As a proponent of the council-manager form of government, the California City Management Foundation applauds Sacramento voters for voting No on Measure A, the “Sacramento Mayoral Accountability and Community Equity Act.” Measure A would have amended the City of Sacramento’s charter to establish a mayor-council form of government, commonly known as a “strong mayor” form of government. Under this proposal, the mayor would have proposed and controlled the city budget, and been able to fire the city manager without cause.

“On behalf of all the local opponents, thank you for supporting our efforts! The voters got it right! Please pass along my personal appreciation to the [CCMF] Board. Again, thanks for your support!” – John Shirey, former Sacramento City Manager and Senior Adviser at Integrated Communications Strategies, LLC

In the council-manager form of government, the city manager serves at the pleasure of the City Council to execute their vision. It is CCMF’s belief that the day-to-day city management is best left to administrative professionals. Measure A would have weakened the voices of both Sacramento’s Councilmembers and its community to be part of the process on the decisions that directly affect their lives. The November 2020 election marks the fifth time Sacramento voters have not passed a “strong mayor” proposal.

CCMF calls on California cities, especially Sacramento, to strive to work with their city managers, not around them. At the end of the day, we are all in the same business with the same goal: serving the best interest of our communities to the best of our abilities. In the meantime, CCMF will continue its mission to promote and encourage excellence in city management in all of California’s 480+ incorporated cities and towns. To our CCMF members and the friends & family who support them: thank you for being on the front lines and thank you for your dedication to the city management profession.

About the California City Management Foundation

CCMF is the premier advocacy and support organization for City Managers. Our mission is to promote and encourage excellence in City Management in all of California’s 480+ incorporated cities and towns. Through our extensive peer network, we offer guidance, support and advice for City Managers in all stages of their careers. Working with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), we help establish ethical standards in the industry. We sponsor luncheons and conferences, provide legal advice and maintain a library of resources for our members. We do a lot of things, but above all, we foster a community of City Managers both online and off.