One of the most important ways to become an engaged member of your community is by knowing how your local government works. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about Orlando’s government and how locals can get involved.

The City of Orlando operates under a mayor-council form of government, where a City Council of six City Commissioners — plus a Mayor — are elected to four-year terms. Each City Commissioner represents a specific district, while the Mayor is elected at-large + also serves as a seventh member of the Council. Did you know? Buddy Dyer has served as Mayor since 2003, making him the longest-serving Mayor in city history.

As the primary legislative body for the city, Orlando's City Council is responsible for a wide variety of tasks, including:

Making and amending policy
Levying taxes
Implementing the city budget

Orlando also serves as the county seat for Orange County, which has its own Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.

How to participate

Those wanting to run for city public office in Orlando must meet two main requirements:

Must be a registered voter in the City of Orlando
Must have been a resident of the City of Orlando for at least one year prior to running

Pro tip: Commissioner candidates must have been a resident and registered voter of the district they're running in for at least one year.

Not interested in running for office? Orlandoans can get involved in other ways:

Provide input to the Mayor and City Council on topics ranging from affordable housing to parks and recreation as an Advisory Board or Commission member
Participate in the Mayor's City Academy Program to get hands-on knowledge of key government functions like police, fire, and environmental services
Join the Community Engagement Group to complete surveys that inform decision-making regarding city programs