The City of Torrance is a Charter City governed as a Council/Manager form of government.The City Council is comprised of the Mayor and six City Council members who are elected at large by registered voters of the City. The Mayor and Councilmembers each serve a four-year term. The City of Torrance has a two-term limit for City Council. The City Clerk and City Treasurer elected every four years and do not have term limits. Elections are held every two years, on the even year, with three Councilmembers seats up for consideration in 2004.
In the Council/Manager form of government, the City Council, as the elected body, adopts legislation, sets policy, adjudicates issues and establishes the budget of the City. The City Council appoints the City Manager and the City Attorney. The City Manager is charged with the duty of implementing City Council policy and laws as the administering head of the government.The City Council appoints volunteers to serve on various advisory boards, commissions and committees. Councilmembers and the Mayor may serve as representatives on intergovernmental and regional boards, commissions and committees as part of their elected capacity.Councilmembers and the Mayor are directly accountable to the electorate and must constantly balance the views of individuals and groups with the needs of the entire community.
City Council
The Torrance City Council meets every Tuesday in Council Chambers at City Hall, 3031 Torrance Boulevard, unless adjourned to another time or place. Regular business commences no earlier than 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, except for the first Tuesday of the month when the meeting begins at 6 p.m., unless otherwise publicly noticed. The City Council may convene at 5:30 p.m. for an Executive Session, which is a closed session authorized under the Brown Act.
Redevelopment Agency
Meetings: Every Tuesday that the City Council meets. City Council recesses and meets as the Agency.
Finance Authority
Meetings: As needed whenever City Council meets. City Council recesses and meets as the Authority.
Cable Television Foundation
Meetings: As needed whenever City Council meets. City Council recesses and meets as the Foundation.
Community Planning and Design
Has jurisdiction over General Plan review and implementation, redevelopment, zoning and land use matters and environmental matters relating thereto.
Public Safety
Has jurisdiction over matters relating to crime prevention and law enforcement, fire protection and rescue, fire prevention and suppression, building safety and code enforcement, oil safety matters, solid waste collection and disposal, water system operations, waste water collection and disposal, street trees and maintenance thereof, street cleaning and animal control.
Transportation
Has jurisdiction over matters relating to ground and air transportation systems, street circulation and environmental consequences thereof.
Citizen Development and Enrichment
Has jurisdiction over matters relating to library services, parks, recreation, cultural enrichment programs, educational systems and school district liaison, community relations, senior citizen and youth programs and employment opportunities.
Finance and Governmental Operation
Has jurisdiction over matters relating to accounting, auditing, budget procedures, disbursement of City funds, franchises, licensing, alternative revenue and taxation matters, capital improvements and efficiency of municipal operations.
Employee RelationHas jurisdiction over matters relating to Civil Service methods of employment, affirmative action goals and employer/employee relations, including wages, hours and working conditions of City employees.
