Forms of Government and Methods of Election in North Carolina Cities
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Name | Style | Population | Form of Gov. | Governing Body | # Mem. | Mayor Selection | Mayor Term | Board Selection | Board Term | Election Method | Statutory Citations | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lake Park | Village | 3,422 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1993(94), c. 620 | |
Saint Helena | Village | 389 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1987(88), c. 942 GS 160A-101 | |
Grandfather Village | Village | 25 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 4 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1987, c. 419 | |
Tobaccoville | Village | 2,441 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 4 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1991, c. 232 | The council employs a village administrator who supervises all departments. |
Alamance | Village | 951 | Mayor Council | Aldermen | 6 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1979, c. 840 | |
Chimney Rock | Village | 113 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 5 | By and from Governing Board | At pleasure of board | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1991, c. 444 | |
Forest Hills | Village | 365 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 4 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1997-345 | |
Marvin | Village | 5,579 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 4 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1993(94), c. 641 | The council employs a village administrator to supervise all employees. |
Foxfire Village | Village | 902 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 5 | By and from Governing Board | At pleasure of board | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1977, c. 237 | |
Clemmons | Village | 18,627 | Council Manager | Council Members | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S/2 | Plurality | GS 160A-101 SL 1985, c. 437 | |
Wesley Chapel | Village | 7,463 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 4 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1998-43 | The town board employs an administrator to supervise town operations. |
Whispering Pines | Village | 2,928 | Council Manager | Council Members | 5 | By and from Governing Board | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 2008-105 | |
Flat Rock | Village | 3,114 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 6 | Elected | 4 Years | DAL | 4S | Primary | SL 1995, c. 48 | |
Cofield | Village | 413 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 2 | Plurality | SL 1969, c. 587 | |
Sugar Mountain | Village | 198 | Council Manager | Council Members | 4 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 2007-242 SL 1985, c. 395 | |
Simpson | Village | 416 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 3 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 2 | Plurality | Mun. Bd. Control GS 160A-101 | |
Bald Head Island | Village | 158 | Council Manager | Council Members | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1997-324 | |
Pinehurst | Village | 13,124 | Council Manager | Council Members | 4 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | Mun. Bd. Control 1980 GS 160A-101 | |
Misenheimer | Village | 728 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 5 | By and from Governing Board | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 2003-268 SL 2004-19. SL 2015-253 | Misenheimer municipal elections held in even-numbered years, rather than odd-numbered years. |
Walnut Creek | Village | 835 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 5 | By and from Governing Board | At pleasure of board | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1975, c. 687 | The council employs a village administrator who supervises all departments. |
Madison | Town | 2,246 | Council Manager | Aldermen | 6 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1973, c. 289 SL 2004-54 | |
Ronda | Town | 417 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | Mun. Bd. Control GS 160A-101 S.C. 2019-27 | The board of commissioners employs a town administrator to supervise all departments. Elections are held in even-numbered years. (S.L. 2019-73) |
Plymouth | Town | 3,878 | Council Manager | Council Members | 6 | Elected | 2 Years | D | 2 | Plurality | SL 1995, c. 325 SL 2001-51 | |
Hillsborough | Town | 6,087 | Council Manager | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1985, c. 351 GS 160A-101 | |
Rutherfordton | Town | 4,213 | Council Manager | Council Members | 4 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1979, c. 350 GS 160A-101 | |
Woodfin | Town | 6,123 | Mayor Council | Aldermen | 6 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | GS 160A-101 SL 1971, c. 271 SL 1979, c. 324 SL 1983, c. 291 | The board of aldermen employs a town administrator who supervises all departments. |
