role of the mayor
council manager system
First adopted by City of Stanton in 1908, all but one city in Virginia uses the Council Manager System. In fact, it is the most widely used form of government for cities and towns across the nation (49% of cities with populations greater than 2,500).
A city council, elected either by ward or at-large, serves as the policy making body for the city and appoints an executive (professional manager) to administer the city’s affairs.
In about half the cities operating under this system the city council also elects one of its own members as presiding officer (mayor). The Mayor’s duties are largely ceremonial and he generally has the same legislative power and functions as the other members of the council.
A city council, elected either by ward or at-large, serves as the policy making body for the city and appoints an executive (professional manager) to administer the city’s affairs.
In about half the cities operating under this system the city council also elects one of its own members as presiding officer (mayor). The Mayor’s duties are largely ceremonial and he generally has the same legislative power and functions as the other members of the council.
mayor council system
Nationally, 43% of cities use the Mayor-Council Form of Government but only one in Virginia - the City
of Richmond. However, it is used by a majority of towns in Virginia.
The dominant feature is a separation of powers between the legislative (council) and executive (mayor) branches. Under the Mayor-Council system there is an elected legislature (town council) and a popularly elected executive (mayor).
The Mayor has executive and administrative authority. In addition, he may be able to appoint and dismiss certain officials, and veto resolutions or ordinances passed by Council.
There are two Variations -Strong Mayor or Weak Mayor.
of Richmond. However, it is used by a majority of towns in Virginia.
The dominant feature is a separation of powers between the legislative (council) and executive (mayor) branches. Under the Mayor-Council system there is an elected legislature (town council) and a popularly elected executive (mayor).
The Mayor has executive and administrative authority. In addition, he may be able to appoint and dismiss certain officials, and veto resolutions or ordinances passed by Council.
There are two Variations -Strong Mayor or Weak Mayor.
Other governing structures
Commission System
Just as Virginia provides that counties can elected to operate under a charter like a city, the Commission System provides for an incorporated city to operate under a county-like structure with a city council vested with both legislative and executive authority with each commissioner/councilman also heading an executive department. There are no Virginia cities operating under a Commission System and just 2% of cities nationally operate under this model.
Town Meeting Form of Government
Used primarily in villages in the New England states. The town meeting form of government is direct democracy at its finest. Under the Town Meeting Form legislative power is held directly by the citizens and not by elected officials.
Just as Virginia provides that counties can elected to operate under a charter like a city, the Commission System provides for an incorporated city to operate under a county-like structure with a city council vested with both legislative and executive authority with each commissioner/councilman also heading an executive department. There are no Virginia cities operating under a Commission System and just 2% of cities nationally operate under this model.
Town Meeting Form of Government
Used primarily in villages in the New England states. The town meeting form of government is direct democracy at its finest. Under the Town Meeting Form legislative power is held directly by the citizens and not by elected officials.