The five-member City Council is elected by residents and is the governing body of San Mateo. The next year's mayor is picked each December from amongst the group. All council members hold equal power, and the council hires a city manager to oversee daily operations. Council members serve four-year terms.
Meetings are generally held on the first and third Mondays of the month. Meetings occasionally are moved to Tuesdays to accommodate holidays.
Source: www.cityofsanmateo.org
