Learning Local Government

Who does what within CLTGov

Ashley Simmons
Jul 21, 2017 · 3 min read

Charlotte’s city government, with approximately 8,000 workers, strives to ensure that our community is a winning city, a truly remarkable place to live work, learn and play, through the delivery of excellent public services.

With all the buzz about candidates running for Charlotte mayor and city council offices and the upcoming election filing deadline, we’ll help break down how the various roles in city government work.

Let’s start with the basics: How does city government differ from the state and federal governments?

In North Carolina, state government divides duties between the state, counties, cities and special districts.

Since 1929, Charlotte has operated under a “council-manager” form of government that divides duties between elected officials (selected by residents at the polls) and an appointed city manager.

Council is the legislative body (similar to a board of directors). The city manager is the chief executive officer.

Elected officials: role of the mayor and city council

Residents elect the mayor and 11 city council members every two years.

· The mayor and four council members are elected at-large by a citywide vote.

· Seven council members are elected from districts by voters who reside in each district.

City council adopts policy, approves the financing of all city operations and enacts ordinances, resolutions and orders. They also authorize contracts and rezone property. Council appoints the city manager, city attorney, city clerk and members of various boards and commissions.

The mayor presides at city council meetings and officially represents the city at special ceremonies and events.

The mayor pro tem, elected by a vote of the city council, assumes all duties of the office in the mayor’s absence.

CEO: role of the city manager

The city manager administers the policy set by the mayor and city council and oversees the day-to-day operations of city government, which includes making sure services are delivered in a timely and cost effective manner.

By participating in local elections, what is impacted?

Local elections shape policy that can have an impact on city services that you might benefit from every day. The services provided by city government include, but are not limited to:

police, fire, public transit, signalized intersections, city streets, city sidewalks, drinking water treatment, waste water treatment, solid waste/ recycling collection, housing programs, neighborhood programs, code enforcement, airport services, animal care and control, youth employment, adult employment, economic development, business investment, planning, urban design, engineering, construction for city projects, environmental programs, permitting, inspections, zonings and rezonings.

Take a different look, by the numbers.

By the Numbers: city government provides in Charlotte every day…

Connecting to city government

City government needs your participation! You can stay connected with Charlotte’s government in several ways.

City Services Available Online

http://311.charlottenc.gov

Connect to 311 Ambassador

Residents can call 3–1–1 or 704–336–7600

Charlotte’s Playlist

For the latest city stories visit online at http://charlottenc.gov/playlist

Citywide newsroom

Be the first to know city news and updates at http://charlottenc.gov/newsroom

CLTGov

Connect to our social channels at http://social.charlottenc.gov

Attend city council meetings

First Mondays Council Workshops/Public Forum

Second Mondays Council Business Meetings

Third Mondays Zoning Meetings

Fourth Mondays Council Business Meetings/Public Forum

For more information about city council meetings visit http://charlottenc.gov/cityclerk

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Sign up for city services and news updates from charlottenc.gov

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Ashley Simmons

Written by

ENFJ. PR Pro. Public Sector Champ. Creator @heartfelt_aff. Charlottean. Outdoor seeker. UNC Alum. HEEL Born & Bred! Tweets r my own.

Crown Jewel

The Crown Jewel is the collection of city stories designed to showcase Charlotte’s hidden gems. Have a story idea for CROWN Jewel? Email us at: charlottecommunicationsmarketing@nc.gov

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