The Council-Manager Plan

 

This 4-minute video briefly explains the differences between the council-manager and strong mayor forms of government. It was created during the course of a successful effort to change the form of government in Bainbridge Island, WA from strong mayor to council-manager in 2009.

The council-manager form of government is the fastest growing form of government in the United States today. It's also the most prevalent -- it's used by more cities, villages, townships, and counties than any other form. 

 

It's a system of local government that combines the strong political leadership of elected officials (the governing body) with the strong managerial experience of an appointed local government manager. The governing body is commonly known as the council -- it may also be referred to as the commission or board. The council-manager form establishes a representative system where all power is concentrated in the elected council, and where the council hires a professionally trained manager to oversee the delivery
of public services.

 

Play the video above to see what councilmembers, mayors, educators and city managers across Michigan have to say about the council-manager form.  (Click on the YouTube logo for more viewing size options, or download a high-resolution version - wmv or mov. Running time, 23 minutes.)

The council-manager form, sometimes referred to as the "city manager" form, was born in the early 20th century in response to corruption and patronage that plagued many cities. The form was designed to "professionalize" local government and resembles the structure of a corporation or a non-profit. In a city, for instance, the city council acts much like a board of directors: similar to how a board would hire an experienced CEO to run a private sector organization, the council hires a professionally-trained manager to run the day-to-day operations of the city. (The position of mayor can be compared to the chair of the board.) The council, which includes the mayor, oversees the actions of the professional manager and ensures that policies are implemented to the community's satisfaction. The council may decide to replace the manager at any time
with a majority vote.

 

The second most prevalent form of government in the US is the "strong mayor" form, also known as the mayor-council form. In this form, it is the mayor who serves as the CEO of the community. Since the mayor is an elected office, this form of government may or may not result in a professionally-trained manager serving in that position.

 

The council-manager form of government is used throughout the world, in communities both large and small, because it is highly effective and adaptable to local conditions  and preferences.

 

It's Responsive
In council-manager government, the mayor or chairperson of the governing body and council members are the leaders and policy makers elected to represent the community. They focus on policy issues that are responsive to citizens' needs and wishes. The manager is appointed by the governing body to carry out policy and ensure that the entire community is being served. If the manager is not responsive to the governing body's wishes, the governing body has the authority to terminate the manager at any time. In that sense, a manager's responsiveness is tested daily.

 

It's Adaptable
Not all council-manager governments are structured the same way. One of the most attractive features is that the council-manager form is adaptable to local conditions and preferences. For example, some communities have councils that are elected at large while other councils are elected by district or by a combination of an at-large and by-district structure. In some local governments, the mayor or chairperson is elected at large by the voters; others are elected by their colleagues on the governing body.

 

It's Less Expensive
Local governments have found that overall costs actually have been reduced with competent management. Savings come in the form of reduced operating costs, increased efficiency and productivity, improved revenue collection, or effective use of technology.

 

Council-Manager vs. the Strong Mayor
Nearly 90% of all communities use either the council-manager or the strong mayor form of government. When viewed together, the overwhelming advantages of the council-manager form become apparent. It encourages neighborhood input into the political process, diffuses the power of special interests, and eliminates partisan politics from municipal hiring, firing, and contracting decisions.

 

Neighborhoods Strengthen Their Voice
The council-manager form encourages open communication between citizens and their government. Under this form, each member of the governing body has an equal voice in policy development and administrative oversight. This gives neighborhoods and diverse groups a greater opportunity to influence policy.

 

Under the strong mayor form, political power is concentrated in the mayor, which means that other members of the elected body relinquish at least some of their policy-making power and influence. This loss of decision-making power among council members can have a chilling effect on the voices of neighborhoods and city residents.

 

The Power of Special Interests is Diffused
Under the council-manager form of government, involvement of the entire elected body ensures a more balanced approach to community decision making, so that all interests can be expressed and heard not just those that are well funded.

 

Under the strong-mayor form, however, it's easier for special interests to use money and political power to influence a single elected official, rather than having to secure a majority of the city council's support for their agenda.

 

Merit-Based Decision Making Vs. Partisan Politics
Under council-manager government, qualifications and performance -- and not skillful navigation of the political election process -- are the criteria the elected body uses to select a professional manager. The professional manager, in turn, uses his or her education, experience, and training to select department heads and other key managers to oversee the efficient delivery of services. In this way, council-manager government maintains critical checks and balances to ensure accountability at city hall.

 

Under the strong mayor form of government, the day-to-day management of community operations shifts to the mayor, who often lacks the appropriate training, education, and experience in municipal administration and finance to oversee the delivery of essential community services. Also, under the strong mayor form, there is the temptation to make decisions regarding the hiring and firing of key department head positions such as the police chief, public works director, and finance director based on the applicant's political support rather than his or her professional qualifications.

 

Learn More...

Michigan Local Government Management Association (MLGMA) MLGMA is the professional and educational organization for administrators and assistant administrators serving cities, townships and counties throughout Michigan. Our purpose is to create excellence in local governance by providing technical assistance, training and publications for local government professionals to help them improve their skills and increase their knowledge.

 

Learn more about MLGMA

 

International City/County Management Association (ICMA)

Members of MLGMA are also members of the national organization, ICMA. While the educational and professional goals of the two organizations are the same, ICMA also serves as a clearinghouse for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of information and data about local government worldwide.

 

Learn more about ICMA

 

 

 

Video by Kirk Westphal, Westphal Associates (734) 995-8500.

 

 

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