Your City Council

Like many other New England communities, Newport operates under a Home Rule Charter, which was adopted in 1953, and provides for a City Council - City Manager form of government.  Every two years, Newport voters are asked to elect a seven-member City Council, comprised of four At-Large seats and three Ward representatives.

The Council is headed by a Chairperson, who is elected by the majority and also holds the title of Mayor.  All legislative powers of the City are vested in the City Council by the Charter, including the ordering of any tax, making appropriations, and transacting any other business pertaining to the financial affairs of the City. In addition to their regular duties, Councilors are also assigned positions to serve as liaisons to various boards and commissions. These liaison assignments are an important part of creating a sense of cohesion among the City's various volunteer-led bodies.  

City Council Meetings

The City Council meets regularly on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 6:30 p.m. in  the City Council Chambers, located on the Second Floor of Newport City Hall. Pre-meetings are held at 6:20 PM in the 2nd Floor Conference Room.  During the months of November and December, the schedule may be altered due to the holiday season.\

• ​Click here for 2023-24 Council Priorities 
• Download the City Council Public Participation Guide here (en espanol)
• Click here to view City Council agendas and meeting videos
• Click here to review meeting minutes and City Ordinances
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In addition to livestreaming on the City's website, the Council's regular Wednesday night meetings are first aired on COX Cable channel 18 at 8 PM the following night and then aired throughout the duration until the next meeting.  Start times are approximate and depend on preceding program lengths. The schedule is listed on COX Cable Channel 17.  For special meetings and workshops, please check the program schedule on COX Channel 17.