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About
Role of the Mayor
The City of Richmond, Virginia operates under a Mayor-Council form of government since 2005. The mayor is elected at large by a majority of voters in at least five of the City's nine council districts and represents the entire city and serves full-time in a four-year term of office. 
The change to the City Charter was made in response to two overwhelmingly supported referendums that ended the “Council-Manager” form of government in place since 1948. That system was led by a city manager, appointed by and answerable to City Council, who oversaw the day-to-day municipal operations.
Other locally elected officials include the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Sheriff, Commonwealth's Attorney, and the Treasurer.
Role of the Mayor – The Mayor oversees the executive management of the City's departments and agencies.
The Mayor acts as a chief executive officer (CEO) with responsibilities that include submitting the annual budget to City Council, selecting a Chief Administrative Officer, issuing regulations, and making recommendations on revenue and funding transfer matters.
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), who reports to the Mayor, is directly responsible for the City's day-to-day municipal operations. The CAO is appointed with the approval of City Council.
Schools - An elected Richmond School Board is responsible for the City's educational program. The school system is a separate administrative organization headed by a Superintendent.
Role of City Council
The City Council is a body of nine part–time members who meet bi-weekly in the Council Chambers to conduct the City's legislative business. Members serve two year terms, but will serve four year terms beginning with the 2008 elections.
The Council adopts the City budget, levees taxes, passes laws, and appoints members to Boards and Commissions.
Click here for the City Council Calendar.
Bio
Born on January 17, 1931 in Richmond, L. Douglas Wilder was the grandson of slaves. He grew up in the Church Hill section of the City.
Named after abolitionist-orator Frederick Douglass and poet Paul Lawrence Dunbar, he became Richmond’s new mayor on January 2, 2005. A Richmond native, Mr. Wilder has brought decades of political leadership to his new position, and his career is highlighted with many precedents.
Mr. Wilder became the first African-American to be elected governor in the U.S., leading the Commonwealth of Virginia from 1990 to 1994, when Virginia was ranked as the best managed state in the U.S. for two consecutive years.
Mr. Wilder also served as Lieutenant Governor from 1986 to 1990. As State Senator representing Richmond from 1969 to 1985, Mr. Wilder became the first African-American state senator in Virginia since Reconstruction.
Mr. Wilder graduated from Howard University Law School and Virginia Union University after serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for heroism in combat while rescuing wounded GIs and capturing enemy troops.