| Los Angeles is the biggest municipality in the state of | | | | mayor retains veto power. |
| California and number two in the United States with an | | | | Just below the mayor on the totem pole is the Los |
| approximate population of more than 3.5 million in 2006. | | | | Angeles City Council, the governing body. The council |
| Los Angeles is the seat of Los Angeles County, the | | | | meets regularly in City Hall on specific days of the |
| most populous county in the country. With such a huge | | | | week. It is comprised of 15 members from 15 |
| population and a widespread infrastructure, a strong, | | | | administrative districts. Each one is elected to a |
| effective municipal government is essential. | | | | four-year term. They are the best-paid city council |
| The government consists of the following principal | | | | members in the country, and can boast of perks like a |
| offices: mayor; city council members; and a city | | | | free car. |
| controller. There are also executive directors for | | | | The Department of Water and Power is the biggest |
| various city departments. | | | | municipal utility in the U.S., serving 3.9 million LA |
| The most important personage is the mayor, who is | | | | residents in 2006. The utility was founded in 1902. |
| titled the chief executive officer of the city. He or she | | | | The position of city controller functions as the city's |
| can serve in office for a four-year term, and by law | | | | auditor and chief accounting officer. Alongside the |
| cannot serve more than two terms. Antonio | | | | mayor and city attorney, the position is voted on every |
| Villaraigosa, the current mayor, is the 52nd to hold that | | | | four years. The position was established in 1878 as the |
| office in the city of Los Angeles. | | | | city auditor. |
| Interestingly, the city does not appoint to a city | | | | In terms of community involvement in government, |
| manager position, thus putting much more responsibility | | | | neighborhood councils were created in 1999. The |
| in the hands of the mayor. He has the power to | | | | councils were designed to encourage public |
| appoint managers and commissioners, and to remove | | | | participation in government, with the aim of making it |
| officials from their posts. While many of the | | | | more responsive to local needs. |
| appointments are voted on by the city council, the | | | | |