About the Board of Alders
The Board of Alders is the legislative body for the City of New Haven. All Alderpersons are members of the municipal council elected by voters. We create, pass and amend local laws as well as review and approve the City’s annual budget.
The Board of Alders meet the first and third Monday of every month in the aldermanic chambers, 165 Church Street, second floor, except for holidays. During the summer, we meet the first Monday of the month.
To see meeting calendar, agendas & minutes, click here.
The Office of Legislative Services provides professional staff support to the Board of Alders, enabling us to fulfill our powers and duties as the City's legislative body.
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Special message from the Board of Alders: How We Function
Greetings and Welcome!
Your vote to elect us in to office means that it is an honor to serve you! We want to listen and hear your voice. Your interests are our interests. Our job to do all that we can as the New Haven Board of Alders to service your needs.
All are welcome to our meetings. We invite you to team with us to make our City Great!
THE ROLE OF THE BOARD OF ALDERS
The presiding officer of the full board meetings is the President, elected from and by the Board of Alders. The President Pro Tempore, who is also elected from and by the board members, presides when the President is absent or wishes to participate in debate.
To ensure each member has the opportunity to become acquainted with legislation, bills are printed before they can be acted on. Each bill with its committee report is read twice, at two successive meetings. The final vote taken at the time (meeting?) of the second reading.
All the proceedings are recorded and published in the Journal of the Board of Alders. During an average year, as many as 950 bills are introduced and about 700 will receive final action.
Much of the board's business takes place in its committees. At committee hearings, this is the opportunity for you to express what you think and voice your suggestions and concerns about the issues that are important to you i.e. the City Budget, the use of federal funds in your neighborhood, and the level and type of services the City should provide for its residents.
For specific meeting dates, times and agendas, call the Office of Legislative Services Information line at 203-946-6483, or watch the legal notices in the daily paper.
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Please view our online Legistar Center to find the Agendas and Minutes of the Board of Alders and other meeting bodies. Links are provided to detailed information and history on each legislative item. 
