You might not realize it, but you don’t need any political experience to care about your city and make a difference. As a concerned citizen, your involvement matters. City Council members make decisions that directly impact our citizen’s daily lives. If you want to make a difference in our beautiful city, this is the place to do it.
Ok, I’m interested. But what does the City Council do?
If the mayor is the city’s CEO, the City Council serves as its board of directors. It is the group that makes rules for the city. Each council member represents a ward, which is a specific geographic area within the city. These wards ensure that all areas of the city have representation in the council.
To change city law, a majority of council members must agree on it. No one council member can make a change on their own. If there are twelve people on your City Council, a law change needs seven “yes” votes to pass.
If a city law or ordinance is approved, it is then placed in your city’s municipal code. This code tells your city how to run and covers things that matter to the people who live there, like housing and public safety.
What are some other things the City Council does?
- Pass local ordinances and resolutions.
- Approve the city budget and allocate funds.
- Establish and modify zoning and land use policies.
- Oversee public safety and services, such as police and fire departments.
- Implement infrastructure improvements, including roads, sidewalks, and public transportation.
- Regulate business licenses and permits.
- Address community concerns and represent constituents.
- Support and promote local economic development initiatives.
- Enforce environmental regulations and promote sustainability projects.
- Develop and maintain public parks and recreational facilities.
What wards are you looking for candidates in?
Right now, there are four open seats. The wards are listed below and linked to a map. To run for City Council, you must live within the ward’s geographical area.
I’d like to learn more.
You can contact Katherine Lawson, our Political Affairs Chair, at politicalaffairs@mctndp.org, (931) 919-4844, or by submitting the web form below.