City Council FAQs

Q:        When does Lakewood City Council meet? 

 A:        At seven-thirty (7:30) p.m. on the first and third Monday of every month, or, if such Monday falls on a Holiday, on the Tuesday following. Typically, only Special Council Meetings or committee meetings are held in the month of August. All regular City Council meetings are held in Council Chambers at City Hall. In addition, there are seven (7) standing committees of Council that meet at the discretion of the appointed chair, usually on Monday nights.

Q:        How long is a Councilmember’s term?

A:        Councilmembers serve four-year terms on a staggered schedule. Every two years there is an election for either the at large positions or the ward positions.

Q:           Do councilmembers serve full-time or part-time?

A:           Councilmembers serve the City part-time. It is typical for councilmembers to maintain separate employment elsewhere, working in professional roles with non-profits, corporations, and as small business owners in the community.

Q:           How much do Councilmembers get paid? 

A:         In 2024 the Civil Service Commission recommended changes to councilmembers’ salaries starting with their next term of service. This was the first increase to Council salaries in 12 years.  As of 2026, at large members earn $15,600 annually and ward members earn $13,000 annually. Ward members will earn $15,600 upon the start of their new terms on Jan. 1^st, 2028.

The Civil Service Commission also recommended that the Council President earn a slightly higher amount to reflect additional duties and responsibilities. Councilmembers have the option to receive health care benefits through the city. The 2024 Civil Service Commission report is available here.

Q:        What are the roles and responsibilities of a Councilmember?

 A:        Councilmembers balance a variety of roles and responsibilities both in the community and at City Hall. They continuously evaluate the community’s needs in response to constituent feedback as well as monitor and oversee the City’s finances and operations. Councilmembers are active with community groups and take steps to grow and deepen their connections within the City in order to represent their constituents.

Councilmembers perform these, and other duties while adhering to specific laws and guidelines within Lakewood Codified Ordinances and Ohio Revised Code. For a comprehensive job description for a Member of Council and the President of Council, please click on the links below.

Member of Council Job Description

President of Council Job Description