New York City operates under the mayor-council form of government. The mayor is elected in a citywide election, and 51 council members are elected from as many state senate districts within the municipality; a council speaker is elected by the council membership. All officials serve four-year terms. The mayor represents the executive branch of the local government, while the council is largely responsible for legislative functions and also has sole right of approval for the city budget. The Public Advocate, who is not a member of the council, presides over meetings and may vote only in case of a tie. New York City is divided into five boroughs, each of which has its own president and district attorney.
Head Official: Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg (R) (since 2002; current term expires 2006)
Total Number of City Employees: 300,000 (approximate; 2005)
City Information: Office of the Mayor, New York City Hall, New York, NY 10007; telephone (212)788-9600