From the time Calgary became a city in 1894, it has operated under the council-commission system of municipal government. The council consists of a mayor and 14 councillors who each represent a single ward, or area of the city. Elections are held every three years. The commission is the executive arm of Calgary's government. It includes the mayor and four senior officials, known as commissioners, whose appointments are approved by the council. School boards are the only other elected bodies, although many public services are in the hands of special authorities appointed by the city council.
