YOUR Local Government
Local government is an essential part of our daily lives. It has the power to affect your daily commute, the businesses you visit, your family's health, and the way you meet your community. What can your local government do for you, and how can you participate?
Boston at a Glance
Mayor
The Mayor is the chief executive officer, responsible for the day-to-day administration of the city. They propose the budget, appoint department heads, and can veto City Council actions.
City Council
The City Council is the legislative body, responsible for passing ordinances, resolutions, and orders. They also have a role in the budget process, approving or amending the mayor's proposed budget.
School Committee
The School Committee oversees BPS's budget, hire and evaluate the Superintendent, and establish policies to support our students.
What can City Council do?
Create & Pass Laws
The City Council is the legislative branch of Boston's government, responsible for creating and passing ordinances, resolutions, and orders.
Impact the Budget
City Council has significant control over the city's budget, including appropriating money, authorizing loans, and approving or rejecting the mayor's budget recommendations. They can also reduce items in loan orders.
Provide Oversight
The City Council can request information from the mayor and city departments and can even compel the mayor's presence to answer questions. They can also investigate municipal matters.
Override Mayoral Vetos
The council can override a mayoral veto with a two-thirds vote.
Bringing You In
Understanding City Council's Influence
City Council can advocate for our neighborhood's and individual's needs. Councilors are important negotiators in decisions that impact the City, from City Hall to the State Capitol and beyond. While they can be a strong partner to the community, Pilar wants to engage you in the process, providing greater transparency into how the system works. The City Council has important powers, but they are not all-powerful. The City has a strong-mayor form of government. Certain powers belong only to the administrative branch.
What can't City Council do?
Directly Manage Departments
City Council can't interfere in the daily running of city departments. They cannot directly hire, fire, or manage city employees (except for their own staff). Their role is to set legislation and policy and provide oversight, not to micromanage.
Enter Contracts
While they approve some contracts (especially longer-term ones), they generally can't make contracts or buy materials, supplies, or real estate. They cannot spend public money, except for necessary city council expenses.
Control the School Committee's actions
The School Committee is a separate elected body with its own defined powers related to BPS.
What can You do?
1
Connect and Build Community
Join local organizations, attend neighborhood meetings, and help organize community events to foster belonging and strengthen social ties. Donate to community fridges. Help a stranger.
2
Shape Boston's Future
Participate in public hearings, advocate for the protection of valuable neighborhood resources, support local businesses, and get involved in local development decisions.
3
Hold Government Accountable
VOTE! Contact elected officials, participate in community planning, support data collection and community feedback initiatives (like 311), request public records, and ensure initiatives are effective.