If you enjoy the camaraderie and exercise of team and individual sports, contact our Parks and Recreation Department for a schedule of upcoming leagues and seasons, along with how to sign up and any potential costs.
We do have strict rules and regulations about letting pets and other animals roam free. If your neighborhood is having a problem, contact the Office of Animal Control for assistance.
If you are just moving in, you can learn about trash pick-up days and times, along with any requirements by calling the city's Office of Waste Management.
We have lots of fun activities and events going on in this and the coming months. To keep abreast of them, check the city's Special Events calendar for dates, times and any changes. We look forward to seeing you.
The purpose of our Office of Community Development is to foster public involvement and assist decision makers and the public with creating and initiating policies that address environmental, economic and social needs for both the present and future.
Looking for a job? Pay a visit to our Human Resources Department page for a list of job openings that we have as well as for information on how to apply.
In 1919, disaster struck Boston when a giant tank of molasses burst, sending over 2 million gallons of the dark brown goo through its streets. It took over six months for city crews to clean up the mess.
As everyone knows, L.A. is the abbreviation for the city of Los Angeles. But did you that it is an abbreviation as well? The city's real name is El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de los Angeles de Porciuncula.
To cut down on pollution and to help relieve traffic and congestion, take advantage of our public transportation system. Not sure where to find a stop? Contact the Office of Public Transportation for a schedule of times and and stop locations.
Don't let our city streets fall into disrepair. If you notice potholes, broken sidewalks, or other problems call the city's Public Works Department to report them so we can make repairs.
City highs and lows: At 13,615 feet above sea level, El Alto, Bolivia is the highest city in the world. In fact, the city’s name means “The Heights.” At the other end, Jericho in Palestine is the lowest, sitting at 846 feet below sea level.
"The life of our city is rich in poetic and marvelous subjects. We are enveloped and steeped as though in an atmosphere of the marvelous..." - Charles Baudelaire
Would you like to give input into the city's operations and decision-making processes? We have the City Council Meetings calendar posted, along with an updated agenda on our website.
Florida is home to many amazing cities, two of which are worth mentioning: St. Augustine is the oldest city in the country, having been established in 1565. Miami is the only U.S. city founded by a woman, Julia Tuttle, in 1896.
"Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody. " - Jane Jacobs
"The single most important thing a city can do is provide a community where interesting, smart people want to live with their families." - Malcolm Gladwell
"A city is a place where there is no need to wait for next week to get the answer to a question, to taste the food of any country, to find new voices to listen to and familiar ones to listen to again." - Margaret Mead
Planning to hold an event or celebration on public property? After reserving the space and obtaining any permits, contact the Police Department for information on security and crowd control requirements.
If you need the gas turned on for your home or business, or you suspect there's a leak or other problem, contact the Office of Public Utilities for assistance.
In 1998, a U.S. city rejected a pedestrian bridge design because it was considered "too modern." The design was based on plans made by Leonardo Da Vinci in 1504.
Did you know: Even though it's colder in winter, New York City, at 40.7128° North, is further south than Rome, which is located at 41.9028° North.
If you suspect a business is in violation of city code regulations, you can report it to the Office of Code Compliance and we will conduct an investigation, and take any action that may be warranted.
Are you an elementary school teacher? One of the most enjoyable and educational field trips you can arrange is a visit to one of our local fire stations. A quick phone call is all it takes to find one and make arrangements.
No matter if you are constructing a new building or remodeling, renovating or adding on to an old one, contact the Office of Code Compliance for information on building codes and to arrange for any needed permits.
To make the lives of elderly people easier, a city government will usually have a bureau that is focused on the needs of senior citizens. This office is in charge of coming up with programs that enhance the quality of life of the old and give them the protection they need against abuse and neglect.
As part of its public safety mandate, a local government will need to protect people and properties from calamities. As such, the city will need to field an effective fire department that can adequately respond to fires and disasters, and provide rescue to anyone who needs it.
One of the most important services provided by the city government is sanitation. This service ensures that the city is kept clean by continuously removing waste not just from public spaces but from all areas that fall within the city’s jurisdiction.
While city mayors hold a lot of power, they are ultimately answerable to the people that they serve. After all, their right to govern is bestowed by the city’s electorate so they need to prove that the trust placed in them is deserved.
For most indigent residents, the city’s social services department is something they rely on. This department is responsible for administering a lot of social services, among which are feeding programs, adoption services, and skills training.
With the country being so large, it would be impossible for the federal government to run everything. As such, power needs to be delegated to different levels (i.e. state, municipal, county) to ensure that the overwhelming majority of citizens are given adequate governance.
A big event that’s scheduled in a city will require a lot of coordination with the local government. Business and safety permits, among others, will need to be obtained by the organizers so a lot of lead time will be required to ensure that everything complies with the rules.
The federal government comes up with laws that apply to everyone in the country but these tend to be general in nature. City ordinances, on the other hand, are more tailor-fit to the citizens in their jurisdiction so they’re very effective at keeping things orderly on a macro level.
