Gaithersburg was chartered as the Town of Gaithersburg in 1878 and achieved City status in 1968. It operates under a Council-Manager form of municipal government, with the Council-appointed City Manager responsible for the day-to-day operations of the City.

Mayor & City Council

The Mayor & City Council is the chief legislative body for Gaithersburg. Members are elected to staggered four-year terms, with the Mayor serving in a non-voting position as Council President.

Boards, Committees & Commissions

Through a variety of volunteer committees, Gaithersburg residents play an important role in advising the Mayor & City Council on vital issues.

Budget & Strategic Planning

The City operates on a fiscal year that begins on July 1 and ends on June 30. The annual budget is comprised of an operating budget, a five-year Capital Improvement Plan, and transfers to an Other Post Employment Benefits Trust Fund.

City Code

The City Code comprises the ordinances, or laws, and charter amendments enacted and enforced at the local municipal level.

City Manager

The City Manager directs & coordinates the general administration of the City government, which includes preparation of the annual budget.

Departments

City services are carried out through a departmental system that is led by the City Manager. There are ten City departments.

Elections

Elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in odd numbered years. City residents who are registered to vote in the County are also eligible to vote in any City election. The next City Election will be Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

Job Opportunities

View & apply online for all current City government employment opportunities.

Legislative Affairs

Each year City staff, with guidance from the Mayor & City Council, identifies the legislative priorities for the upcoming legislative session in Annapolis.

Meetings & Notices

The “Meeting Center" website is where you’ll find minutes, agendas, legal notices, meeting video archives, related documents and rosters for the Mayor & City Council and all other boards, committees & commissions. Here you can learn about upcoming meetings, search & view past meetings, and subscribe to the RSS feed to receive updates. Register to participate via Zoom in a virtual or hybrid meeting through our Public Meeting Information page.

Procurement

City departments work closely with the Procurement Division of the Department of Finance & Administration to purchase a variety of goods and services ranging from office supplies to multi-million dollar construction projects.

Projects in the City

Included here are major projects currently before the Mayor & City Council. These projects include Master Plan amendments and actions, large scale development plans, annexations, legislative and policy issues, and other significant Mayor & City Council initiatives.

Public Information Requests

The City provides access to its public records in accordance with the Maryland Public Information Act. Under the Public Information Act, you are entitled to review & obtain copies of records, subject to certain exceptions.

Public Meeting Information

Meetings of our quasi-judicial & advisory boards, committees & commissions are available for viewing. Public comment & testimony are accepted at many of them. Based on the meeting type, public viewing & participation can be done either in-person or virtually. Register in advance to participate via Zoom in a virtual or hybrid meeting.

Office of Racial Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (REDI)

Gaithersburg identifies barriers and provides support and resources to advance equitable outcomes for all people in our community, particularly for those who have been historically underserved.

Whistleblower Information

If you witness or suspect an illegal, improper or unethical activity, don’t ignore it – REPORT IT. The Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.