City of Surrey's 2021 - 2025 Financial Plan

DEPARTMENTAL OVERVIEW MAYOR AND COUNCIL

Surrey City Council is comprised of the Mayor and eight Councillors who provide leadership and vision for the City as the governing body. Municipal elections are held every four years, with an upcoming election to take place in October 2022. Council meetings, held two or three times every month, occur on Monday afternoons and evenings in the Council Chambers at Surrey City Hall. These meetings provide residents, community groups and businesses with an opportunity to appear before Council in the form of a public delegation to voice concerns or recommendations and participate in the law-making process. The most important goals of City Council are to create prosperous, safe, sustainable, clean, and active communities. Key initiatives include: Municipal Government responsibilities as outlined in the Community Charter, the Local Government Act and other provincial statutes as well as the adoption of bylaws, policies and levying of taxes for these purposes. Council also has the responsibility to obtain, release and manage City property, assets and operations as delegated through the City Manager. Council members are involved at all levels of government, often serving on local, regional, provincial and federal committees, boards and commissions. The Mayor has civic authority to establish various committees and may appoint both Council and civilian members. Once established, committees are primarily deliberative and bring forth their recommendations to City Council for adoption. Altogether, there are several standing committees, select committees, boards, commissions and task forces appointed and steered by Council Members. As elected officials, the Mayor and City Council use their authority to establish and enact sustainable policies that aide in promoting the overall growth, development and operation of Surrey.

Surrey City Hall, looking south at dusk

City of Surrey | 2021—2025 Financial Plan | General Operating Fund | Mayor, Council & Grants

118