City Manager's Office

About Our City Government Structure - Council-Manager

In the council-manager form of government, the council is the governing body of the city, elected by the public, and the manager is hired by the council to carry out the policies it establishes. The council usually consists of five to nine members including a mayor (or council president) who is either selected by the council or elected by the people as defined in the city charter. The size of the council is generally smaller than that of a mayor-council municipality and council elections are usually nonpartisan.

Responsibilities

The council provides legislative direction while the manager is responsible for day-to-day administrative operations of the city based on the council's recommendations. The mayor and council, as a collegian body, are responsible for setting policy, approving the budget, and determining the tax rate. 

The manager serves as the council's chief advisor. Managers also serve at the pleasure of the council and are responsible for preparing the budget, directing day-to-day operations, and hiring and firing personnel.

The manager is also responsible for overseeing the Sustainability, Public Affairs, Water Services, Engineering and Capital Projects, and Community Development divisions within the City of Flagstaff.

Legislative Actions

Typically, the mayor is recognized as the political head of the municipality but is a member of the legislative body and does not have the power to veto legislative actions.

Further Information

For more information on the Council - Manager form of government, please visit the ICMA website.