In the simplest of terms, city managers execute the policies established by the elected officials of the City Council. However, as stewards of our communities, their jobs are anything but simple.
A Unique Skill Set
City managers implement municipal policy, supervising the day-to-day operations of all city departments and staff. They act as liaisons between the residents and the government, meeting with citizens, and local businesses alike. They attend all City Council meetings. They hire personnel, develop fiscal plans, regulate building activities, and maintain a unique understanding of how all city operations function together. Working with other city managers they tackle cross-jurisdictional issues that effect entire regions of the state.
Models of Excellence
In 1908 the very first city manager was elected in Staunton, Virginia to reduce bureaucratic redundancies, save money, irradiate corruption and provide more services for citizens. Staunton’s wildly successful experiment in local governance would serve as a model for thousands of cities around the globe.
Since 1924, city managers have adhered to a Code of Ethics developed by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). Revised most recently in 2004, this code outlines concepts of effective and democratic local governments in an effort to provide consistently excellent public service.
More Than Government Officials
The position of city manager is more than just a job, and the men and women who hold the position are more than just city officials. They are our neighbors, our friends and our link to local government.
