(1) Appoint and remove the City Manager, all City Officers, and Department Heads; (2) Establish other administrative departments; (3) Establish the city's organizational chart and the number and position of employees; (4) Adopt the City budget; (5) Authorize the issuance of bonds by a bond ordinance; (6) Hear employee complaints of nonfeasance, malfeasance, and misfeasance, and inquire into the conduct of any office, department, or agency of the City and make investigations as to municipal affairs; (7) Appoint all commissions, boards, committees, task forces, and/or appointed groups to assist the City Council in the performance of its duties and responsibilities; (8) Set and fix the salaries and compensation for the non-elective City officers and employees; (9) Adopt and modify the zoning plan and the building code of the City; (10) Compromise and settle any and all claims and lawsuits of every kind and character in favor or against the City; (11) Adopt plats; (12) Adopt and amend the Comprehensive Plan; (13) Adopt Robert's Rules of Order governing City Council parliamentary procedures and amend such rules as necessary; and (14) Adopt and modify the official map of the City.
Eligibility requirements
A candidate for city council from a council district must meet all eligibility requirements of state law and must have resided continuously in the state for 12 months and in the council district from which the member is seeking election for six months immediately preceding the regular filing deadline for a council candidate's application for a place on the ballot. If a council member elected from a council district ceases to reside in the district as the boundaries of the district were drawn at the time of the council member's election, the council member automatically resigns.
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FAQ
How often is City Legislature elected?
The position of City Legislature is typically elected every 4 years.
What does it mean for an election to be nonpartisan?
Nonpartisan elections do not require candidates to declare a party affiliation.
What are the filing requirements to get on the ballot in Austin, TX?
Candidates' application shall be accompanied by a filing fee of five hundred dollars ($500.00). If the petition is sufficient to satisfy statutory requirements, the filing fee may be reduced by one dollar ($1.00) per signature for each registered voter who signs a petition requesting that the name of the candidate be placed on the ballot. In case of a district position, the petition shall be signed by registered voters residing in the particular district. Such application shall clearly designate by number the place on the council to which the candidate seeks election and shall contain a sworn statement by the candidate that he or she is fully qualified under the laws of Texas and the provisions of the city charter to hold the office he or she seeks.
Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?
Submit paperwork to the City Secretary/Clerk's office.
Where is the filing office?
301 W. Second St. Austin, TX 78701.
How can I get in touch with the filing office?
You can contact the filing office by calling 512-974-2210.
How do I get started running for City Legislature?
You can start running for City Legislature by checking to ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements. Next, you can prepare to file for office and start planning your campaign strategy. Get in touch with our team of campaign experts for help with any step of the campaign process!
Is there a primary or runoff election for this office?
The next election for City Legislature includes a primary, but not a runoff election.
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