The City Council is responsible for making policy, passing ordinances, voting appropriations, and having overall supervisory authority in the city government. In such a government, the Mayor acts as a member and presiding officer of the council. The Mayor performs various ceremonial duties on behalf of the City and Council. There are five (5) elected officials who serve staggered 4-year terms. Their service is voluntary, with no monetary compensation. In addition to hiring the City Manager, the City Council also hires the City Attorney who serves as the City's primary legal advisor.
The City Council meets on the first and third Tuesday every month to conduct business in open public sessions. The Council meetings are held in the Orinda Library Auditorium beginning at 7:00 p.m.
