Under Riverside's form of government, the Mayor is elected
for a four (4) year term from the City at large. The City
Council, made up of seven members, is elected by wards for
overlapping four (4) year terms. The Mayor is the presiding
officer at City Council meetings with a voice in all
proceedings but without a vote, except to break a tie vote.
The Mayor may veto acts of the City Council and five Council
votes are required to overturn a veto.
The Mayor's basic responsibilities are to interpret the
policies, programs and needs of the City Government for the
people, to inform the people of any major change in policy
or program, and to advise the City Council on all matters of
policy and public relations.
The City Council, as the legislative body, has the authority
to adopt City ordinances, change them as necessary, and
determine how much will be spent by City government and for
what purpose. The City Council determines what City taxes
and fees shall be levied, approves contracts and agreements,
and appoints citizen boards and commissions, as well as the
City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk.
The City Manager is responsible for the general conduct and
administration of all City business. The chart on the
following page outlines the City’s organizational structure.
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