What is the minimum number of members a city governing board can have?

Regardless, the form of government, the minimum size for a city governing board is four members.

Here is how that total is calculated under each form of government:

• Mayor-Council: The board consists of the mayor and at least three council members. (NDCC 40-08-02, 03)
• Modern Council: The board consists of four members, one of whom serves as the mayor. (NDCC 40-04.1-01)
• Commission: The board consists of the commission president and at least three city commissioners. (NDCC 40-09-01)

(January 2026)