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The City of Alameda was incorporated on April 19, 1854. In 1916 Alameda became a Charter City, and was one of six cities that were the first in California to adopt the Council-Manager form of government. Under this form the City is governed by a five-member City Council. The City Council is elected on a non-partisan basis.

Councilmembers serve four-year staggered terms, with two Councilmembers elected every two years. The Mayor is elected to serve a four-year term. The Mayor and Councilmembers are elected at large, and subject to two elected term limits. The City Auditor and the City Treasurer are also elected by the voters. There is no term limit associated with these positions.

The City Council is responsible for passing ordinances; adopting the annual budget; approving the Mayor’s nominees to boards and commissions; and hiring the three Charter offices of City Manager, City Attorney and City Clerk.

The City Manager is responsible for implementing the policies and ordinances of the City Council, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the City, and appointing the heads of various City Departments. 

The City provides a broad range of services including police and fire protection; construction and maintenance of streets, parks, storm drains and other infrastructure; recreational and cultural activities, including a golf complex comprised of two 18-hole championship golf courses and one nine-hole executive course; general government and administrative support services. The City owns and operates Alameda Municipal Power (AMP), an electric utility serving the needs of all Alameda residents. It also manages franchises for solid waste and cable television. Certain infrastructure construction and community development activities are provided through a legally separate redevelopment agency entitled the Community Improvement Commission. Housing assistance is provided through a Housing Authority.  

Some major public services delivered within the City’s boundaries, including water, wastewater, education, regional parks, and public transportation, are provided by other governmental agencies. The City of Alameda is not financially accountable for the operations of these franchises or government agencies.

Several key documents guide life in Alameda. Click the links below to access searchable files.

City Charter
Voted into place by citizens, the City Charter describes in detail the form and structure of Alameda's municipal government.

Civic Center Vision
The City of Alameda is currently soliciting input on its cohesive vision for the Civic Center.

Municipal Code
The Municipal Code is the body of law that has been enacted by the Alameda City Council. The entire document is available online for easy viewing.

General Plan
Adopted by the City Council, the General Plan provides land use policies to guide the City's future conservation and development efforts.

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