The City of White Plains is located in the south central portion of Westchester County, New York State approximately 22 miles north of New York City. It became the seat of Westchester County government in 1778 by State legislative act.Founded in 1683, it became an incorporated village in 1866 and a city in 1916. It operates under theMayor-Council form of government with the Mayor as the Chief Executive Officer of the City. Policymakingand legislative authority are vested in the Common Council, which includes the Mayor and sixCouncil members, all of whom are elected at large for four year terms. The Mayor, with Common Councilapproval, appoints the commissioners and directors of the City's departments.The City provides a full range of services including, but not limited to police and fire protection, refusecollection, street and sewer maintenance, snow and leaf removal, water distribution, traffic control, onand off street parking, building inspections, licenses and permits, vital statistics, library, community andrecreational services. The City has a comprehensive recreational program serving all age levels, and has150 acres of public parks and open space, including a waterfront park, 33 tennis courts, two outdoorswimming pools, and an ice-skating rink. The City government serves approximately 57,000 residents and thousands of businesses in an area of 10 square miles.