Municipal councillor job description

by OpenCouncil
Published Jul 5, 2024, edited May 24, 2026

Mayor’s role​

The role of head of council is to:

• Act as the municipality’s chief executive officer
• Preside over council meetings such that business is carried out both efficiently and effectively
• Provide leadership to the council
• Provide information/recommendations to council on policies, practices, procedures, to ensure transparency and accountability
• Represent the municipality at official functions

Councillor​

The role of a councillor is to:

• Represent the public and to consider the well- being and interests of the municipality
• Develop and evaluate the policies and programs of the municipality
• Determine which services the municipality provides
• Maintain the financial integrity of the municipality
• Ensure that administrative policies practices are in place to implement the decisions of council
• Ensure the accountability and transparency of the operations of the municipality

Municipal councillors also sit as members of a number of Standing Committees. These committees carry out much of the work of council and then report back to council with recommendations.