CAPE CORAL POLITICS

CAPE CORAL POLITICS - Cape Coral Politics and Lee County information about campaigns, elections, government, policy, Cape Coral Budgets and lobbying.

CAPE CORAL CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS

CAPE CORAL POLITICS FLORIDA PALM TREES Cape Coral Council

As of late 2024, the Cape Coral City Council consists of the mayor and seven council members who represent specific districts. Following the November 2024 election, five new members were sworn in.

District 1: William E. (Bill) Steinke
Email: [email protected]

District 2: Laurie Lehmann
Email: [email protected]

District 3: Dr. Derrick Donnell
Email: [email protected]

District 4: Jennifer Nelson-Lastra
Email: [email protected]

District 5: Joe Kilraine
Email: [email protected]

District 6: Keith Long
Email: [email protected]|

District 7: Rachel Kaduk
Email: [email protected]

Key City Council Details

  • Five new members: Laurie Lehmann, Dr. Derrick Donnell, Jennifer Nelson-Lastra, Joseph Kilraine, and Rachel Kaduk were newly elected in November 2024.
  • Recent budget approval: The council recently approved the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, which includes a reduced operating millage rate.
  • Citizen comments moved: In June 2025, the council moved the citizen comment portion of its meetings to the end of the agenda, a decision that has been met with both support and criticism.
  • Town Halls: Several council members, such as Rachel Kaduk and Joe Kilraine, have recently held town halls to engage with residents.
  • Mayor Gunter appointed president: In July 2025, Mayor John Gunter was named President of the Southwest Florida League of Cities. 

Cape Coral City Council Contac Information

  • Contact council members: You can contact the Mayor and Council Office at (239) 574-0436. Specific contact information for individual council members is also available on the official city website.
  • Attend public meetings: Residents can attend public meetings to participate in public comment opportunities.
  • Stay informed: The city encourages residents to stay engaged and informed about city initiatives.

Cape Coral City Council Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of the Cape Coral City Council are to act as the city’s legislative body, create and adopt public policies, oversee the budget, and appoint key city officials. The council operates under a Council-Manager form of government, where the council sets policy and City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn handles day-to-day operations. 

Key duties of Council Members

  • Create and enact legislation: Council members establish local laws (ordinances) and resolutions to regulate municipal affairs, guided by the city’s charter, state constitution, and Florida law.
  • Adopt the city budget: The council is responsible for adopting the city’s annual budget, managing the use of public funds, and setting tax and service rates. In September 2025, the council voted to increase developer fees to address transportation funding shortfalls.
  • Appoint city officials: The council has the authority to appoint the City Manager, City Auditor, and City Attorney. It also appoints the members of various city boards and commissions.
  • Set land-use regulations: The council adopts the city’s comprehensive land-use plan and approves contracts and bids for city projects. It also creates or modifies zoning laws.
  • Serve as representatives: Council members are the voice of their constituents, representing their needs in city decision-making. They also sit on various local and state committees to advocate for the city.
  • Lead the Community Redevelopment Agency: The Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter and city council members also serve as commissioners for the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).
  • Oversee departments and services: They provide oversight to ensure that city departments work effectively. They also regulate various business activities and public safety practices. 

Mayor John Gunter’s Role

While the mayor presides over council meetings and is the city’s chief elected officer, the position holds powers similar to other council members because the mayor is also a voting member of the council. 

Cape Coral City Council Decision Process

The council makes decisions as a group through a formal meeting process that is open to the public. Residents can attend these meetings and participate in public comment opportunities.

Additional Websites Created by Joe Angrisano:

CAPE CORAL HISTORY