Government

West Warwick operates under a Council-Manager form of government.  The Town Council is the legislative determining body of the Town and exercises the powers of the Town Charter, Code of Ordinances and the Constitution and laws of the state of Rhode Island.  The elected Town Council* hires a professional public administrator to provide the leadership and skills necessary to run a large, taxpayer supported local government.  The position of the Manager permits the elected officials greater opportunity to devote energies toward community issues and important policy making responsibilities. The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) offers this very succinct comment about the value of a professional administrator to a government entity, “Because an educated, trained professional oversees the day-to-day operations, he or she empowers elected officials to provide leadership, develop a vision for the community, determine what services to provide citizens, initiate state legislation and forge new relationships with constituents.”  

Rules and Guidelines

2025 Town Council Meeting Schedule

*The Town Council consists of five (5) members, elected by the town by wards, with elections to be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in an even numbered year. Commencing in November 2016 and every fourth year thereafter, two members, one each from Ward 4 and Ward 5 shall be elected to serve a four (4) year term, and at the General Election to be held in November 2018, and every fourth year thereafter, three (3) members shall be elected from the remaining three (3) Wards 1, 2 and 3 to serve a four year term. All members shall serve a four (4) years or until their individual successors are elected and qualified.