Los Angeles

Los Angeles may be a Mecca for the rich, famous, and wannabes but there is little glamour in running a city of more than 4 million people. Governing responsibilities are shared among the city's mayor and city council, while more than 40 various commissions, departments, and bureaus see to the more mundane daily operations that keep the wheels spinning. Elected every four years, the mayor appoints most commission members (subject to approval by the city council) and serves as the city's executive officer. Also elected to four year terms, the city's 15 district council members represent Angelenos' needs and wants in the political system. The city has a budget of approximately $7 billion a year.