Corvallis Form of Government

Form of Government

The City of Corvallis is governed by a representative government organized pursuant to a Home Rule charter adopted by voters in the 19th century and subsequently amended, the last time in 2021. The Charter establishes the Council-Manager form of government to carry out local governance for the community.

The nine-member City Council is elected by ward to serve a two-year term as the governing body for Corvallis. The Mayor presides at Council meetings and is elected at-large for a four-year term.

The Mayor and Council provide community leadership, develop policies to guide the City in delivering services and achieving community goals, and encourage public awareness and involvement. The Mayor and Councilors are volunteer positions, but they are eligible to receive stipends in accordance with their specific roles in accordance with Municipal Code Section 1.19.050.

Positions Appointed by City Council

The City Council appoints the City Manager to oversee the administrative operations of the City. The City Manager is responsible for implementing Council policies using the resources appropriated by the Council. City services are delivered by ten operating departments, headed by managers with the education, expertise and commitment to deliver quality services to Corvallis community members:

• City Manager's Office
• Community Development
• Finance
• Fire
• Human Resources
• Information Technology
• Library 
• Parks and Recreation
• Police
• Public Works

The City Council appoints a City Attorney to advise the Council and City staff on legal affairs, to ensure that all laws are effectively enforced, to prosecute violations of City ordinances and State laws, and, when necessary, to defend the City in litigation. Attorney services are currently provided by the law firm of Beery, Elsner & Hammond LLP.

The City Council appoints a Municipal Judge to preside over the Corvallis Municipal Court and ensure that cases involving municipal offenses are fairly decided in a manner consistent with community values on a timely basis.

Policy Advisory Groups

Various Policy Advisory Boards and Commissions serve in an advisory capacity to the City Council within their respective areas of municipal policy. Members are unpaid volunteers who devote countless hours of their time to these community activities and are appointed by the Mayor.