City manager

City Manager

A city manager is a professional administrator appointed by the city council to manage the day-to-day operations of a city. This form of local government is known as the council-manager government model, which is one of the two dominant forms of local government in the United States, the other being the mayor-council government model.

Role and Responsibilities

The city manager is responsible for implementing the policies and directives set by the city council. They oversee all city departments, prepare the city budget, and manage city personnel. The city manager is also responsible for advising the city council on policy matters and providing them with the necessary information to make informed decisions.

Qualifications

City managers typically have a background in public administration or a related field. Many hold a Master's degree in Public Administration (MPA) or a similar field. They also usually have several years of experience working in local government.

Council-Manager Government

In a council-manager government, the city manager is the chief executive of the city, similar to a CEO in a corporation. The city council acts as the city's legislative body, setting policy and making decisions on major issues. The mayor in a council-manager government is often a ceremonial position, with the city manager handling most of the executive duties.

Comparison with Mayor-Council Government

In a mayor-council government, the mayor is the chief executive, and the city council is the legislative body. The mayor has executive powers similar to those of a governor or president, including veto power over council actions. This form of government is more common in larger cities, while the council-manager form is more common in smaller cities and towns.

Criticisms and Controversies

Critics of the city manager form of government argue that it can lead to a lack of accountability, as the city manager is not directly elected by the public. There have also been instances of corruption and mismanagement in cities with this form of government. However, supporters argue that the professional management provided by a city manager can lead to more efficient and effective city operations.

See Also

• Local government in the United States
• Mayor
• City Council
• Public Administration