Government of Indianapolis
The government of Indianapolis is a mayor-council, consolidated city-county system. The executive branch is headed by the elected mayor, and the legislative branch is made up of the 29-member City-County Council. Indianapolis and Marion County have a consolidated government known as Unigov. Most government offices are located in the City-County Building.
Executive
The Mayor of Indianapolis is the chief executive of the city and the county. The mayor is elected to a four-year term by the citizens of Marion County. There is no limit to the number of terms a mayor may serve.
There are several city departments and other agencies included in the executive branch. The agencies' heads are appointed by the mayor.
Departments
- Department of Administration and Equal Opportunity - Responsible for human resources functions for all city agencies.[1] Enforces the city's anti-workplace discrimination ordinance.[2]
- Department of Metropolitan Development - Carries out urban planning and enforcement of zoning and land-use ordinances. Also responsible for redevelopment of blighted areas and vacant land.
- Department of Parks and Recreation (Indy Parks) - Maintains public parks and recreational facilities. See also: List of parks in Indianapolis, Indiana.
- Department of Public Safety - Includes animal control, emergency management, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, and the Indianapolis Fire Department.[3]
- Department of Public Works - Maintains city infrastructure, including streets, sewers, and drainage. Also collects household garbage and investigates illegal dumping.
- Department of Waterworks - Responsible for the city's water utility. The system is operated under contract by Veolia.
Executive Offices
- City Controller - Manages the city's finances. The office controls all purchasing by city agencies, and writes the annual budget.[4]
- Corporation Counsel - Provides legal services to city agencies and represents the city in court. Prosecutes ordinance violations.[5]
Legislative
The legislative branch of the city government is the Indianapolis City-County Council, which is composed of 29 members elected to four-year terms. 25 members represent geographic districts, and 4 are elected at large.
References
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