City Hall serves as the headquarters of the Greater London Authority (GLA), which comprises the Mayor of London and the London Assembly. The building is situated on the south bank of the River Thames, near Tower Bridge, in the London Borough of Southwark. It was officially opened in July 2002. The primary function of City Hall is to house the administrative and political functions for the governance of Greater London. It is a center for democracy in the capital, where the Mayor and the London Assembly develop strategies and policies to address key issues such as transport, economic development, policing, fire and emergency planning, and environmental matters for London. The building often hosts public exhibitions and events related to London's culture and future development. Public access is permitted to certain areas, and committee meetings of the London Assembly are generally open to the public, providing transparency in the city's governance. Its prominent location makes it a notable part of London's political and architectural landscape, representing the modern administration of the city.