The elected chief executive of a city or town is the mayor. The office’s powers range from largely ceremonial to full control of the municipal administration, depending on local charters and state law.

Strong-mayor systems give the mayor appointment authority, budget control, and veto power. Council-manager systems assign most administration to an appointed manager, leaving the mayor as a political leader and council member. Mayors deal with policing, land use, local services, and the perennial tension between development and neighborhood concerns.

Urban mayors often become nationally visible when their cities face crises or pioneer policies. Relations with state and national governments affect funding and regulatory freedom. The quality of mayoral leadership can noticeably improve or degrade daily life for large populations in a short time.

Residents encounter the consequences of mayoral decisions every time they use a street, park, or public service.