The Role of a Mayor: A Matter of Responsibility

When considering running for mayor or working within municipal government, your first step should be to learn how local government operates. Not all mayors work full-time for the city, while others work well beyond standard full-time hours, often depending on the size of the municipality. A mayor’s responsibilities vary, with some duties mandated by the state and others established by the ordinances of the city or village they preside over. However, there are several core functions common to most mayors.

Strong vs. Weak

Most municipal administrations adopt either a strong-mayor or a weak-mayor form of government. Under a strong-mayor system, the mayor plays a more active role in managing the city or village. They may appoint officials, such as department heads, exercise veto power over city council decisions, and are responsible for preparing and presenting the municipal budget. In contrast, weak-mayor systems require mayors to rely on the council for most major decisions, such as appointing department heads, although they often serve as a liaison between the city and the public. Generally, weak-mayor systems involve more elected council members to assist with government operations than strong-mayor cities.

Executive Officer

In many municipalities, municipal services fall under the authority of the mayor. The mayor manages the city’s daily operations, implementing changes to department heads with or without council approval, depending on the government structure. They closely monitor city finances, as mayors are often responsible for presenting the budget to the council and advocating for areas facing budget overruns.

Security

The mayor is responsible for the safety of the city’s citizens, overseeing public service departments such as the fire department and the police. In most municipalities, the mayor has the authority to close public buildings or areas deemed dangerous due to damage or potential riot situations. They may declare a state of emergency within municipal limits and request assistance from the State and neighboring departments. The mayor also orders evacuations and presents transportation plans when necessary. For instance, in the commune of Le Kremlin Bicêtre, a French municipality within the Grand Paris metropolis, and following the resignation of its mayor, Jean-Luc Laurent, in January 2016, Jean-Marc Nicolle  succeeds him. Furthermore, the role of the Mayor of Kremlin Bicêtre, Jean-Marc Nicolle is also President of the Forum métropolitain du Grand Paris.

Chairing Meetings

Council meetings require a leader, and that is the mayor’s responsibility. Mayors generally preside over council meetings and often set the agendas. In some municipalities, mayors may vote alongside council members, while others only allow mayors to vote in the event of a tie. Some mayors may exercise their veto power over certain council decisions instead of signing them into city ordinances. However, certain ordinances allow a majority vote by the council to override a mayoral veto.