Buffalo, the seat of Erie County, operates under the mayor-council form of government. All nine members of the common council are elected by the individual Buffalo districts that they represent, and the mayor is elected by the general citizenry to serve a four-year term in office. The council president serves a two-year term, as do the other council members. Elections occur in odd-numbered years, with office being assumed the following January. The mayor is the head of the executive branch of the government, while the council tends to participate primarily on the legislative end of the spectrum.
The city has embarked on an aggressive campaign to cut Buffalo's deficit, including cutting the number of city employees by almost 40 percent.
Head Official: Mayor Anthony M. Masiello (D) (since 1994; current term expires 2006)
Total Number of City Employees: 2,587 (2005)
City Information: Buffalo City Hall, 201 City Hall, 65 Niagara Square, Buffalo, NY 14202; telephone (716)851-4200