Overview of City Government: Mayoral Authority and Organizational Structure

The City of Madison follows the Mayor-Council form of government, where the government consists of an elected mayor and an elected legislative council. 

Mayoral Power 

The Mayor is the chief executive officer of the City. The Mayor has veto power as to all acts of the Council, except those to which it is expressly or by necessary implication otherwise provided. A two-thirds vote of all the members of the Council shall make an act effective despite the veto of the Mayor. (Section 62.09 Wisconsin Statutes) 

The Mayor has the general supervisory responsibility of all City officers and heads of departments in the performance of their official duties. (Section 3.03(1), Madison General Ordinances) The Mayor is also authorized under Statutes and City Ordinances to appoint department heads, subject to Council confirmation. The Mayor also makes appointments to various boards, committees and commissions subject to Council confirmation. 

Term Limits

The Mayor is elected to a four-year term, and each of the 20 members of the Common Council to a two-year term. These non-partisan officers are elected in the spring of even numbered years and their terms of office commence on the third Tuesday of April in the year they are elected. The Common Council President serves a one-year term and is elected by the other members of the Council. 

Agency Officials

All department heads are appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the Common Council after a competitive recruitment process. Some department heads receive civil service status after a one-year probationary period while others serve under a five-year renewable contract.

City Government Employees and Union Representation

The City of Madison employs approximately 2,931 authorized permanent positions in the City. There are four (4) unions and seven (7) employee associations