Livonia, Michigan - 2003 Community Profile

Livonia has operated under a strong-mayor form of government since its founding. The mayor, elected every four years, is the chief administrative officer of the city and oversees a staff of dedicated professionals who carry out the responsibilities of making Livonia an outstanding community.

Seven council members are elected in staggered terms and serve as the legislative branch of the city. The top vote-getter in each election serves as the council president. Other elected positions include the treasurer and clerk.

All elected officials in Livonia are subject to term limits.

Livonia City Hall, dedicated on October 27, 1979, has become a dynamic symbol for the City and its people. Located near the intersection of Five Mile and Farmington Roads, the building is a five-story architectural landmark of concrete, steel and bronze glass windows.

Also located at the Civic Center are the 16th District Court, Livonia Police Department Headquarters, Livonia Fire Department Station #1, the Civic Center Library and the Civic Park Senior Center.

“Environmental Sculpture,” by nationally recognized artist Andrea Blum, is located on the south side of Livonia City Hall. The sculpture was funded by grants and civic donations under the auspices of the Livonia Cultural League.

More than 165 sworn officers and 26 civilian employees carry on the work of the Public Safety Department. The five-station Livonia Fire & Rescue Department has helped make Livonia one of the 10 safest cities in the country, according to a Money magazine survey and FBI statistics.

Fire and rescue service had its beginnings in 1941, nine years before Livonia was incorporated as a city. The department has grown to include more than 80 full-time firefighters.

The Community Resources Department is responsible for overseeing a wide variety of senior, youth and resident services. Services provided by the department include City Commissions, the Information and Complaint Center, Cable Television, the Youth Assistance Program, Youth Employment, Senior Citizen Programs, and Services.

City commissions that oversee the many facets of community life include Aging, Cable Television, Human Relations, Arts, Historical, Historic Preservation, Housing, Library, Parks and Recreation, Planning, Traffic,
and Youth.