Valley Center is governed by a Mayor and an eight-member City Council, which when combined comprise the Governing Body. Council members are elected by wards, with the Mayor elected at-large, all on a non-partisan ballot. Council members are elected to staggered four-year terms. City Council elections are held every two years.
Valley Center's Form of Government
Valley Center operates under a City Administrator, Mayor, City Council form of government. Under this form of government, the Mayor:
- Presides over meetings of the City Council
- Has an original vote on charter ordinances
- May cast tie breaking votes
- May cast the "5th Vote" on Ordinances (Ordinances require approval of a majority of the "members-elect" regardless of the number present)
- May veto ordinances
- Appoints, with City Council consent, volunteer citizen board members
- Serves as the official spokesperson for the City