Citizens elected to change the form of City government in November 2010.  In the new municipal structure the Mayor is the city government's chief executive and the City Council is its legislative branch.  The Mayor is not a member of the City Council, but may participate in City Council meetings. 

The Mayor of Colorado Springs represents the City on local, state and national levels.  He is authorized to sign legal documents on behalf of the City. In his absence, his duties are performed by the President of the City Council. 

The Mayor appoints all department directors except for the City Auditor and the Executive Director of Colorado Springs Utilities, who are appointed by the City Council.  The Mayor proposes a City Budget and the Council approves or changes it. 

The City Council is Colorado Springs' legislative body. It sets policies, approves budgets, establishes tax rates and passes ordinances and resolutions to govern the city.

The Colorado Springs City Council is made up of nine officials who are elected for four-year terms - six district representatives and two at-large representatives. Councilmembers are paid an annual stipend of $6250.

Councilmembers elect a President and president Pro-tem from among themselves to preside over their meetings. On April 16, 2013, Council elected Keith King to serve as President and Merv Bennett to serve as President Pro-Tem.

City Council holds Regular Meetings at 1 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month and Works Session Meetings at 1 p.m. on Mondays preceding regular meetings. All meetings are held in Council Chambers located on the third floor of City Hall, 107 North Nevada Avenue and are open to the public, except portions in which legal, land acquisition or personnel matters are discussed.

City elections are held the first Tuesday in April in odd-numbered years.  The next election for district councilmember positions will be in 2017 and the next election for at-large positions and mayor will be in 2015.  The elections are non-partisan.