Burgaw | Town | 3,872 | Council Manager | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 2001-247 | |
Elm City | Town | 1,298 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 2 | Plurality | SL 1955, c. 152 | |
North Topsail Beach | Town | 743 | Council Manager | Aldermen | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1989, c. 100 | |
Walstonburg | Town | 219 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 2 | Plurality | Pr. 1913, c. 45 | |
Belhaven | Town | 1,688 | Council Manager | Council Members | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | DAL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1969, c. 714 | Although the town charter as enacted in SL 1969, c. 714, styles the governing board as the board of aldermen, the town itself actually styles it as the town council. |
Cramerton | Town | 4,165 | Council Manager | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | GS 160A-101 SL 2013 178 SL 1967, c. 1061 SL 2013-178 | |
Momeyer | Town | 224 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 4 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1991, c. 242 SL 1995, c. 212 | |
Teachey | Town | 376 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 2 | Plurality | SL 1957, c. 253 | The board of commissioners employs a town administrator who also acts as clerk. |
Cedar Point | Town | 1,279 | Council Manager | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1987(88), c. 1005 | Although the town charter, SL 1987(88), c. 1005, styles the governing board as the town council, the town actually styles the board as the board of commissioners. There will be a change from 4 to 5 governing board members in the 2021 election. |
Maggie Valley | Town | 1,150 | Council Manager | Aldermen | 4 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1973(74), c. 1337 SL 1995(96), c. 558 GS 160A-101 | |
Roper | Town | 611 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 4 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | Pr. 1907, c. 24 GS 160A-101 SL 2008-104 | Although the Roper charter styles the governing board as the board of commissioners, the town actually styles the board as the council. |
Spencer Mountain | Town | 37 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 3 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 2 | Plurality | SL 1963, c. 473 | Although the Spencer Mountain charter styles the governing board as the board of commissioners, the town actually styles the board as the council. |
Lake Santeetlah | Town | 45 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 5 | By and from Governing Board | At pleasure of board | AL | 2 | Plurality | SL 1987(88), c. 1012 GS 160A-101 | The mayor is elected by and from the board for a two-year term but serves at the board\'s pleasure and may be removed at any time during the term. |
Polkton | Town | 3,375 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 2 | Plurality | SL 2003-328 | The board of commissioners employs a town administrator to supervise all departments. |
Hobgood | Town | 348 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | Pr. 1891, c. 160 | The board of commissioners employs a town administrator to supervise all employees. The 1982 act of the General Assembly calls for two-year terms of the town board, but in fact board members are elected to four-year staggered terms. |
Woodland | Town | 809 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 4 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 2 | Plurality | Pr. 1883, c. 136 GS 163-279 | |
Elon | Town | 9,419 | Council Manager | Aldermen | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1985, c. 109 | |
North Wilkesboro | Town | 4,245 | Council Manager | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | GS 160A-101 SL 1977, c. 263 | |
Warrenton | Town | 862 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 7 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | Pr. 1915, c. 201 GS 160A-101 | The board of commissioners employs a town administrator to supervise all departments. |
Aberdeen | Town | 6,350 | Council Manager | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | GS 160A-101 SL 1975, c. 147 | The mayor term for the 2019 election will be 2 years. Beginning in 2021, the mayor will be elected for a term of 4 years. |
Cedar Rock | Town | 300 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1997-317 | |
Magnolia | Town | 939 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | Pr. 1905, c. 174 SL 1963, c. 82 | |
Rose Hill | Town | 1,626 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | Pr. 1901, c. 67 SL 1969, c. 330 | The board of commissioners employs a town administrator to supervise all departments. |
Spindale | Town | 4,321 | Council Manager | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1975, c. 378 GS 160A-101 | |
Lake Waccamaw | Town | 1,480 | Council Manager | Commissioners | 4 | Elected | 4 Years | D | 4S | Plurality | SL 1967, c. 14 GS 160A-101 | |
