Tallahassee, the capital city of Florida, operates under a council-manager form of government. In this system, the elected City Commission serves as the primary legislative body, setting policies and city tax rates. The Commission comprises five members, including the Mayor, each serving four-year terms with elections held in even-numbered years.

The Mayor’s role is to preside over Commission meetings, act as the ceremonial head of the government, and represent the city in dialogues with county, state, and federal officials. Notably, the Mayor does not possess veto power and holds one vote on the Commission, distinguishing the position from a “strong mayor” system.

The City Commission appoints a City Manager to oversee daily operations and implement policies. Additionally, the Commission appoints three other key officials: the Treasurer-Clerk, the City Attorney, and the Inspector General. The Treasurer-Clerk manages records, taxation, and the city treasury; the City Attorney provides legal counsel and represents the city in legal matters; and the Inspector General reviews policies, procedures, and accounting of city operations.

Regular City Commission meetings are typically held twice a month, offering citizens the opportunity to participate in the governmental process. These meetings are accessible to the public and are broadcast live on WCOT, the city’s government access channel.

Tallahassee’s mission is “to be the national leader in the delivery of public service,” with a vision of fostering a creative capital city that supports a strong community with vibrant neighborhoods. The city’s values emphasize honoring public trust through ethical behavior, providing exceptional citizen service, leading with integrity, collaborating to reach common goals, investing in employee excellence, and promoting equity while celebrating diversity.

This governance structure ensures that Tallahassee operates efficiently, with elected officials setting policies and appointed professionals managing daily operations, all while encouraging active citizen engagement.