01 — Power Map
A field guide to the civic institutions that shape your day. Each entry shows what the body controls, why it matters, how seats are filled, and how to participate.
Controls · Local zoning, police budgets, street maintenance, business licensing.
Why it matters · Direct control over neighborhood rules and the municipal budget that funds daily services.
Selection
Elected by district
Meetings
1st & 3rd Tuesday, 6pm
Contact
council@city.gov
Controls · Executive direction, agency appointments, budget proposals, veto power.
Why it matters · Sets the city's policy agenda and chooses department heads.
Selection
Elected citywide
Meetings
Weekly press briefings; State of the City annually
Contact
mayor@city.gov
Controls · Public health, county jails, social services, unincorporated land use.
Why it matters · Runs the safety net and large-scale public health infrastructure.
Selection
Elected by district
Meetings
Every Tuesday, 9:30am
Contact
supervisors@county.gov
Controls · District budget, curriculum frameworks, school boundaries, superintendent hiring.
Why it matters · Decisions shape every public school student's daily experience.
Selection
Elected by trustee area
Meetings
2nd Thursday, 7pm
Contact
board@schools.org
Controls · County jails, court security, patrols in unincorporated areas.
Why it matters · Sets enforcement priorities and oversight policies for county detention.
Selection
Elected countywide
Meetings
Public oversight commission meets monthly
Contact
sheriff@county.gov
Controls · Charging decisions, plea policies, diversion programs.
Why it matters · Shapes how laws are actually enforced in the courtroom.
Selection
Elected countywide
Meetings
Public advisory boards quarterly
Contact
da@county.gov
Controls · Water rates, supply contracts, drought rules, infrastructure investment.
Why it matters · Decides what you pay for water and how it is sourced and treated.
Selection
Elected by division
Meetings
Monthly, 3rd Wednesday
Contact
info@waterboard.gov
Controls · Bus and rail service levels, fares, capital projects.
Why it matters · Controls whether and how people can get to work without a car.
Selection
Mix of elected & appointed
Meetings
4th Thursday, 1pm
Contact
board@transit.gov
Controls · Zoning changes, major project approvals, general plan updates.
Why it matters · Shapes housing supply, displacement risk, and neighborhood character.
Selection
Appointed by Council
Meetings
1st & 3rd Wednesday, 6:30pm
Contact
planning@city.gov
Controls · Advisory input to city; small grant funds.
Why it matters · Lowest-barrier entry point to civic life.
Selection
Stakeholder elections
Meetings
Monthly, location varies
Contact
Your neighborhood DONE office
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