An illustration of a young person with tan skin, black hair styled in a top bun, wearing large gold hoop earrings, a black choker, and an orange-striped outfit, set against a bright teal circular background. Used as a decorative representation of a mayor.

There are approximately 1,400 mayors across the U.S. serving cities and towns with populations larger than 30,000. A mayor is the chief executive of a city or town, responsible for overseeing the daily operations of local government and setting the tone for citywide leadership.

In many cities, mayors work closely with the city or town council to advance legislative priorities. In some cases, a mayor may also serve as a member of the council.

The role of a mayor varies by city size, type of government, and local laws. Some communities have a “strong mayor” system, where the mayor has broad executive powers, while others use a “weak mayor” system, where duties are more ceremonial or shared with other officials.

 

Responsibilities

Mayors are the top executive leaders for their jurisdictions. Their core responsibilities typically include:

  • Proposing policy and legislative agendas to the council

  • Approving or vetoing legislation passed by the council

  • Casting tie-breaking votes (in some systems)

  • Appointing department heads and other key staff

  • Drafting and managing the city’s annual budget

  • Overseeing daily operations of city services such as public safety, sanitation, parks and recreation, and emergency services

Mayors are often the public face of the city, representing their community in the media and at events, and serving as a key spokesperson during local, national, or international matters.

Note: Mayors usually run for office at the same time as some council members. A collaborative relationship with the city/town council often leads to smoother governance and more effective policy implementation.

 

Helpful Skills

Successful mayors often have:

  • Strong ties to the community and a record of service or leadership

  • Excellent communication skills for engaging with the public and media

  • Executive leadership experience, especially in managing teams or budgets

  • Familiarity with budgeting, negotiation, and public policy

  • The ability to build partnerships and work collaboratively across departments and with other levels of government