The City of Hayward operates under a Council-Manager form of government. This structure combines the political leadership of elected officials (the City Council) with the managerial expertise of an appointed City Manager who oversees daily operations.

As of January 2026, the city is in a major transition period, moving from "at-large" elections to a district-based election system for City Council seats, which will take effect with the November 2026 elections.

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🏛️ Executive Leadership & City Council

The City Council consists of a Mayor and six Councilmembers. They are responsible for setting policy, adopting the city budget, and appointing the City Manager and City Attorney.

• Mayor: Mark Salinas

• City Manager: Jennifer Ott (Appointed late 2025)

• City Council Members:

  • Julie Roche (Mayor Pro Tempore)

  • Angela Andrews

  • Ray Bonilla Jr.

  • Dan Goldstein

  • George Syrop

  • Francisco Zermeño

• Website: hayward-ca.gov/your-government/city-council

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🏗️ Major Departments & Services

Hayward’s municipal organization consists of 13 departments that manage everything from public safety to environmental sustainability.

• Public Works & Utilities: Manages the city’s infrastructure, including roads, the Hayward Executive Airport, water, and wastewater services.

  • Website: hayward-ca.gov/your-government/departments/public-works-utilities

• Development Services: Oversees city planning, building permits, code enforcement, and housing programs.

  • Website: hayward-ca.gov/your-government/departments/development-services

• Community Services: Provides social service grants, manages the Housing Navigation Center, and operates the "HEART" (Hayward Evaluation And Response Teams) program for mental health crises.

  • Website: hayward-ca.gov/your-government/departments/community-services-division

• Police & Fire: The Hayward Police Department (HPD) and Hayward Fire Department (HFD) provide 24/7 emergency response.

  • Police Website: hayward-ca.gov/police

  • Fire Website: hayward-ca.gov/fire

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🗳️ Key 2026 Initiatives: District Elections

Following the California Voting Rights Act, Hayward has been divided into six geographic districts.

• Upcoming Election: In November 2026, voters in Districts 1 and 6 will elect their representatives for the first time under this new system.

• The Mayor: The Mayor will remain the only position elected "at-large" by the entire city.

• District Map: maphayward.org

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🛠️ Resident Resources & "Virtual City Hall"

The city encourages digital interaction through its "Access Hayward" portal, which acts as a central hub for service requests.

• Access Hayward: Use this to report graffiti, abandoned vehicles, or potholes.

  • Portal: access.hayward-ca.gov

• Permit Center: An online "one-stop shop" for building and development projects.

  • Website: hayward-ca.gov/services/permits

• Public Meetings: City Council meetings are held on the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 7:00 PM at City Hall (777 B Street). You can watch them live or view archives online.

  • Meeting Portal: hayward.legistar.com

Would you like me to find the specific contact information for your neighborhood's council district or look up the schedule for the next Planning Commission meeting?