Roles and Powers

Resources to help newly elected city officials prepare for their new roles in city government.

A sampling of guidance for new council members.

Learn responsibilities of city officials to avoid prohibited personal or financial benefits in contracts.

Understand when and why administrative search warrants are needed in certain circumstances.

Understand how state laws affect a city’s ability to prohibit guns on city property.

Understand the council’s role, including eligibility for office, council powers versus individual council member roles, and delegation of council power.

Resources cities can use to ensure their policies are written and services are provided with racial equity in mind.

Get information and resources to help your city officials and staff understand and respond to demographic changes in your city.

Legal concepts related to constitutional free speech rights. How to balance them with public safety concerns.