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What does an Alderman do?

M.C. Huguelet
M.C. Huguelet

In the United States, an alderman is usually a figure elected to a city or town council to represent a division of that municipality's citizens. Together, the elected aldermen form a board that serves as the legislative branch of their city's or town's governmental body, with a mayor typically acting as the local government's executive head. Though the specific duties of the office vary from city to city, the parameters of its power are often set out in the constitution of the state within which the city is located.

American cities and towns are frequently subdivided into wards or districts. The number of these divisions depends upon the size of the municipality; a large city such as Chicago has 50 wards, while a smaller city like North Little Rock, Arkansas, has just four. Aldermen are elected by the residents of a ward to represent the ward's interests for a set term, often four years.

An alderman may be required to attend regular city council meetings.
An alderman may be required to attend regular city council meetings.

These officials may, at times, work closely with their constituents to address the day-to-day concerns of the ward. Constituents may apply to them, for instance, to seek the placement of a stop sign at a high-traffic intersection, the improvement of a public area that has become dilapidated, or the enforcement of a noise ordinance. Here, an alderman can act as a link between his ward’s citizens and the municipality. Should his constituents seek a legislative measure — the introduction of property upkeep laws, for example — he might bring their appeal to the city council on which he sits. If they contact him with complaints about an issue like inadequate waste collection services, he might speak directly to the appropriate city department to resolve the problem.

Constituents may request that an alderman attain funds for the improvement of a public area.
Constituents may request that an alderman attain funds for the improvement of a public area.

At other times, an alderman may act on his constituents’ behalf without this direct level of interaction. He will usually be required to attend regular city council meetings, where he will vote on items such as the allocation of city funds and the introduction of new traffic ordinances. In addition, he might be expected to sit on committees which assess certain programs and issues — property tax reviews, for instance — to examine their appropriateness and efficiency and to determine the most suitable course by which each should proceed. While, in these instances, the official may not be working face-to-face with the citizens of his ward, the effects of his efforts will be felt by them and should have been carried out in their interests.

Aldermen can either lobby for or, in many cities, block the construction of large public venues, such as sports stadiums, in their wards.
Aldermen can either lobby for or, in many cities, block the construction of large public venues, such as sports stadiums, in their wards.

Due to perceived sexist connotations, use of this term has been called into question by a number of municipal governments. In some cases it has been supplemented with the title "alderwoman" or replaced by the gender-neutral "alderperson." Other municipalities have done away with the title altogether, substituting the term "councilor."

Discussion Comments

nextcorrea

We have several alderman that have served in their seats for decades. The elections are really just a formality because they will hold their positions until the day that they die.

Some of them have done a great job and others just phone it in. But I think even the effective ones should consider leaving. Government requires new blood and new ideas all the time. Experience is all fine and good, but it can turn into complacency pretty easily.

whiteplane

Is alderman usually considered a full time job in a mid to large sized city? If so, how much do they usually make in a year?

summing
In an upcoming election, St. Louis is voting to reduce the number of alderman we have. I am still not sure how to vote on the issue. There have been really compelling arguments on both sides.

I think I will probably end up voting to keep the membership as it is. In most things I think the more representation the better. The voices of a few might be more efficient, but they have to be leaving people out.

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    • An alderman may be required to attend regular city council meetings.
      By: Stephen Coburn
      An alderman may be required to attend regular city council meetings.
    • Constituents may request that an alderman attain funds for the improvement of a public area.
      By: SimFan
      Constituents may request that an alderman attain funds for the improvement of a public area.
    • Aldermen can either lobby for or, in many cities, block the construction of large public venues, such as sports stadiums, in their wards.
      By: flucas
      Aldermen can either lobby for or, in many cities, block the construction of large public venues, such as sports stadiums, in their wards.