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 Manager 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 four Council Officers: a City Manager, City Attorney, City Treasurer, and City Clerk. Council members serve on several working committees, which include Transportation and Community Development, Law and Legislation, and Personnel and Public Employees. The Mayor and Council members receive an annual salary and benefits.

The City Council holds public meetings most Tuesday afternoons and evenings, at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. respectively, in the City Council Chamber on the first floor of City Hall, located at 915 I Street. The Council also holds special meetings and committee meetings, which are open to the public. Agendas for City Council and Council Committee meetings are available in the City Clerk’s Office, 1st Floor, in the Historic City Hall building. The Mayor and City Council Offices are located in City Hall on the fifth Floor.