Guide for New Residents
Government of Falcon Heights
Falcon Heights is operated under a form of government known as Plan “A”, which calls for an elected mayor and four elected Councilmembers. This system was adopted on January 1, 1971.
The City Council meets twice a month, on the second and fourth Wednesday evenings at 7:00. The Mayor and Councilmembers are elected to four year terms in elections held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in each odd-numbered year. The Mayor chairs all council meetings, and each Councilmember has a single, equal vote. All meetings are open to the public.
The administrative responsibilities of the City of Falcon Heights are conducted by the City Administrator, who is appointed to office by the Council and serves at the Council’s discretion. The City Administrator attends council meetings, makes recommendations to the Council, and enforces city ordinances. The City Administrator is the City’s chief purchasing agent, the representative in various intergovernmental affairs, and is responsible for budget preparation.
Residents may participate in local government through a variety of avenues. The most important of these is voting. It is necessary for every citizen to register in order that their vote be considered valid. Any citizen, at least 18 years of age on election day, who has lived in the state for 20 days, is eligible to register and vote. A citizen may register:
- up to 20 days preceding any election at City Hall,
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. - up to 20 days preceding any election by postcard
available from the County Auditor or City Hall; or, - on election day at the polling place with proper proof
of identity.
The City is divided into two precincts for voting purposes. Please refer to the map to find your precinct and polling place.
All Commissions consist of members who are appointed to their posts by the Mayor with the Council’s approval. Commission members may not serve more than two consecutive terms.
The Planning Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the City Council. The Planning Commission makes recommendations to the Council concerning rezoning and assures that proposed regulations and other land use issues are compatible with the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
The Human Rights Commission is charged with securing equal opportunity for all citizens in employment, housing, public accommodations, public services, and education.
The City Parks and Recreation Commission is empowered to develop plans for community recreation, explore the means for providing additional recreational opportunities, and to recommend to the Council and annual budget for recreation.
We Want to Help!
If you have a physical or sensory impairment, and require assistance at a city meeting/event, please let us know so that we may contact you to discuss your needs. Call us at 651-792-7600.