Government

Raleigh, North Carolina

City Government Description

The City of Raleigh, North Carolina, operates under a council–manager form of government: policy leadership is provided by an elected mayor and city council, and day‑to‑day administrative operations are overseen by a professionally appointed city manager.

The elected City Council consists of the mayor and council members representing at‑large and district constituencies; they set policies, adopt ordinances and budgets, and act as the governing body. The City Manager, appointed by the council, implements council policies and directs more than 20 city departments.

Key administrative departments include Budget & Management Services, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Sustainability, Strategy & Innovation, Community Engagement, Economic & Social Advancement, Planning & Development, Engineering Services, Water & Sewer, Transportation, Solid Waste, Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources, Police, Fire, Emergency Communications, Special Events, Housing & Community Development, and the Convention & Performing Arts Complex.

Each department is led by a director or manager and is responsible for delivering services to the public, from infrastructure and public safety to arts, sustainability, utilities, and community development. The City Manager’s Office coordinates across departments and oversees internal audit, economic development, sustainability initiatives, and special events.

Contact Information

City Municipal Building
222 West Hargett Street, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA
General Line: 919‑996‑3070
City Manager’s Office Email: citymanager@raleighnc.gov
Communications Office: 919‑996‑3100, Email: communications@raleighnc.gov

General Information

City Council – legislative body led by the mayor and councilmembers
City Manager’s Office – central administration and coordination
Finance Department – manages budget, accounting, and internal audit
Human Resources – staffing, benefits, training
Information Technology – citywide IT systems and support
Sustainability – environmental planning and climate initiatives
Strategy & Innovation – long‑range planning and innovation
Community Engagement – public participation and outreach
Economic & Social Advancement – equity, inclusion, and economic development
Planning & Development – land use, zoning, building inspections
Engineering Services – infrastructure design and construction
Water & Sewer – water treatment, sewage, and utilities
Transportation – traffic, transit planning, and mobility
Solid Waste Services – landfill, recycling, trash collection
Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources – parks, recreation, arts
Police Department – public safety and law enforcement
Fire Department – fire prevention and emergency response
Emergency Communications – 911 dispatch and coordination
Special Events – city‑sponsored festivals and programs
Housing & Community Development – affordable housing and social services
Convention & Performing Arts Complex – Raleigh Convention Center and arts venues