To be an effective citizen, you have to be a knowledgeable one.

How does our local government work? Where can I have a say? Who can I go to if I have a problem? What resources are available to me?

Class is in session, Charlotte. We’re teaching Charlotte Gov 101, where we break down different aspects of our local government to help you become more engaged Charlottean and build healthier (and more effective) communities. First up:

City Council

The Queen City uses a mayor–council system, where the elected City Council — including the mayor — develops policies, enacts laws, and appoints a city manager to oversee daily operations.

City Manager Marcus D. Jones | Serving since December 2016, Jones oversees the city’s daily operations and presents the city's proposed fiscal year budgets.

Charlotte's City Council held a swearing-in ceremony in December 2025. | Photo via City of Charlotte

How is City Council structured?

The mayor is elected at-large

Vi Lyles

Four council members are elected at-large

Seven district council members represent CLT's districts

District 1 | Danté Anderson
District 2 | Malcolm Graham
District 3 | Joi Mayo
District 4 | Reneé Johnson
District 5 | JD Mazuera Arias
District 6 | Kimberly Owens
District 7 | Edmund H. Driggs

Use this map to find out who represents you.

How long do they serve?

In Charlotte, the mayor and city council members serve for two years and are elected during the municipal elections, held in odd-numbered years. The next election will be in 2027.

Fill the chamber to hear about the proposed FY2027 budget. | Photo via City of Charlotte

How can I get involved in meetings?

Council typically meets every Monday at various times throughout the year at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, either in the council chamber or room 267. The schedule is:

First Monday: Committee discussions
Second and fourth Monday: Agenda action meeting, public forum, and votes
Third Monday: Zoning meetings

If you want to speak about an agenda item:

Step 1: View the agenda that is posted online on Fridays before the meetings.
Step 2: Complete this form no later than 1 p.m. on the day of the meeting with your contact info and which agenda item you would like to speak about.
Step 3: Show up to the meeting and wait to be called upon during public comments — you’ll have three minutes to speak.

Minutes will be posted after the meeting, or you can watch recordings of previous meetings on the City’s YouTube channel.