The City of Irvine was incorporated on December 28, 1971, under the general laws of the State of California. We operate under a charter law form of government which was adopted in 1975, meaning we have a City Council-City Manager form of government. The City Manager is appointed by the City Council to function as the chief administrator of the City. City Council sets the policy directions for the City, and the City Manager is charged with implementing those directions. Additionally, the City Manager keeps the Council informed of City operations, prepares the annual budget, oversees special programs, and coordinates the various department activities.

Irvine is one of the nation's largest planned urban communities and encompasses more than 65 square miles. We contract for fire and medical services with the County of Orange, and have three independent districts: library, educational and utility services. Other government services include: animal control; building and safety regulation and inspection; general administrative services; planning and zoning; police; public facility/capital improvement construction; recreation and cultural programs; refuse collection and recycling; street lighting; street maintenance; landscape maintenance and transportation management.