Mayor-council government is one of the four forms of government in Massachusetts. At present, 47 municipalities have a mayor-council government. Three of these cities have a city manager in addition to a mayor and council (Cambridge, Lowell, and Worcester).

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Mayor-council governments typically feature an elected executive officer called the mayor and an elected legislative body called the city council.

 

Council size may range from seven to fifteen elected members. 

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Mayor-council governments fall into two categories: a strong mayor-council or a weak mayor-council. The terms "strong" or "weak" reflect the degree of political power assigned to the mayor.

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The National League of Cities (NCL) lists the following characteristics as those of a "strong" mayor:

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• is the chief executive officer

• directs the administrative structure, appoints and removes department heads

• has veto power

• oversees daily operations

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In contrast, the NCL lists the following characteristics as those of a "weak" mayor:

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• is not the chief executive and has limited power or no veto power​

• the city council has the power to prevent the mayor from effectively doing their job

• administrative boards and commissions may operate without oversight from the city government

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