Overview of City Governance

The City of Sunnyvale operates under a Council/Manager form of government.  The City Council, as the legislative body, represents the entire community and is empowered by the City Charter to formulate Citywide policy.

Seven Councilmembers are elected at large by City voters for numbered seats and serve a four-year term.  The City Charter limits councilmembers to serving two consecutive terms.  The Mayor is selected from among the ranks of Council and serves a two-year term.  The Vice Mayor is also selected from and by Council, and serves a one-year term.

Click here for additional information about each Councilmember, including photos and bios.

The City Manager is appointed by Council and serves as the chief executive officer, responsible for day-to-day adminstration of City affairs and implementation of Council policies.

The City Attorney, also appointed by Council, advises and represents the City and Council in all legal affairs.

Council meets two to four Tuesdays a month at 7:00 p.m.  Council meets in study session as needed prior to the regular meetings to review specific issues in depth.  With few exceptions as allowed by law, all Council meetings are open to the public.

Click here for additional information about Council meeting dates, times, agendas, and archives.

Information sheets on the current City Council and how meetings work, along with general information on Boards and Commissions, are available in English, Spanish and Chinese.