The City of La Quinta was organized, formed and incorporated under the laws of the State of California on May 1, 1982. It has a “Council-Manager” general law form of government where the City Manager is appointed by the City Council and is the Chief Executive Officer of the Municipal Corporation. The Council acts as the board of directors of the municipal corporation and meets in a public forum where citizens may participate in the governmental process.

The City Council consists of five members elected at-large, on a non-partisan basis. Residents elect the Mayor and four Council members, making each accountable to the entire citizenry. Council members serve four-year overlapping terms. The Mayor is directly elected and serves a two-year term. The City Council establishes City policies, approves ordinances and resolutions, makes land use decisions, approves agreements and contracts, and hears appeals on decisions made by City staff or advisory committees.

La Quinta's City Manager is the Chief Executive Officer of the City. The City Manager is appointed by the City Council to enforce City laws, to direct the operations of City government, to prepare and manage the municipal budget, and to implement the policies and programs initiated by the City Council. The City manager is responsible to the City Council, and directs departments and operations.

What is a City Manager? Imagine your city government as a football team, with skilled players and keen instincts, ready to lead a drive to the goal line. On the field is the City Council, acting in every way as the city’s coaching staff. The Council scopes out the challenges ahead, devises the plays, and prepares the team for success, but no matter how exciting the plans are, they can’t be implemented without the quarterback.

City Managers are like that quarterback. They relay the plans from the coach to the team, and organize the city employees to move the ball down the field for a touchdown. They are the vital connection between planning and execution that every city depends on. City Managers oversee the operations and finances of cities to make sure the City Council’s policy direction becomes a reality.