The city of Richmond operates under the mayor-council form of government, with council members serving two-year terms and each representing one of nine districts in the city. A mayor is elected by the general populace, and the council elects a vice-mayor and assistant vice-mayor from among its own ranks. The city was formerly governed by a council-manager system and in 2004 elected its first mayor in almost 60 years.
Head Official: Mayor L. Douglas Wilder (D) (since 2004; current term expires 2006)
Total Number of City Employees: 8,761 (2004)
City Information: City of Richmond, 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219; telephone (804) 646-7000