Atlanta City Council

The Atlanta City Government is divided into three bodies: the legislative, executive and judicial branches. The Atlanta City Council serves as the legislative branch. City departments, under the direction of the Mayor, constitute the executive branch, and the Municipal Courts, constitute the judicial branch.

Legislative Branch:

The legislative body, comprised of the Council, makes the laws that govern the city. It is responsible for the development of policies which serve as operational standards and establishes the parameters for the administration of city government.

Executive Branch:
The Executive body carries out the laws that have been instituted by the City Council. It is responsible for the day-to­day operations of city government.

The City Charter:

A new charter was enacted in 1996 that reduced the representation of Council to 12 districts and three at large posts -- effective January 1998. The 1974 Charter resulted in many changes in Atlanta City government. Prior to its adoption, the legislative body was called the Board of Aldermen and each alderman was elected city­wide. The 1974 charter changed the Board of Aldermen to the City Council; the vice-mayor to the president of the Council; and established 12 Council members to be elected from individual districts and six at-large posts. The administration of the day-­to-day operation of city government was transferred to the executive branch, and legislative authority was vested in the Council. This sy

Legislative body of the City of Atlanta