In the City of West Bend there are 8 districts, each represented by an elected alderperson for a 2 year term. The 8 alderpersons make up the Common Council, and each person is assigned to work on various committees, of which there are currently 26. The job of the Common Council is to decide and approve city issues and expenditures. For instance, the County Engineer will bring choices about construction and expenditures. Bids are presented with recommendations, after which the Council will vote its preference. A specific example of this involves the Riverwalk improvements where the Council voted to spend $2 million of ARPA funds on the Riverwalk. The Council also approves or disapproves establishments getting licenses to serve alcohol, they make decisions on controlling the deer in the city, and whether or not people are allowed to have chickens. (We are allowed as long as neighbors are okay with it.) Other committees include downtown business improvements, zoning, housing authority, library board, and tourism, to name a few.