Job Duties of a Mayor

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While the size of the city may vary, the mayor is always considered the head of a city, running the business and day-to-day administration of that city. The mayor also sets the tone for the culture and future of the city's operations and acts as the chief spokesperson for city activities and legislation.


Whether working with a town council, city commission, board of commissioners or other city-level entities, the mayor works with this body of officials to enact legislation such as city taxes, liquor laws or others. The mayor is often the presiding officer at these meetings and should sign all official documents. Additionally, the mayor appoints many positions, such as those for advisory committees and executive positions such as city clerk (if not elected) or city treasurer.

Community Involvement

The mayor is responsible for promoting city beautification, arts, cultural affairs, parks and recreation activities. If tourism is a component of the city's business plans, the mayor should foster programs to boost this lucrative industry. He should ensure the city is kept clean and orderly, with opportunities for citizens to experience a good quality of life and enjoy good health.

Recruits Business

As the executive in charge of budgeting, the mayor's duties include recruiting and retraining businesses for the city. This action helps to build the city's tax base as well as create jobs for citizens. The mayor may attract these businesses through tax incentives and other attractive incentives in order to sway a business toward relocating to the mayor's community.

Meeting with Citizenry

The Mayor should not make decisions in a vacuum. Instead, he should listen to the citizens, staff, businesses and department heads in order to receive input about changes or potential changes to legislation. In addition, the mayor should make goodwill and public appearance events to business openings, school functions, speeches, community functions, etc.


The mayor should work with administrators and city officials to reach a budget that falls within the given parameters of the city's income. The mayor should present and adopt that budget as well as ensure the funds are distributed in a proper and equitable manner. Each year, the mayor should also oversee the re-budgeting process to ensure funds have been appropriated and utilized correctly.