In Port Washington’s mayor-council-manager form of government, voters elect the Mayor and City Common Council. Then, the City Council appoints the City Administrator to run the operations of the organization. The City Administrator role includes managing the budget, overseeing personnel, and making recommendations to council.

The mayor-council format is like the organization of a business corporation: voters (stockholders) elect the common council (board of directors), including the mayor (chairman of the board), which, in turn, appoints the administrator (chief administrative officer).

• Organizational Chart

City Common Council is the legislative and policy-making body for Port Washington and is the final authority on city matters. The common council:

• Appoints the City Administrator
• Confirms the following appointments made by the Mayor: Assessor, Treasurer, City Attorney, City Clerk and members of boards, committees, and commissions
• Appoints the following by recommendation made by the City Administrator: Director of Public Works, Senior Citizen Director, Harbormaster, Director of Recreation, and Director of Planning and Development
• Approves the annual budget
• Authorizes contracts on the city’s behalf
• Enacts ordinances, resolutions, and orders
• Establishes general city policies
• City Council governed by Robert’s Rules of Order, unless otherwise specified

Common Council Composition

City Common Council has 7 members with each representing a specific ward, and the Mayor. Terms are staggered, with nonpartisan elections every year.

Voting and the Ward System

The residency ward system of selecting City Common Council members provides representation from different areas of the city. The concept means the Common Council candidate must live in the ward he or she seeks to represent.

• To register, find polling places, and other elections information, go to Elections page.

Common Council Meetings and Public Participation

City Common Council holds public meetings to discuss and make decision on City business and issues, and to hear public comments on the first and third Tuesday of the month. 

The Mayor appoints with confirmation by the City Common Council residents to serve on boards, committees, and commissions that address varied aspects of Port Washington’s quality of life – from open spaces and trails to historic preservation, to diversity and inclusion.

• Learn more about the City's boards, committees and commissions