Polkville | Town | 545 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 4 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1971, c. 178 SL 1979, c. 266 | Although the legislation cited above styles the governing board as the board of commissioners, the town actually styles the board as the town council. |
Hoffman | Town | 588 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 2 | Plurality | SL 1953, c. 1002 | |
Saint Pauls | Town | 2,035 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 6 | Elected | 4 Years | AL/D | 4S | Plurality | SL 1991(92), c. 874 SL 1993, c. 158 | Four commissioners are elected from districts, and two are elected at large. The board of commissioners employs a town administrator to supervise all departments. |
Wrightsville Beach | Town | 2,477 | Council Manager | Aldermen | 4 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1989, c. 611 | |
Burnsville | Town | 1,693 | Council Manager | Council Members | 4 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | Mun. Bd. Control 1922 GS 160A-66 GS 160A-101 | Changed to council-manager form of government August 6, 2021. |
Emerald Isle | Town | 3,655 | Council Manager | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 2 | Plurality | SL 1973, c. 526 GS 160A-101 | |
Granite Falls | Town | 4,722 | Council Manager | Council Members | 6 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1981, c. 382 | |
Warsaw | Town | 3,054 | Council Manager | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1965, c. 972 GS 160A-101 Pr. 1885, c. 91 | |
Belville | Town | 1,936 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 4 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1977, c. 84 GS 160A-101 | The board of commissioners employs a town administrator who supervises all departments. |
Creswell | Town | 276 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 4 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 2 | Plurality | Pr. 1907, c. 276 SL 1993(94), c. 626 GS 163-279 | |
Montreat | Town | 723 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1985, c. 295 SL 1998-38 GS 160A-101 | The board of commissioners employs a town administrator to supervise all departments. Beginning with 2015 election, Mayor term is four years. |
Ahoskie | Town | 5,039 | Council Manager | Council Members | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL/D | 4S | Plurality | SL 1963, c. 609 GS 160A-101 SL 2009-31 | Four council members are elected from districts and one is elected at large. |
Cerro Gordo | Town | 207 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1973, c. 1044 | Although the town charter, SL 1973, c. 1044, styles the governing board as the board of commissioners, the town actually styles the board as the town council. |
Maiden | Town | 3,310 | Council Manager | Council Members | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S/2 | Plurality | Pr. 1883, c. 103 PL 1939, c. 350 SL 1955, c. 445 GS 160A-101 | Three council members are elected every two years. The two persons with the highest vote totals receive four-year terms; the person with the third-highest vote total receives a two-year term. |
Roseboro | Town | 1,191 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | Pr. 1891, c. 279 SL 1995, c. 18 | |
Spring Hope | Town | 1,320 | Council Manager | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | Pr. 1923, c. 207 SL 1973, c. 40 GS 160A-101 Pr. 1889, c. 55 | |
Landis | Town | 3,109 | Council Manager | Aldermen | 4 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1975, c. 213 SL 1987, c. 13 SL 2003-126 GS 160A-101 | The board of aldermen employ a town administrator to supervise all departments. |
Pollocksville | Town | 311 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | Pr. 1911, c. 163 SL 1965, c. 202 GS 160A-101 GS 163-279 | |
Holden Beach | Town | 575 | Council Manager | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | Mun. Bd. Control GS 160A-101 | |
Salemburg | Town | 435 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 6 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1967, c. 104 SL 1993(94), c. 703 | |
Yadkinville | Town | 2,959 | Council Manager | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | Pr. 1885, c. 10 SL 1979, c. 280 GS 160A-101 | The town has adopted the council-manager system by ordinance. |
Butner | Town | 7,591 | Council Manager | Council Members | 6 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | GS 160A-101 SL 2007-269 | |
Enfield | Town | 2,532 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL/D | 4S | Plurality | SL 1993, c. 479 | Four commissioners are elected from districts and one is elected at large. The board of commissioners employs a town administrator to supervise all departments. |
Norwood | Town | 2,379 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | Pr. 1905, c. 212 SL 2001-15 SL 2015-253 | The board of commissioners employs a town administrator to supervise all departments. Norwood municipal elections held in even-numbered years, rather than odd-numbered years. |