The Mayor of Joliet: what the office does and how city leadership works
A nonpartisan look at the Mayor of Joliet: how the office fits into Joliet's council-manager government, what the mayor can and cannot do alone, and when the seat is next on the ballot.
- Council-managerForm of government
- 1 of 9 votesOn City Council
- 4 yearsTerm, elected citywide
- April 6, 2027Next mayoral election
How Joliet's city government is set up
Joliet uses a council-manager form of government. Voters elect a nine-member City Council: the mayor, five members chosen by district and three chosen at large. The council sets policy, passes ordinances and approves the budget. A professional city manager, hired by the council, runs day-to-day city departments and staff.
That means the mayor is not a "strong mayor" like in Chicago. The mayor is the city's top elected official and leads the council, but daily operations sit with the city manager.
What the mayor does
- Leads City Council meetings. The mayor presides over meetings and votes as one of the nine council members.
- Recommends appointments. The mayor typically recommends people for city boards and commissions, which the council then confirms.
- Represents the city. The mayor speaks for Joliet at public events and with other governments, agencies and businesses.
- Other duties set by law. Illinois law and the Joliet city code give the mayor further roles, such as local liquor control commissioner. Check the city code for the full list.
What the mayor cannot do alone
The mayor cannot pass an ordinance, approve a budget or spend city money without a council vote. Hiring and directing most city staff, including department operations, runs through the city manager. When you want something changed, the full council is usually who decides.
Term and next election
The mayor is elected citywide to a four-year term. The seat is on the ballot at the consolidated municipal election on April 6, 2027, along with City Council Districts 1 through 5. Candidate filing runs through the City Clerk. See our [2027 candidate filing guide](/elections/2027-candidate-filing-guide/) and [who's running](/candidates/).
How to engage with the mayor and council
- Attend a City Council meeting at City Hall, 150 W. Jefferson St., or watch the recording.
- Speak during public comment. Our [public comment guide](/public-comment/) explains how.
- Read agendas before meetings so you know what is up for a vote.
- Contact the mayor's office through the official city website.
This guide explains the office, not any person in it. Joliet Votes does not endorse candidates or officeholders.
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