ellen gaines

The City of Los Angeles is a Mayor-Council-Commission form of government, as originallyadopted by voters of the City of Los Angeles, effective July 1, 1925 and reaffirmed by a newCharter effective July 1, 2000. A Mayor, City Controller, and City Attorney are elected by Cityresidents every four years. Fifteen City Council members representing fifteen districts areelected by the people for four-year terms, for a maximum of two terms. Members ofCommissions are generally appointed by the Mayor, subject to the approval of the City Council.General Managers of the various City departments are also appointed by the Mayor, subject toconfirmation by the City Council. Most employees of the City are subject to the civil serviceprovisions of the City Charter.The new City Charter, effective July 2000, provided for the creation of a Citywide System ofNeighborhood Councils. The goal of the Neighborhoods Councils is to promote publicparticipation in City governance and decision-making process to create a government moreresponsive to local needs.