Council-Manager System

Definition

The council-manager system is a form of local government in which an elected city council is responsible for legislative functions, while a professional city manager is responsible for the administrative and executive functions. This system combines the political leadership of elected officials with the managerial experience of an appointed local government manager.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The council-manager system was developed in the early 20th century as a way to bring professional management and nonpartisan governance to local governments.
2. In the council-manager system, the city council is responsible for setting the overall policy direction and priorities for the local government, while the city manager is responsible for implementing those policies and managing the day-to-day operations.
3. The city manager is typically appointed by the city council and can be dismissed by the council, providing a system of checks and balances between the political and administrative branches of local government.
4. The council-manager system is designed to promote efficiency, professionalism, and nonpartisanship in local government, as the city manager is expected to be a neutral administrator who implements the policies set by the elected council.
5. The council-manager system is commonly used in medium-to-large sized cities and counties, and is considered an alternative to the strong mayor-council system of local government.

Review Questions

• Explain the key features of the council-manager system of local government and how it differs from the strong mayor-council system.
  • The council-manager system of local government is characterized by an elected city council that is responsible for setting policies and priorities, while a professional city manager is responsible for the day-to-day administration and management of the local government. This system separates the political leadership of the elected council from the administrative and executive functions of the appointed city manager. In contrast, the strong mayor-council system places the mayor as the chief executive officer with significant administrative and executive powers, while the city council serves primarily as the legislative branch. The council-manager system is designed to promote efficiency, professionalism, and nonpartisanship in local government, while the strong mayor-council system concentrates more power in the hands of the elected mayor.
• Describe the role and responsibilities of the city manager in the council-manager system of local government.
  • In the council-manager system, the city manager is the appointed professional administrator responsible for the day-to-day operations and management of the local government. The city manager is expected to implement the policies and priorities set by the elected city council, and to provide professional expertise and nonpartisan leadership in the administration of local government services and programs. The city manager is typically responsible for tasks such as preparing the municipal budget, overseeing the delivery of public services, managing municipal personnel, and providing policy recommendations to the city council. The city manager is accountable to the city council and can be dismissed by the council, providing a system of checks and balances between the political and administrative branches of local government.
• Analyze the key advantages and potential drawbacks of the council-manager system of local government compared to other forms of municipal governance.
  • The key advantages of the council-manager system include its promotion of efficiency, professionalism, and nonpartisanship in local government. By separating the political leadership of the elected city council from the administrative and executive functions of the appointed city manager, the council-manager system is designed to bring professional expertise and neutral administration to the delivery of municipal services. This can lead to more effective and responsive local governance. However, potential drawbacks of the council-manager system include the possibility of tension or power struggles between the city council and the city manager, as well as concerns about the lack of direct accountability of the city manager to the electorate. Additionally, some critics argue that the council-manager system can lead to a concentration of power in the hands of the city manager, potentially undermining the authority of the elected city council. Overall, the council-manager system represents a balance between political leadership and professional administration in local government.

Related terms

City Council: The elected legislative body of a city or town that is responsible for setting policies, approving budgets, and overseeing the administration of the local government.

City Manager: The appointed professional administrator who is responsible for the day-to-day operations and management of a local government, including the implementation of policies set by the city council.

Strong Mayor-Council System: A form of local government in which the mayor is the chief executive officer with significant administrative and executive powers, while the city council serves as the legislative branch.