If you’re planning on building, whether it's a residential, commercial or industrial structure, you can’t just hire a contractor and start work right away. Instead, you’re going to first need to secure building permits from the local government as any structure built without one would be illegal.
A municipal government is composed of many offices so things need to be well-organized. Lines of communication between bureaus, for instance, should be kept open to minimize any overlaps that may inconvenience the city’s residents.
Aside from roads and public buildings, a city’s engineering office is also responsible for public conveniences (e.g. stop lights, street lights, public restrooms, etc.). As such, it is their duty to keep track of these facilities and make sure that they are always fit to use.
While federal and state governments are responsible for many things, most of the government services you depend on are actually provided by local authorities. Sanitation, for instance, or fire and police services all fall under the mandate of the city government.
Emergency medical technicians (aka EMTs) are a crucial part of a city’s fire department. These highly trained professionals play a vital role as they can dispense effective medical intervention that often buys the critically ill or injured enough time to get to a hospital.
When it comes to violations of city ordinances, minor crimes, and civil cases, jurisdiction usually falls under a city’s courts. However, for more serious infractions, jurisdiction is transferred to the state as the issues are beyond the scope of municipal courts.
While the city does make money from issuing building permits, this isn’t the main reason why it’s required. These permits are very important to public safety as they ensure that the structure to be built adheres to current building codes and safety standards.
Among the things that a local government tries to do is streamline their operations. Cutting red tape makes it easier for residents to transact with the different city offices, thus encouraging them to comply with their obligations.
Aside from providing social services, city governments must also make sure that the city’s infrastructure is kept in good shape. Public roads, in particular, will need to be always fit for use so it’s up to the city engineer’s office to ensure that the road network is well-maintained.
One of the services provided by a city government is business licensing. To be able to operate legally, a business owner will need to be granted a permit by the city to ensure that the fees and taxes will be paid and that the products or services being offered are not illegal.
One of the most important offices in any city government is the city treasurer’s office. After all, the city treasurer is responsible for managing the city’s income and expenditures and making sure that the books never go into the red.
One of the most important bureaus of a city government is its social welfare department. This office is mandated to take care of the needs of indigent residents and to provide rescue to people who are victims of maltreatment and violence.
To fund its operations as well as its myriad projects, a city government will need to rely on its citizens to provide a big share of the funding. This comes in the form of the local taxes levied on the residents as well as the fines and licensing fees that they need to pay.
While part of a city’s funding is provided by the federal and state governments, a lot of its other needs are obtained from other sources. Property taxes, in particular, are a major source of funds so local governments make tax collection a top priority.
A city’s police force wields a lot of authority so it would be a good idea to give them the respect that’s due. A traffic stop, for instance, need not be met with hostility because the cop will let you be on your way as soon as he or she verifies that nothing is wrong.
One of the most important mandates of a city government is to ensure that law and order are always upheld. As such, a city must always have an adequate police force that can effectively cover all the areas within the jurisdiction.
If you need to get a business permit, don’t expect to go to a window and get issued one right away. Such a request will usually take some time to complete as different offices will need to scrutinize your paperwork before you can be approved.
Not sure what zoning restrictions are in place on your property, or one you are interested in acquiring? The city's zoning commission will gladly answer your questions.
If you’re starting a new business in the city, one of the things to expect before you can be issued a permit is a visit by the city’s engineering office. Such an inspection aims to ensure that the structure complies with local codes and is safe to be in.
Too many strays wandering your neighborhood? Call the Animal Control office and let them know where you are located and what types of animals are running loose.
If you’re starting a new business in the city, one of the things to expect before you can be issued a permit is a visit by the city’s engineering office. Such an inspection aims to ensure that the structure complies with local codes and is safe to be in.
Do you have a home-based business? If you ship and receive deliveries to and from your home, check with the city offices to find out if there are any restrictions you need to be aware of.
Need a bus schedule? The office of Public Transportation is where to turn. In addition to schedules, you can also get information on routes as well as make arrangements for any special services you might need.
Too many strays wandering your neighborhood? Call the Animal Control office and let them know where you are located and what types of animals are running loose.
If you’re starting a new business in the city, one of the things to expect before you can be issued a permit is a visit by the city’s engineering office. Such an inspection aims to ensure that the structure complies with local codes and is safe to be in.
Would you like to have a family gathering or other outdoor celebration? Reserve the space you want by calling Parks and Recreation. Without one it's first come, first served.
Sewer maintenance and repairs are the responsibility of the Office of Public Works. If you are having problems or have questions, the staff there will gladly provide the assistance you need.
Do you have a home-based business? If you ship and receive deliveries to and from your home, check with the city offices to find out if there are any restrictions you need to be aware of.
Need a bus schedule? The office of Public Transportation is where to turn. In addition to schedules, you can also get information on routes as well as make arrangements for any special services you might need.
Too many strays wandering your neighborhood? Call the Animal Control office and let them know where you are located and what types of animals are running loose.