Rome’s government has evolved over more than two centuries, transitioning from a frontier settlement administration to the modern mayor-council structure used today. Its development closely followed the city’s growth around the Fort Stanwix and the strategic transportation corridor created by the Erie Canal.
The City of Rome was incorporated in 1870 and is currently formed as a strong-mayoral form of government. The City leadership is guided by its City Charter and the Code of Ordinances.
The Mayor of the City of Rome is an elected position that serves for 4 years and has clear administrative authority over municipal government (day-to-day operations). The Mayor prepares and administers the city budget, directs departments and department heads, reviews and appoints personnel, and sets city policy in many regards.
Additionally, the Mayor presides over the city’s Board of Estimate & Contract, which implements the mayor’s budget and approves or rejects proposed contracts between the city and vendors or outside organizations. In the City of Rome, the Mayor’s proposed budget must be approved by the Common Council.
To learn more, visit the Mayor’s page
In the City of Rome, the Common Council is comprised of eight elected members, seven of whom are elected from each ward of the city, and a Common Council President elected by the entire city.
Regular meetings of the Common Council are held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Common Council Chambers at City Hall. The Council considers legislation, approves a city budget, and makes local laws and rules.
For more information, including the current elected member, visit the Common Council Page
The Board of Estimate and Contract consists of the Mayor, Treasurer, Corporation Counsel, Commissioner of Public Works, and President of the Common Council. All board members must maintain a continuous residency in the city of Rome. The members of the Board meet on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 3:00 p.m., or upon the call of the Mayor, or as directed by the Board.
To learn more, visit the Board of Estimate and Contract page
The Rome Planning Board provides community input and advice to the Mayor, the City Council and the Department of Community and Economic Development on any matter affecting planning and development within the community.
The board reviews plans for subdivisions, applications for site plans for new or modified construction, applications for changes to the official zoning map and requests for changes within Rome’s Historic District.
For more information including meeting dates and the appllication process, visit the Planning Board page
Rome’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) consists of 5 members and meets on the first Wednesday of each month, and only if a project application has been submitted and appears on the agenda. The City of Rome is divided into several zoning districts. Each district has prescribed ways in which the property can be used and development standards that govern how the property is built upon. You can find those standards within the Code of Ordinances.
For more information including meeting dates and the application process, please visit the Zoning Board of Appeals page.
The Board of Assessment Review (BAR) consists of three to five residents who have at least a general knowledge of property values in the community. The Common Council members vote to appoint BAR members. The BAR selects one of its members to act as chair to conduct proceedings.
For more information, including the grievance process and current board members, please visit the Board of Assessment Review page.
Click here to view the City of Rome’s Code of Ordinances.
View the City Charter.
Water Main Break
The City of Rome Water Department is currently responding to a water main break on NYS Rt 69 -Rome Taberg Road. The break was probably caused by the temperature differences the area has been experiencing. [...]
We’re Hiring LifeGuards – YMCA Recertification
We are currently hiring for lifeguards for our pools this summer! The YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley is holding full and recertification courses at the Rome YMCA. For more information, please reach out to Amy Otero at (315) 336-3500.
City of Rome Fire Chief David Gratch Announces Retirement After 36 Years of Service
ROME, NY – Fire Chief David Gratch has announced his retirement from the City of Rome Fire Department, effective April 3, 2026, concluding a distinguished career spanning more than three decades of dedicated service to [...]
City of Rome Opens Applications for 2026 Parks and Recreation Jobs
The City of Rome Department of Parks & Recreation is now accepting applications for Summer 2026 Positions in our Parks & Pools. Positions include: Parks & Grounds: Mowing, Main Streets, Garbage Detail, Paint Crew Pool [...]
Mayor Lanigan Announces Early Successes of Community Court in Rome City Court
Mayor Jeffrey M. Lanigan is proud to announce that Community Court is now active in Rome City Court and is already seeing encouraging early results. The court, launched as part of a broader initiative [...]