About the Town Council

The Mayor and eight Town Council Members make policy decisions in accord with procedures and responsibilities set out in State law. The Town Manager carries out policies and directives of the Mayor and Council. View the Town Council Procedures Manual.

The Mayor is elected for two-year terms and Council Members usually are elected to four-year terms. Terms are staggered so that four seats are filled by elections every two years. Town elections for Mayor and Town Council are non-partisan and at large (no wards/districts are designated) and are held in November of odd-numbered years. Orange County Board of Elections 919-245-2350.

The Town Council appoints several boards and commissions as well as various advisory committees and task forces.

Duties

The primary mission of the Mayor and Council, as the governing body of the Town, is to adopt and provide for the execution of ordinances, rules and regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to protect health, life or property, or to promote the comfort, convenience, security, good order, better government, or the general welfare of the Town and its citizens.

The Mayor and eight Council Members constitute the governing body of the Town. In accordance with the Town’s Charter, the voters elect a Mayor every two years. Council Members are elected to four-year, staggered terms on an at-large basis. Town Council duties include:

• Amendment of previously adopted policies through changes in the Town Code of Ordinances and the Development Ordinance, and by revision of policies and documents.
• Appointment of advisory boards, commissions, task forces and committees.
• Appointment of the Town Manager and Town Attorney.
• Establishment of agreements with other governments.

Resources for Council Members

Contact Information

• Mayor and Council
• Manager
• Attorney
• Town Departments
• Online Town Directory
• School of Government
• Council Calendar
• Council Email Archive
• Town Social Media
• Department Director Bios

Resources

• A-Z Services List
• Candidate Forum Organizers Form
• Chapel Hill Open Data
• Holiday Schedule
• Newsroom
• Resources for NC City and County Elective Offices
• Rules for political signs 
• Town Advisory Boards and Commissions
• Town Employee Survey
• Town Facilities
• Town Maps

Governance

• Community Survey    
• Code of Ordinances
• Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO)
• Chapel Hill 2020

Council and Meetings

• Council Procedures Manual
• Open Meetings Law
• Council Code of Ethics 
• Petitioning the Council
• Key Intergovernmental Relationships
• Town Strategic Goals & Objectives

Budgeting and Financial Management 

• How to Read Governmental Financial Statements
• Budget Information
• Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
• Capital Improvements Program