One of the most important management characteristics of cities today is participation, an indispensable principle of local democracy. Cities where people participate in decision-making processes and find opportunities for self-actualization are the areas where democracy is most developed. In this context, city councils, particularly those operating under the silhouette of local governments, are a means of participatory city management in countries' governance approaches. By embracing the concept of participatory democracy, city councils empower the public to have a say in urban services and policies. However, financial, organizational, structural and functional challenges present challenges for city councils. In this direction, this study will examine the administrative and financial structures of city councils in Turkey and the challenges faced in the process of participatory city management.