City of Sunnyvale City Council

Santa Clara County’s second-largest city switched to district-based voting for its City Council in the 2020 primary election, with a separate at-large mayoral race. (The vice mayor remains an appointed position.) Representatives in even-numbered districts and the new mayor were elected in 2020 to four-year terms; odd-numbered district reps will run in 2022. The city sets a limit of three four-year terms in a 16-year period. One of the council’s big responsibilities is appointing a city manager, who oversees city operations through collaboration and coordination with city departments. The council also works with the many volunteers who serve on the city’s ten different boards and commissions.