Incorporated in 1952, Los Altos is a general law city with five elected council members who serve four-year terms. City Council meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. Appointed commissions and committees assist the Council in an advisory capacity. The Council appointed city manager is responsible for financial and operational management of the City's 130 employees. Los Altos has international sister cities ties with Bendigo, Australia; Syktyvkar, Russia; Shih Lin Taiwan and Rustington, England. Over 200 volunteers assist in providing City government services to the community each year.