The City of St. Petersburg, Florida, operates under a strong mayor-council form of government, with the mayor serving as the chief executive and the city council acting as the legislative body.

Mayor’s Office: Mayor Kenneth T. Welch, inaugurated as the city’s 54th mayor on January 6, 2022, leads the executive branch. The mayor oversees city operations, proposes the annual budget, and implements policies aimed at enhancing residents’ quality of life.

City Council: The St. Petersburg City Council consists of eight members, each representing one of the city’s districts. Council members are responsible for enacting ordinances, approving the budget, and addressing constituents’ concerns. Regular council meetings are held to discuss and decide on city matters.

Government Initiatives: The city has launched several initiatives focused on community development and resident engagement, including:

• Housing Opportunities for All: A comprehensive 10-year plan addressing housing affordability across communities by expanding existing programs and introducing new solutions.

• Healthy St. Pete: A collaborative effort to improve health outcomes, reduce health inequities, and implement policies and programs that give everyone the opportunity to enjoy optimal health.

• St. Pete’s Water Plan: An initiative focused on improving the city’s water infrastructure to ensure a reliable and safe water supply for residents.