The West Allis Common Council is made up of ten alderpersons that each serve four-year terms.

The City of West Allis is divided into five aldermanic districts, and each district is divided into five wards. Each district has approximately 12,000 people, while each ward serves up to 3,000 people. Two alderpersons are elected from each district to comprise the Common Council.

The Common Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at West Allis City Hall. In addition to attending meetings, alderpersons’ duties may  include,  but are not limited to:

• Making policy decisions and approving programs and projects.

• Passing resolutions, ordinances, and policies and procedures.

• Adopting operating rules and procedures for the conduct of business.

• Establishing fees.

• Passing annual City budget.

• Setting tax levy and tax rate.

• Approving license and permits.

• Adopting legislative positions.

• Conducting public hearings.

• Setting negotiation positions/goals in collective bargaining.

• Approving legal settlements.

• Approving issuance of debt.

• Approving certain purchases, contracts, and agreements.

• Working with City staff on district/neighborhood matters, inquiries, and complaints.

• Appointing or confirming City offices.

• Attending City functions, events, and activities as a representative of their district and the City.

• Serving on one or more standing Council Policy Committees (Administration & Finance Committee; Advisory Committee; License & Health Committee; Safety & Development Committee; Public Works Committee), as appointed by  Mayor.

What are the qualifications for alderpersons?

To be eligible to be appointed as alderperson, a person must, at the time of an election

• Be a minimum of 18 years of age.

• Reside in their City of West Allis district at the time of  appointment.

• Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor involving violation of the public trust, bribery, or a felony, and not have been pardoned for the conviction.

Are alderpersons paid?

Yes. The wage and salary range of each alderperson of the City of West Allis on and after April 21, 2020, for the four-year term of April 21, 2020 through and including April 15, 2024, shall be as follows

• April 21, 2020, through December 31, 2020 - $10,000 annually.

• The 2021 calendar year- $10,200 annually.

• The 2022 calendar year- $10,400 annually.

• The 2023 calendar year- $10,600 annually.

• January 1, 2024, through April 15, 2024 - $10,800 annually.

Do Alderpersons receive benefits?

Alderpersons who choose to participate in health and/or dental and/or vision insurance shall pay the full premium (100%). Eligibility begins the first of the month following one month of service.

Learn more about getting on the ballot as an aldermanic candidate, or  browse the City of West Allis Municipal Code for more information or specific statutes.