In the state of Illinois, both villages and cities are types of municipalities with elected officials. The specific elected offices can vary, but here is a general comparison of elected offices in villages and cities:

City Municipality (e.g., City of Chicago):

  • Mayor:
    • The Mayor is the chief executive officer and head of the city government, elected by the residents.
  • City Council:
    • The City Council is the legislative body responsible for passing ordinances and policies. Members are often referred to as Aldermen or Council Members.
  • City Clerk:
    • The City Clerk is responsible for maintaining official records, minutes of meetings, and other administrative duties.
  • City Treasurer:
    • The City Treasurer oversees the city’s finances and may have responsibilities related to budgeting and financial management.
  • Aldermen or Council Members:
    • Elected representatives for specific wards or districts, responsible for representing the interests of their constituents.
  • City Attorney:
    • The City Attorney provides legal advice to the city government and may represent the city in legal matters.
  • City Manager (in some cases):
    • Some cities may have a City Manager appointed by the City Council to oversee day-to-day operations.

Village Municipality (e.g., Village of Arlington Heights):

  • Village President:
    • The Village President is the chief executive officer and head of the village government, elected by the residents.
  • Board of Trustees:
    • The Board of Trustees is the legislative body responsible for passing ordinances and policies. Members are often referred to as Trustees.
  • Village Clerk:
    • The Village Clerk is responsible for maintaining official records, minutes of meetings, and other administrative duties.
  • Village Treasurer:
    • The Village Treasurer oversees the village’s finances and may have responsibilities related to budgeting and financial management.
  • Trustees:
    • Elected representatives at-large or for specific districts, responsible for representing the interests of the village residents.
  • Village Attorney:
    • The Village Attorney provides legal advice to the village government and may represent the village in legal matters.

It’s important to note that the specific titles and structure can vary among municipalities, and some smaller municipalities may have a simplified structure with fewer elected positions. Additionally, some cities may have variations in the form of government, such as a council-manager or strong mayor-council system. For the most accurate information, it’s recommended to refer to the municipal code of the specific village or city in question.