Out of 566 municipalities, Highland Park is one of 222 Boroughs in the state. It has a Mayor-Council form of government in which the Mayor and Borough Council have executive and legislative powers. This was meant to provide a system of checks and balances by avoiding a large concentration of power in either the Council or the office of Mayor. The Mayor votes only in case of a tie. The municipal governing body is empowered to provide for the general health, safety and welfare of its citizens; to acquire and dispose of property; make contracts; tax and enact laws. Terms of all elected officers begin January 1^st following their election. The Mayor serves for four years; the six Council Members serve three-year staggered terms.

The Borough operates through Committees of the Council: Administration, Finance, Public Works, Public Safety, Community Affairs, Public Utilities, and Health, Welfare, and Recreation. The various departments, boards and commissions report to the Council through these committees.

Regular and special meetings of Council are open to the public with public participation. Agenda meetings precede and conference meetings follow regular meetings. Agenda, regular and conference meetings are held the first and third Tuesdays of the month and special meetings may be scheduled as needed. Meeting schedules vary during May through August.

Proceedings at all meetings are conducted in accordance with Rules of Order, which are adopted by resolution of the Council at the January meeting. The attorney is ex-officio parliamentarian and gives his opinion on questions of procedure at the request of members of the Council. Regular Council meetings are televised on HPTV Cable (check local listings)

Highland Park Borough Council Committee Organization
View a chart illustrating the Council Committee Organization

Municipal Directory
Borough Departments has a listing of contacts by department with descriptions of the services each department provides.

State & Federal Representatives