Incorporated in 1945, the City of Ripon is a General Law City operating under a Council-Mayor form of governance. Council Members are elected to four-year terms during General Elections—three members are elected at one General Election and two members are elected at the next General Election. The City Council has a broad range of municipal powers including the review and approval of an annual budget, establishing community goals and objectives, approving the City’s general plan and proposed sphere influence, reviewing and approving major projects and hearing community problems and concerns.
The City Administrator is appointed by the City Council and is responsible for administration of City affairs, day-to-day operations, and implementation of Council policies.