Des Moines operates under a mayor/council form of government. The seven-member council is comprised of six council persons and a manager, who are elected to staggered terms in non-partisan elections. The manager serves a term of indefinite length at the pleasure of the council.
Head Official: Mayor Frank Cownie (since 2004; current term expires January 1, 2008)
Total Number of City Employees: 1,852 (2005)
City Information: Des Moines City Hall, Mayor and City Council Office, 400 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA 50309; telephone (515)283-4944