409-771-0946 pwvb@comcast.net Century 21 Bay Reef Realty
Local Government
The City of Galveston has had a council-manager form of government since 1960 when community activists revolted against the old commission-form of government by getting themselves elected to the commission and then writing and campaigning for a new city charter. (Read more about Galveston's fascinating history.)
Today Galveston has a mayor, elected at large, and a six-member council elected by district (6 districts); all serve voluntarily, without compensation. Term of office for mayor and council is two-years, with term limits at 3 consecutive terms. A full-time, salaried city manager is appointed by the council and is the chief city administrator. The Galveston City Manager oversees all city departments and all day to day municipal operations. A city secretary, city attorney, tax collector and municipal court judge make up the rest of Galveston's administrative and judicial government.
The City of Galveston's city limits encompass the entire island with the exception of Jamaica Beach, an incorporated village on the west end of the island.