The Mayor has the same authority to introduce matters as a Councilor.
- (e) Vote on matters before the Council in case of a tie, when the Mayor casts the deciding vote.
- (f) Appoint the City Administrator, subject to Council confirmation, and give direction to the Administrator. The Mayor may remove the Administrator and must advise the Council before removal. The Council may remove the Administrator for cause by the affirmative vote of at least nine (9) Councilors. If the office of the Administrator is vacant, the Mayor must fulfill the duties of the Administrator until the office is filled.
- (g) Appoint, subject to Council confirmation, the City Attorney and the Chief of Police. The Mayor may remove the City Attorney and the Chief of Police.
- (h) Submit a proposed annual budget, and periodic amendments throughout the year. The Mayor must, at the time of the submission of the budget, submit a general statement of the conditions of the affairs of the City, the goals of the administration, and recommendations of such measures as the Mayor may deem expedient and proper to accomplish such goals.
- (i) Annually, appear before the Council to deliver a general address on the State of the City.
- (j) Authorize, negotiate and execute all contracts and intergovernmental agreements, consistent with the City budget.
- (k) Encourage programs for the physical, economic, social and cultural development of the City.
- (l) Actively promote economic development to broaden and strengthen the commercial and employment base of the City.
- (m) Serve as ceremonial head of the City and issue ceremonial proclamations.
- (n) All other executive and administrative powers not conferred elsewhere by this Charter.