How does OKC work?

We know that for a lot of people the ins and outs of city government are about as exciting as watching paint dry. Talking about city council meetings and the parks department is a good way to cure insomnia for some. All the being said, the functions of city government are extremely important. The decisions made at city hall have a direct impact on your day-to-day life. If you are new to OKC (or need a little refresher), here is a brief rundown of how the City of Oklahoma City is operated.

For starters, Oklahoma City has a Council-Manager government, which combines the leadership of elected officials with the managerial experience of an appointed manager.

Oklahoma City is divided into eight geographical areas called Wards. A representative from each Ward and the Mayor are the nine members of the City Council. They are elected to four-year terms. The voters of each Ward elect a council member to represent them and the Mayor is elected at large. The Mayor and Council appoint a City Manager to serve as the City's chief administrative official. The Mayor and Council also appoint the City Auditor, Municipal Counselor and Municipal Court judges.

What role does the Mayor play in city government? The Mayor of Oklahoma City is the Chief Executive of the City and President of the Council, according to the Oklahoma City Charter. The Mayor is the only person elected citywide, and is a voting member of the City Council and presides over its meetings, makes appointments to boards and commissions, represents the Oklahoma City at home and around the nation and world, articulates the city’s vision, leads major initiatives, issues proclamations, delivers an annual State of the City address, and with the Council hires the City Manager, the Municipal Counselor, the City Auditor and municipal judges.

All authority to set policy rests with the Mayor and City Council. The City Manager has broad authority to run the organization.

Volunteer members of boards, commissions, and committees play a major role in advising and supporting the Mayor and Council’s efforts.