Huntington Beach, California, operates under a council-manager form of government. This means that elected officials (the City Council) set policies, and a City Manager (appointed by the council) handles daily administrative operations. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

City Council

• The City Council consists of seven members, including the Mayor.
• Council members are elected at large (citywide) for four-year terms.
• The Mayor is selected from among the council members and serves a one-year term.
• The City Council is responsible for adopting laws, setting the city’s budget, and overseeing policy decisions.

City Manager

• The City Manager is appointed by the City Council and serves as the chief executive officer of the city.
• Responsible for carrying out council policies and overseeing city departments.

Mayor

• The Mayor is primarily a ceremonial leader with no extra executive power beyond the City Council role.
• Chairs council meetings and represents the city at official events.

City Departments

Huntington Beach has multiple departments, including:

• Police Department (HBPD) – Law enforcement and public safety.
• Fire Department (HBFD) – Fire prevention and emergency response.
• Public Works – Infrastructure, water, and transportation.
• Community & Library Services – Parks, recreation, and library services.
• Finance Department – Budget and financial management.
• Community Development – Planning, zoning, and economic development.

Boards & Commissions

The city has several advisory boards and commissions, such as:

• Planning Commission
• Environmental Board
• Human Relations Task Force

Elections & Meetings

• City Council elections occur every two years, with staggered terms.
• Regular City Council meetings are held at City Hall and are open to the public.