Form of Government
There are 566 municipalities in New Jersey, and Highland Park is one of 222 borough forms of government in the state.

It has a Mayor and Council form of government in which the Mayor and Borough Council have separate executive and legislative powers. This provides a system of checks and balances by avoiding a large concentration of power in either the Council or the Office of Mayor. The Mayor votes only in case of a tie.

Powers
The municipal governing body is empowered to:

• Acquire and dispose of property
• Make contracts
• Provide for the general health, safety, and welfare of its citizens
• Tax and enact laws

Terms
Terms of all elected officers begin January 1 following their election. The Mayor serves for four years and the six Council Members serve three-year staggered terms.