Newark: Municipal Government

Newark operates with a mayor-council form of government. The mayor, who is not a voting member, serves a four-year term and executes the legislation enacted by the council. The nine council members also serve four-year terms; five council members are elected at large and four by the individual municipal wards that they represent. The council is responsible for codification and legislation for the municipality as well as budgetary compliance. Newark is the governmental seat for Essex County.

Head Official: Mayor Sharpe James (D) (since 1986; current term expires 2006)

Total Number of City Employees: 3,984 (2005)

City Information: Newark City Hall, 920 Broad Street Suite 214, Newark, NJ 07102; telephone (973)733-8004