Local Government

San Francisco is the only city in California that is also a county. Its governing powers are vested in a 11-member Board of Supervisors. Starting with the Fall 2000 elections, the supervisors will be elected by district, with each serving a four-year term. The Board of Supervisors' weekly meetings are held each Monday at 2 pm, and results may be obtained by calling 415-554-5555.

The mayor -the chief executive of the city- is elected by the voters for a four-year term, as are the city assessor, treasurer, attorney, public defender, district attorney and sheriff. San Francisco's city administrator and controller are appointed by the mayor, who also appoints members of various boards, commissions, authorities and agencies. Exceptions are the unified school district and community-college boards, which are elected by the voters. San Francisco is a charter city and can amend its power at the polls without permission from the California legislature.

The best source of research on City Hall is: www.ci.sf.ca.us/bdsupvrs