The city government of Los Angeles is run by a mayor and a city council as mandated by the city charter. In 1999 voters approved a new city charter to replace the one adopted in 1925. The mayor is elected in a citywide election for a four-year term. The city council members are elected from 15 districts to serve four-year terms. Los Angeles is unusual among U.S. cities in that independent commissions establish policy for most city departments. The mayor appoints commission members with the approval of the city council. The new city charter grants the mayor increased power to dismiss commission members as well. A five-member County Board of Supervisors governs Los Angeles County. In addition to providing services for areas not inside a city jurisdiction, the supervisors oversee countywide programs such as air pollution and flood control.
