Understand the difference between Galveston’s top elected official and the city’s chief administrator — including who sets policy, who runs daily operations and how the council-manager system works.
Who actually runs Galveston city government? A look at how the City Council makes policy, votes on major issues and works with the city manager to govern the island.
What the City Council Can Do: What You Need to Know
A guide to the powers of the Galveston City Council — including budgets, zoning, development, appointments and the decisions that shape how the city operates.
Things City Council Cannot Do: Common Misconceptions
A look at the legal and procedural limits on the Galveston City Council — including what council members cannot control, direct or decide on their own.
What is a City Council Workshop?
A look at how Galveston City Council workshops function as the city’s public working sessions, where major issues are discussed, reviewed and debated before formal votes are taken.
What is the Park Board of Trustees?
Demystifying the entity that promotes tourism on the island, and the Hotel Occupancy Tax that funds it.
A breakdown of the appointed board that oversees the Port of Galveston, including cruise terminals, waterfront property and the island’s maritime operations.
A guide to how Galveston uses zoning rules to regulate development, building height, land use and neighborhood growth across the island.