The City of Fredericksburg's settlement dates to 1671 and was established by the Virginia General Assembly in 1728, incorporated as a town in 1781, and incorporated as an independent city in 1879. Fredericksburg operates under the Council-Manager form of government adopted in 1912. The seven-member legislative body known as the City Council is composed of a Mayor and six Council Members. The Mayor and two Council Members are elected at-large and the remaining four Council Members are each elected to represent one of four wards. Council Members and the Mayor serve four-year, staggered terms with elections held every two years, in May.

The Mayor and Council appoint the City Manager, the City Attorney, and the City Clerk/Clerk of Council. As the chief administrative officer of the government, the City Manager carries out policy set by Council and administers City programs. All department heads are hired by and responsible to the City Manager.

The City Attorney provides legal assistance and opinions to the Council, the City Manager, and other City departments. The Attorney is also responsible for drafting ordinances and maintaining the City Code.

The City Clerk is responsible for preparing and maintaining the official records of the City and serves as the administrative support to the legislative body.

Boards and Commissions
City Departments
City Organizational Chart (printer friendly Adobe PDF*)
Coat of Arms Symbolism (printer friendly Adobe PDF*)
Constitutional Officers
Council Members
Council Staff

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