City Government Description

Oklahoma City operates under a council–manager system of government established in 1927. The City’s elected body consists of the Mayor and eight Council members, each representing one of the City’s eight wards. The Mayor, elected at-large for a four‑year term, presides over council meetings and participates in legislative votes equally with council members. The Oklahoma City Council enacts ordinances, adopts the annual budget, and appoints the City Manager, who serves as the City’s chief administrative officer.

The current Mayor (since April 10, 2018) is David Holt, and the City Manager is Craig Freeman, appointed in November 2018. Together with department leaders, they oversee daily administration and policy implementation across a broad spectrum of municipal services.

The City Manager coordinates numerous departments—spanning public safety (Police, Fire), infrastructure and utilities (Water, Trash & Recycling, Transportation), Development Services (permit issuance, code enforcement, planning), Economic Development, Parks & Recreation, Arts & Cultural Affairs, and Equity & Inclusion initiatives. The Office of the City Clerk manages official records, council and board agendas, elections, bidding, and legal filings. Additionally, a variety of boards, commissions, and trusts advise in areas like planning, zoning, animal welfare, arts, and sustainability. Residents are encouraged to engage through public meetings, the Action Center, community outreach, and digital tools such as the OKC Connect app and MAPS 4 project information.