Governmental Organization

The City of Orange is a full-service General Law City operating under a council-manager form of government. The elected City Council establishes the legislative and policy-making functions of government, and provides direction for the administration of policy decisions through the City Manager for delegation to appropriate City staff.

City Council

The City Council consists of six members and a directly elected Mayor. The six members of the City Council are elected by-district to a four-year term. The terms of office are staggered. Election of City Councilmembers is non-partisan and members serve part-time. No member may serve more than two consecutive terms or eight consecutive years.

The Mayor is directly elected at-large to a two-year term. No Mayor may serve for more than three consecutive terms or six consecutive years. The Mayor presides at all meetings and is the official head of the City for ceremonial purposes. The Mayor pro tem, who is selected by a majority vote of the City Council, is responsible for carrying out the Mayor’s duties in the absence of the Mayor.

City Manager

The City Manager is appointed by the City Council, and serves as the Council-appointed executive manager of the City. The City Manager is responsible for the implementation and administration of the City Council’s adopted policies and programs. They also oversee the day-to-day operation of the City, its economic development activities, and the Internal Audit Program. In addition, the City Manager appoints and manages the City’s Executive Directors.

City Treasurer

The City Treasurer is directly elected at-large to a four-year term. The City Treasurer ensures the investment of the City’s funds in compliance with state law and the City’s Statement of Investment Policy. The City Treasurer monitors revenues, cash flow and needs, and cash controls.

City Clerk

The City Clerk is directly elected at-large to a four-year term. The duties of the elected City Clerk include: attending all City Council meetings, the administration of democratic processes such as elections, ensuring access to city records, and the execution of all legislative actions.

City Departments

Day-to-day operations are handled by the City’s departments. The departments are run by department directors who report to the City Manager. This organization ensures the City Manager can keep the City Council aware of operational issues of importance and City-wide concern.