A mayor speech is a seven to nine minute persuasive presentation that highlights the challenges of a city and calls on citizens to help address those problems. It’s a key component of a municipal leadership plan and can make the difference between whether a city is able to implement new policies and programs or not. Mayors are using their mayor speeches to highlight a variety of issues including efforts to boost civic engagement, programs that promote financial stability for families and efforts to reduce air pollution. They are also discussing national events that affect their communities such as President Trump’s policy on birthright citizenship and the fight against climate change.

The mayor is the chief executive officer of a local government council. The word is derived from the French term maire, and shares its etymology with the military rank of major. The role of the mayor has changed with the development of different systems of local government. In one form, the mayor is an elected official, while in another, a system known as council-manager, the role of the mayor is much more limited.

In Australia, the mayor may be elected directly in a local-government election or appointed by council at a meeting. He or she serves as the ceremonial head at official functions and may carry out some of the authority of council between meetings with approval from the full council. The mayor wears a mace and chain for ceremonial occasions and is styled His or Her Worship while in office.