The City Charter divides the duties and responsibilities of government among the City’s elected and appointed officials. The Mayor appoints and provides direction to the City Administrator who is authorized to administer the affairs of the City and to appoint, discipline, assign or remove department heads and employees under his or her jurisdiction.
City Council members and/or their staff may not direct, coerce, or influence any City administrative staff under the jurisdiction of the Mayor, City Administrator, City Auditor, City Attorney, or City Clerk. Council members may, however, make an inquiry to request data or information from department directors or authorized staff.
Non-Interference in Administrative Affairs Training Module
Are you a City employee that has been inappropriately directed by a councilmember?
Contact the Public Ethics Commission by calling (510)238-3593 or send an email to ethicscommission@oaklandca.gov.