Overview

The Bowie City Council consists of six Councilmembers and one Mayor, who are elected every two years. Beginning with the November 2015 election, the terms of office changed from two to four years and elections will be held every four years.

The Mayor and two Councilmembers are elected at large. The other four Councilmembers are elected by their respective districts. Elections are non partisan. You must be 18 years old to run for Mayor and have lived in the city for two years. You must be 18 years old to run for City Council and have lived in the city for one year.

Form of Government

The City of Bowie has a Council / Manager form of government. The Council is the governing body of the city, elected by, and responsible to the voters for the operation of the city. The Council has oversight function and general responsibility for municipal affairs through budgeting and setting policy.

The Mayor is the presiding officer of the Council and the ceremonial head of the government. The Mayor Pro Tem serves in place of the Mayor at meetings and ceremonial events, when the Mayor is absent. The Council selects the Mayor Pro Tem at its first meeting following a city election.

City Manager Appointment

The Council appoints and directs the City Manager. The City Manager serves as the chief executive officer of the city. He supervises all departments and is responsible for the effective management of all financial and administrative actions of the city.

He is responsible for implementing all policy matters established by the City Council and enforcing all city ordinances.