A mayor is chosen by the people, whereas a city manager is an appointed position. This is the main distinction between the two positions. In some municipalities, there is no mayor. Instead, you are chosen by the city council to carry out administrative policies and put the council’s resolutions into effect. The mayor typically appoints the manager in a mayor-council government, but you carry out many of the same duties. Mayors are also more well-known, but in addition to their operational responsibilities, city managers may serve on a community board or other advisory committee.
Mayors are typically elected to either a two-year term or a four-year term. City managers tend to be long-term city employees who are hired or fired by a legislative body.
What is a city manager?
A chief executive who oversees all significant local government decisions is a city manager. They frequently serve in full-time positions and carry out the majority of the decisions made by mayors or council members. Typically, the mayor or city council will choose the city manager for the position based on their qualifications, background, and skill set. They keep an eye on the daily operations of all local government departments to make sure they’re running smoothly.
When making decisions and establishing policies, the city manager may collaborate with the mayor depending on the type of government they work in. To guarantee that each area receives the appropriate funding, many city managers create the annual budget for the community and government. They might present this budget for approval to the mayor and city council. Common duties a city manager may hold include:
What is a mayor?
A mayor is a local politician who prevails in a vote held by the citizens of their city. By participating in activities like public forums, ceremonies, ribbon-cuttings, and fundraisers, they represent the city they serve. The mayor may speak to the public and media when significant events that have an impact on the neighborhood occur to explain how the local government is handling the situation.
Some cities and towns mandate that the mayor and city council share governing and leadership responsibilities. This might make it possible for them to finish tasks like drafting legislation or approving bills approved by the council. Others may give mayors little to no power and instead let them act only as the community’s public face. While a mayor’s job duties can vary, some of them might be as follows:
Mayor vs. city manager
The main distinctions between a mayor and a city manager are as follows:
Election process
These professionals typically run for mayor in an election where the citizens of the city choose them for the position. They typically receive funding to run for their mayoral campaigns. Generally, mayors have two- or four-year terms, depending on the city’s system of government.
In most cases, city council members or other legislative bodies appoint city managers rather than holding elections for them. Many of these professionals are not bound by fixed term lengths and may work for an unlimited number of years. Until they decide to leave or are fired by a legislative body, city managers are permitted to stay in their positions.
Political activities requirements
In order to run for office, mayors typically spend time planning their campaign and raising money. To inform others about their character, background, and platform, they might make signs, buy video advertisements, and participate in political discussions. The public uses this information to decide whether to vote for this candidate to serve as their city’s mayor.
Since city managers work alongside the mayor once they are elected, many council members and legislative officials expect them to maintain their political neutrality and bipartisanship. City managers are typically encouraged to vote exclusively and refrain from engaging in any other political activity. Additionally, this code of ethics mandates that city managers abstain from supporting particular candidates or making donations to political campaigns.
Education and training requirements
Most city managers work for the government for a number of years, frequently in different departments They gain a better understanding of how local government operates as a result, which prepares them to manage operations when they eventually work as city managers. A Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree, which teaches students how to run significant public institutions, is typically required of city managers.
Although it’s not usually a requirement when running for office, mayors may have some government or political experience. Most mayors are appointed based on their personalities, opinions on public issues, and prowess in public speaking. These aspects can aid them in representing their city more successfully and handling public issues appropriately. Some city managers may still decide to pursue an MPA in order to make sure they are knowledgeable about how to run their local government and to give them the tools they need to make more informed decisions about difficult problems.
Difference between Mayor & City Manager
FAQ
What advantage does a city manager have over a mayor?
City managers typically have specialized training in fields like managing money and city planning, which gives them an advantage over a mayor in running city government. A candidate for mayor could be 18 years old and have no prior experience.
What does the manager of a city do?
The executive who oversees those activities and ensures completion is a city manager. City managers help bridge the gap between politics and administration. They usually have to manage city staff, communicate other decisions, and carry out laws passed by the city council.
Who is the head of a city?
mayor, in modern usage, the head of a municipal government. As a result, the mayor almost always serves as both the municipal council’s and the council executive committee’s chairman.
What is the difference between a strong mayor and council manager form of government?
A “strong” mayor is one who controls the administrative hierarchy by appointing and dismissing department heads. Although the council has legislative authority, the mayor has the right of veto. The council does not oversee daily operations.
