A mayor is the elected leader of a city or town. The mayor works with the city council to make decisions about local issues like building new parks, fixing roads, funding schools and libraries, and keeping the community safe. Think of the mayor as the CEO of a city: while the president runs the country and the governor runs the state, the mayor runs your city or town.

Different cities give their mayors different amounts of power. In some places, the mayor can veto city council decisions or appoint department heads. In others, the mayor mainly leads meetings and represents the city at ceremonies while the city council handles most decisions.

Mayors deal with problems you probably notice: potholes that need fixing, whether to build a new playground, how to handle snow removal in winter, or what to do about traffic near your school. When a water main breaks or a big storm hits, the mayor helps coordinate the response.

Most mayors serve two- to four-year terms and can run for reelection. Some famous mayors, like Fiorello La Guardia of New York City, became beloved figures who transformed their cities. Being mayor means balancing what different groups want while trying to make the city better for everyone who lives there.