Mayor & City Council

The Mayor and City Council determine policy, enact legislation and provide political leadership in the community.  The City of Duluth is governed by a Mayor and five Council Members, who each run for a specific post but are elected by a city-wide popular vote. City (municipal) elections are non-partisan; i.e. candidates do not run as members of a particular political party and their individual party affiliations are not relevant to their positions in city government. Elected officials serve for terms of four years and/or until their respective successors are qualified and elected. These are part-time positions that are compensated by 1) a monthly salary and 2) a per meeting payment, not to exceed two payments per month.  Compensation is set by City Ordinance and is currently set as follows: Mayor - $500 per month plus $150 per meeting; Council Members - $200 per month plus $150 per meeting. 

New Council Members are sworn into office at the first organizational meeting in January following the November election. The Council Members who hold Posts 1, 2 and 3 shall be elected in the same odd year; the Mayor and Council Members who hold Posts 4 and 5 shall be elected in the alternating odd year.

Responsibility and authority to carry out the laws enacted by the elected officials are delegated to a professional staff led by the City Manager. The Mayor or the Mayor Pro Tem presides over all City Council meetings, which are held on the second Monday of each month at 6:00pm in the City Hall Council Chambers. Residents are welcome and encouraged to attend the City Council meetings. City Council work sessions are held on the fourth Monday of each month at 5:30pm in the Community Room (basement level) of City Hall. Special meetings may be called as necessary. 

The Mayor and Council Members are elected to serve the needs of the Duluth residents and may be reached at City Hall by calling 770.476.3434 or via their email address that is located on their individual web page.

MISSION

The Mayor and Council of the City of Duluth respect the dignity and worth of our citizens and value the diversity of culture, heritage and history within our community. We pledge to strive to improve the quality of life and opportunity for the economic prosperity of all our residents and businesses and assuring all of our citizens a clean, safe, economically viable and progressive city that is responsive to changing needs.

VISION

The elected officials of the City of Duluth, in partnership with our loyal employees, will work diligently to continue to earn the ever-increasing trust, respect and support of our citizens as we strive to improve government operations and modernize our city's infrastructure.

City of Duluth Code of Ethics.