City councilors

The role of city councilors

The 23 city councilors are all members of City Council, which is the highest decision-making authority of the City of Reykjavík. City councilors and deputy city councilors are subsequently elected to various councils and committees in the administration, such as the City Executive Council, specialized councils, residents’ councils, and boards of directors of Reykjavík owned companies and associations. 

Political parties in City Council 

Seven political parties have representatives on the City Council.  

• Progressive Party 
• Center Party
• Social Democratic Alliance 
• Independence Party 
• Socialist Party of Iceland 
• Liberal Reform Party 
• Vinstrið (The Left)

Rights & obligations of city councilors 

City councilors are obliged to participate in all City Council meetings and committee and council meetings to which they have been elected unless they valid reasons for an excused absence. Excused absences include illness, urgent, unforeseen, and unavoidable circumstances, and other urgent duties. Each city councilor is required to perform any duties delegated by City Council that concern the activities of Reykjavík City. City councilors shall exercise discretion of what they become aware of in the course of their duties that is confidential in nature as required by law or by the nature of the case. The obligation of professional secrecy remains even in the event of resignation. 

City councilors are independent in their work. They are bound only by law and their own conviction of their position on individual cases.  

City councilors are entitled to include any matter in the agenda of City Council meetings that specifically concern the interests of the City of Reykjavík or its activities. However, an issue that is not specified in the posted agenda of the City Council meeting will not be considered at the relevant meeting without the consent of ⅔ of the members present at the meeting. City councilors enjoy freedom of speech at City Council meetings, as is explained in more detail in the City Council's rules of procedure. They have the right to make proposals and to vote at meetings of the City Council.

City Councilor Code of Conduct 

City councilors are required to comply with the codes of conduct established by City Council. The present Code of Conduct was adopted by City Council on June 18, 2019: 

1. We work for the people of Reykjavík and look after Reykjavík as a home for generations to come. 
2. We are honest, responsible, and set a good example in our work. 
3. We familiarize ourselves with matters under discussion and arrive prepared to work. 
4. We tell the truth, but we observe professional secrecy when confidentiality is required. 
5. We provide the necessary information to the public and the media. 
6. We make sure the City of Reykjavík is a good place to work. 
7. We have a fiduciary responsibility with regards to the City’s funds and assets. 
8. We respect diversity and combat every kind of prejudice. 
9. We are courteous, considerate, and respectful of others' privacy. 
10. We apologize for any mistake, and we'll listen to apologies. 
11. We are aware that we have different opinions. 

Financial Interest Registration 

City Council adopted new rules for the registration of financial interests of city councilors and fiduciary duties outside the City Council on March 3, 2020. Registration under the new rules is optional and will be released on October 1, 2020 for those who choose to provide the information.

• More about city councilors' financial interests

Elections to City Council 

Local government elections take place every four years in Iceland. The newly elected City Council takes office 15 days after election day and the outgoing City Council retires at the same time. Councils and committees are elected at the first meeting of City Council. The current term expires in May of 2030.

City councilors’ salaries & expense allowances

The remuneration of elected representatives at the City of Reykjavík is governed by the provisions of the Resolution on the Remuneration and Working Facilities of Elected Representatives (IS).

• More about city councilors' salaries and expense payments