Local Government

Governmental Organization

The City of Ojai is a General Law City operating under a council-manager form of government.

The elected City Council establishes the legislative and policy-making functions of government, and provides direction for the administration of policy decisions through the City Manager for delegation to appropriate City staff.

City Council

The City Council consists of four members and a directly elected Mayor. The four members of the City Council are elected by-district to a four-year term. The Mayor is elected at-large and serves a two year term.

  • Councilmembers are elected by district to serve four-year terms with staggered elections.
  • Election of City Councilmembers is non-partisan, and members serve part-time.
  • The Mayor is directly elected at-large for a two-year term.
  • The Mayor presides at meetings and is the official head of the City for ceremonial purposes.
  • The Mayor pro tem, chosen by a majority vote of the City Council, carries out the Mayor’s duties in their absence.
City Manager

The City Manager is appointed by the City Council, and serves as the Council-appointed executive manager of the City. 

Under the provisions of the Municipal Code, the City Manager is responsible for the administrative functions of the City. City department heads reports to the City Manager who, in turn, reports to the City Council Members.  Areas of responsibility include: 

  • Citywide Policy Implementation
  • Citizen Concerns
  • Legislation & Government Relations
  • Communications & Public Engagement
  • Human Resources
  • Community Service Grants
  • City Council & Citizen Committees
  • Special Projects​


City Treasurer

The City Treasurer is directly elected at-large to a four-year term. ​The Treasurer’s responsibilities include the following: receiving for safekeeping all funds coming into the City treasury; monitoring compliance with laws governing public funds; preparation of monthly investment reports; monitoring cash flow; conducting periodic audits of revenue collections; and review of the annual independent audit. The treasurer is also a member of the City’s Finance and Budget Committee.​


City Clerk
​The Ojai City Clerk is the local elected official who administers democratic processes such as elections, access to city records, and all legislative actions ensuring transparency to the public. The City Clerk acts as a compliance officer for federal, state, and local statutes including the Political Reform Act, the Brown Act, and the Public Records Act. The City Clerk manages public inquiries and relationships and arranges for ceremonial and official functions.
The Ojai City Clerk's Office and Department consists of one elected official and one Management position. The City Clerk is elected at-large for a 4-year term .
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City Departments


Day-to-day operations are handled by the City’s departments. The departments are run by department directors who report to the City Manager.
 
This organization ensures the City Manager can keep the City Council aware of operational issues of importance and City-wide concern.