In a council-manager government, council members are the leaders and policymakers in the community. The manager is appointed by the council to prepare a budget, hire, terminate and supervise city staff, serve as the council’s chief advisor, and to carry out the council’s policies and priorities. Council members and citizens count on the manager to provide complete and objective information, pros and cons of alternatives, and long-term implications. If the manager is not responsive to the council’s direction, the council has the authority to terminate the manager at any time.
Accountability
City managers formed a professional association, International City/Council Management Association (ICMA), in 1914 to help share expertise and experiences, hold members accountable to political neutrality and high ethical standards, and promote responsive, effective good government in our communities. To learn more about the contributions of city managers watch this short video and visit Life Well Run.