Janesville, WI
Home MenuRun for City Council!
There are four seats up for election on the Janesville City Council for the 2026-2028 term.
The City Clerk-Treasurer's office is responsible for providing candidates with the information and forms necessary to properly declare candidacy and run for City Council.
In order to run for City Council, you must be 18 years of age, a US Citizen and a resident within the City limits. The City Council is not paid for their service to the community.
Roles & Responsibilities:
- Attending regular meetings
- Voting on local legislation that becomes policy, local ordinance and local law
- Negotiating and approving the city budget
- Representing the constituents and community during meetings and hearings with other government officials
- Approving contracts and bids for city projects
- Establishing committees to handle specific areas of responsibility, such as finance and budgeting, public safety, and law enforcement
- Creating and modifying zoning laws to regulate land use
- Issuing licenses for new businesses to regulate business activity in the city
- Participate in Economic Development decisions that bring businesses in the community to support them
- Providing oversight to city manager who ensures the city teams are working efficiently and effectively
- Encouraging and facilitating civic engagement include voting, political participation, volunteering, advocacy and activism, etc.)
Important Dates:
- Monday, December 1, 2025: Candidates can begin circulating nomination papers.
- Friday, December 26, 2025 by 5 p.m.: Deadline for incumbents not seeking re-election to file Notification of Non-candidacy.
- Tuesday, January 6, 2026 by 5 p.m.: Completed forms and nomination papers are due to the City Clerk.
- Tuesday, April 7, 2026: Spring Election.
- Tuesday, April 14, 2026: Newly-elected Councilors take office.
If you have questions, would like the information packet with required forms or need more information, please contact the City Clerk-Treasurer’s office at by calling (608) 755-3073 or by email.
Getting started is easy! Print pages 4, 48-49, 50-52 and 53-54 of the packet below. Complete and return to the City Clerk-Treasurer at 18 N Jackson St, Lobby Level during regular business hours.