Boston,

Boston operates under a mayor-council form of government; the mayor is elected to four-year terms and the council members to two-year terms. In addition to governing the city of Boston, the mayor and council act as commissioners for the county of Suffolk. Their jurisdiction covers cities outside Boston's city limits: Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop.

Head Official: Mayor Thomas M. Menino (D) (since 1994; current term expires January 2006)

Total Number of City Employees: 16,049, including police, fire, and school (2004)

City Information: Mayor's Office, City of Boston, One City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA 02201; telephone (617)635-4500